How do we get our staff to fully engage at work? To be solution focused and deal with challenges constructively?
ORANGES is a program that re-engages, inspires and motivates staff to be better, achieve more and work effectively together.
We have been breaking down the ORANGES program into ‘segments’ to understand their value and some of the tools it can offer staff. This month we will be looking at the final segments of gratitude, energy and strengths.
G stands for Gratitude – Research shows that when our efforts are appreciated, we go the extra mile, perform better and support the business and its stakeholders to a greater degree.
There are many ways we can show our gratitude and appreciation and this also elevates our mood as well as having a beneficial impact on other people.
Focusing on what we are grateful for feeds into our happiness pie, increasing our sense of well being and connection to others. Simple things like sharing contacts and information with colleagues, sending a thank you email or volunteering to take the minutes at a meeting when no one else wants to do it not only make us feel good but strengthens our relationships with others.
E stands for Energy – High energy levels are linked to stronger goal setting, innovation, concentration, creativity and mental capacity to make quicker decisions. Maintaining our energy levels can directly influence our resilience and productivity.
Emotions impact our energy levels, so we want to help ourselves feel positive and motivated more of the time. We know how energized excitement makes us and how draining boredom can be.
Laughter is the best way to increase energy levels and it has been shown that just 2 minutes of non-consecutive laughter a day can have health and productivity benefits. Laughter is also the enemy of stress. Think about how you might be able to bring more laughter to work.
Positive language also leads to positive mood Re-framing negative language can change how we feel. For example if I said “I hate Monday mornings” I would feel worse than if I re-framed to “Mondays are a fresh start to the week”
What do you say to yourself that drags you down and how could you re-frame it?
S stands for Strengths – Strengths are traits that come naturally to us and allow us to perform at our best. They are hardwired within our DNA and when used properly allow individuals and teams to flourish.
Research shows that people who identify and use their strengths on a regular basis are less stressed, more resilient and are more engaged with the teams that they work with.
You can also access the free VIA strengths questionnaire originated by Prof Chris Peterson to find out what your strengths are.
When we know what our strengths are, it’s about trying to use them every day at work for example, if one of your strengths is creativity try to get involved in as many opportunities as you can for sharing your ideas and suggestions.
In summary, the ORANGES program holds many benefits for individuals, teams and organisations.
For more details about the program, contact Jill on 0438 517973
