"I’ve always been the opposite of a paranoid. I operate as if everyone is part of a plot to enhance my well-being."

- Stan Dale, Founder of the Human Awareness Institute

NE CORNER

In a recent conversation with a local businessman, he shared with me his most vivid and inspiring memory of our company startup nearly two years ago.  In the local newspaper story about Next Element in 2008, we were quoted to have said that we were refusing to participate in the recession. This has stuck with him and given him energy ever since.

Nearly two years later nothing has changed in our philosophy.  Although we work our tails off and have had our share of setbacks, we continue to focus on the positive, expect amazing results with our clients, and refuse to let fear and worry get us down.  We look forward to sharing this enthusiasm for new possibilites with you in the coming year. - NR

PCM NUGGET

Close Channels, Build Trust. Can it be that simple? Yes and No. You have nothing to lose, try it out. Click here to read more

THE VALUE OF ROUTINES

I have three children, ages 7, 11, and 13.  Summer in our family is a crazy, fun mix of vacations, sleepovers, late nights, and community activities.  It’s also the hardest time for me to stay healthy.  I am out of rhythm and out of touch with the routines that keep me healthy - regular sleep, exercise, diet, and “me-time.”  As much as I love summer, I also look forward to the routine and structure of the school year to get me back on track.

Summertime at Next Element has also been quite a ride.  We’ve been busier than ever, we’ve ramped up our investment in new product development, and we’ve increased our efforts in sales and networking.  As we become busier, we have made an intentional effort to examine and refine our routines so that the things we value most, stewardship of our relationships with each other and our clients, stays at the core of our daily life.  I invite you to read Michele’s blog about how we re-examined our routine of meeting minutes to stay on track.  As fall approaches, we encourage each of you to find or get back into the routines that support what’s most important to you. - NR

GET THE WRONG PEOPLE OFF THE BUS

Building more effective and efficient work teams is not just about getting the right people "on the bus."  It’s also about getting the wrong people off the bus.  Don’t misunderstand, we really do believe in people’s ability to change, we see people change every day.  And, we know that many organizations and cultures tolerate unhealthy behavior far too long.  If you're serious about increasing the effectiveness of your people, are you ready to:

• Motivate and hold accountable those who have potential?
• Stop tolerating those who have no interest in changing?
• Facilitate a speedy departure for those who actively sabotage your best efforts?

If so, we can help, it's what we do.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

Jamie is blogging on Dan Pink’s book, "Drive"
Jeff is blogging on Chip and Dan Heath’s book, "Switch, How to Change When Change is Hard"
Both books are full of terrific learning points around what really drives people and how they can change for the better. Check them out, post your own comments, and get in on the conversation!

ASTD SUNFLOWER CHAPTER

Nate has been working with a group of local business people to revive the Sunflower Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD). If you're interested in joining this group, please plan to attend their Kick-Off event on August 16th, 4:30-6:30 pm at the Fox & Hound , 1421 North Waterfront Parkway, Wichita.