I always loved the classic Charlie Brown Christmas because Charlie was bothered by all the commercialization of 
Christmas and the desire to compete and compare. I know that the holidays can be difficult for many as it tends to be a time when we compare ourselves to others more than other times of the year. While I really enjoy reconnecting with old friends on FaceBook, I find that there are times when I find myself comparing my life to someone else's life. Mary's kids are more accomplished than mine. John is taking an amazing vacation, I wish I could. . . and so forth and so on.
My own sons and their friends tend to spend more time on electronic postings than they do in engaging in meaningful conversations or shared social experiences. And now, just as many adults are doing the same, and it doesn't make any of us any happier.
To that end, I decided to change things up for my December blog. A colleague of mine mentioned Sonja Lyubomirsky's list of 12 Things Happy People Do Differently in her post and I was inspired to write my own list of 12 Choices for Happy People. I came up with my list based on many of the things I talk about in my change workshop (and other training). I also teach some of this in my ministry to prison inmates and human trafficking victims and have seen radical transformation and healing take place. Obviously my list can coincide with the 12 Days of Christmas. Here's my list -
12 Choices for Happy People:
1. Choose not to be offended.
2. Believe the best about others.
3. Avoid social networking comparison.
4. Be happy for others.
5. Forgive and release the pain others cause you.
6. Look for ways to be kind to others.
7. Savor the little things that bring you joy.
8. Nurture relationships.
9. Cultivate a positive attitude.
10. Take care of yourself.
11. Express gratitude daily.
12. Develop your spirituality.
My hope for you over the holiday season and into the New Year is that you would live each day intentionally. Choose to do one thing each day that will contribute to the good habits I suggested above. Come up with your own list of choices/habits and post them for others to read. I truly believe that building good habits will lead to greater happiness in your life.
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
Patti Hathaway, CEO
Business Advisor & Author of 6 books
The CHANGE AGENT
1-800-339-0973
email: patti@thechangeagent.com
web: http://www.thechangeagent.com
Book Sale: I hope you will take advantage of this great offer - 2 books that normally retail for $21.90 will be sold for $5 total. This will cover my shipping and handling costs. You will automatically receive one of each book unless you indicate in the Note section of your paypal order that you want 2 of a specified book. If you are buying these for work, you can also mail me a check. You can order as many books as you would like at this special price. Be sure to use this special link to place your order: Click here to order the Banking Secrets Book Bundle Click here to order the Banking Secrets Book Bundle
Here are the specific details about each book:
Unleashing Employee Greatness
Do you know how to unleash greatness in your employees? It largely depends on whether you are a manager or a leader. Do you understand the difference between the two? Gallup surveyed one million employees and 80,000 managers and found that an employee's relationship with his/her direct supervisor will determine (1) how long they will stay, and (2) how productive they will be while there. Becoming less of a manager and more of a leader can be an extremely powerful and profitable change - both in terms of meeting your organization's goals and in the greater personal satisfaction both you and your employees will enjoy. This book will enlighten, motivate and inspire you to take on the challenge of unleashing every employee's greatness!
• Learn and recognize the phases each manager goes through in order to become a leader.
• Understand how to encourage your employees to take on more responsibility and accountability so that you can have more time to lead rather than manage.
• Discover why investing and spending time with your best employees is the fairest thing to do.
• Apply the crucial skills of giving praise and constructive feedback to your employees.
Here's What People are Saying:
"Dynamite book that provides practical methods and techniques for developing employees. Patti Hathaway gives managers practical strategies to maximize their employees' performance. If used, it will improve your company's bottom-line by keeping your employees (and therefore customers) loyal to your organization."
President and CEO
Fifth Third Bank, Western Michigan
"This is a must-read book for companies that are serious about improving employee performance. Patti Hathaway provides a real-world approach to improving employee productivity that provides companies with a road map for success."
President High Point University
Chairman, Great Harvest Bread Company
"Patti Hathaway has a gift for synthesizing practical insights from the real world of the marketplace. In the classroom and in her books she provides ideas that leaders can use."
Executive Director
Ohio Bankers League
"A masterful job of researching and presenting leadership strategies that will reap bottom-line results in the organizations that implement them. Managers will benefit professionally and personally from reading your book."
Vice President of Human Resources
University of Dayton
Handling Customer Problems
Gallup recently surveyed retail banking customer and found that only 26% of bank customers who had not recently had a problem considered themselves extremely satisfied with their bank versus 51% who had experienced a problem but were extremely satisfied with the way it was handled. For most banks, the bottom-line is impacted by how well your employees handle customer problems and whether or not they keep your current customers loyal to your bank.
• Discover the two dimensions that determine exceptional service and the main ingredients that will build your bank's customer loyalty
• Understand why a customer's complaint is a gift to your bank
• Learn five steps to owning and fixing your difficult customers' problems
• Apply three techniques for handling complaints and criticism
Here's What People are Saying:
"If you want to improve customer service in your bank then Patti Hathaway's new book is a must read! It contains a wealth of information that can be easily incorporated into your business and it will have a positive impact on the bottom-line results. Ms. Hathaway's approach is convincing, practical and lasting."
President and CEO
Western Ohio Fifth Third Bank
"Patti Hathaway hits the mark with sensible, practical and most importantly actionable ideas. In her light hearted style she ties this together with actual real life examples. Her book will be a great inspiration for our team and will provide a true payback for our customers and our employees."
Executive Vice President
National City Bank
"A unique and memorable approach to providing exceptional customer service to banking customers. Patti Hathaway provides fundamental skills that are essential for building customer loyalty in banks today."
President
Oaks Bank
