On Decreasing Health Costs

The fastest rising costs in our economy today are in health care. Politicians, business owners, taxpayers and health care providers are all debating about who should bear those costs. But here’s something you can take to the bank. Studies show that most of the money spent on health care goes to correcting poor lifestyle choices. You and I can make a huge difference in not only our own health care costs, but in those of our company and even of our nation.

Repeat this: Starting with me, health care will be a personal responsibility. I will eat right, exercise, and stop doing things that are harmful to my health.

On Decreasing Turnover

Do you work someplace with high employee turnover? Do you get tired of seeing an endless stream of trainees who don’t seem to care as much about the job as you do? Do you wish you could do something about it? Well, maybe you can. You may not have the authority to increase wages or grant different schedules, but one of the biggest factors in employee turnover is a lack of a sense of belonging, or of importance. You can do something about that.

Repeat this: Starting with me, new employees will see someone in the workplace who cares about them and what they bring to the team.

On Lying – Little White Lies

"Tell them the check’s in the mail." "Say I’m not in." Those aren’t really lies. Everyone uses them. Besides, sometimes it’s better to tell a little white lie than to upset people or get someone in trouble.

I suggest there is no such thing as "a little white lie." We lie because we are too lazy, too embarassed, too busy or whatever. We lie because we don’t have the skill to tell the truth gently. We lie because we mistakenly think we should never hurt anyone. But they are lies. Relationships are built on trust and lying undermines that trust.

Repeat this: Starting with me, lying in any form is simply not acceptable.

On Gossip

OSHA never talks about one of the big dangers in the workplace; and that’s gossip. Gossip eats away at morale, trust, and enjoyment at work. Oh, I know you would never gossip. As a matter of fact, you’ve probably complained about people that do. But what do you do about gossip? Gossip will only stop when there is no one to listen to it. What if every time someone began talking about someone else you were to say, "Sorry, I feel uncomfortable talking about her when she’s not here," and then skillfully changed the subject?

Repeat this: Starting with me, gossip will no longer have a listening ear.

On Conservation

There’s no question that rising fuel costs are making a big impact on business. The price of gas is causing many people to see conservation as a moral issue. What do you drive – a guzzler or a sipper? How do you drive – jack rabbit starts or easy on the pedal? As fast as you can get away with or within the speed limit? When do you drive – anytime you think of it or planning several errands at once?

Complain about gas prices if you must, but repeat this: Starting with me, gasoline will be valued as the endangered resource it is.