The Tribune

MUCH has been said and written about unlocking the motivation to accomplish great things in the workplace. We often talk about the external motivators, and how both employers and employees must consistently find stimuli that will propel them to greater levels of achievement.

Strong encouragement is necessary to find the strength within, and resilience to withstand, the negative influences.

This week we will focus on ways to embrace our best selves.

• Here are eight tips for both employees and employers when it comes to perfecting the gifts we have received:

1. Recognise that you have a set of talents different from others. Your measure of gifts, and types of gifts, are never to be measured against another person's. Embracing your best self allows you to come to the conclusion that your gifts are tailor made just for you.

2. Work the gift as often as you can. Make them multiply, and be prepared to see your gifts develop in the life of another person. Do not allow your gifts and talents to be buried.

3. Remove the weed and detractors in your life. This may require a change in your environment. Do everything you can to allow positivity into your immediate surroundings. Surround yourself with people who celebrate you, and ditch the losers who make you feel less than your worth and value.

4. Reconcile past failures, and allow yourself to release the demons of the past. Forgive yourself and prepare to move on. Emotional wellness is one of the keys to a brighter future. Hurting people hurt people, but well people are a nourishment to others.

5. Commit yourself to targeted development. Personal development plans are to be worked on daily. Establish goals/objectives, and work on an action plan to strategically accomplish them.

6. Stretch and challenge yourself. Take on projects that allow you to do things you have never done before.

Take calculated risks. You never know what greatness you can accomplish if you try to venture out.

1. Have fun and enjoy life in the process. Evaluate those things that do not bring you enjoyment, and determine their overall value to your life. Be brave and make the necessary adjustments.

2. Take care of yourself (mind, body and spirit). Take your vacation. Find your happy place often. Do not take everything so seriously, and do what you must to keep your mind and body well. Shalom!

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com