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Preface
It takes only one match to light a forest fire.
Futurists believe that the intellectual capital of an organization will be its most important competitive weapon in the
next
century. They're wrong. It already is. Trained, knowledgeable people are the key
ingredients
for success. Conventional approaches to learning, such as classroom training, are giving way to alternative learning approaches such as mentoring and peer learning. Research shows conclusively that when people take responsibility for their own learning, retention is higher, application
increases
, and costs are lower. "Ownership" is typically not part of conventional training programs.
An effective mentoring program matches the needs and expectations of a protgs with an expertise of a mentor. Both require training, encouragement, incentives, and tools.
The Portable Mentor
is designed to be one of those tools of development. It focuses on non-technical skills. It is
meant
for
anyone
who does not have a mentor — the great majority of individuals in the workplace. Moreover, since no mentor has answers to all the questions that protgs might ask, this quick reference guide will also help protgs to be more self-sufficient by giving them a tool to assist them in finding their own solutions. In this way protgs can gradually wean
themselves
from their mentors — the ultimate measure of success.
The Portable Mentor
is a collection of conventional wisdom that I, as a mentor to many people over the last quarter century, have been asked to provide. It will enable you to take more responsibility for your own growth and career — and success.
A—Absenteeism
I finally got my head together, when my body fell apart!
ANONYMOUS
Absenteeism costs everyone. It
increases
your organization's costs since temporary staff might need to be
hired
or your colleagues might need to work overtime. It
reduces
your customer service, since fill-in workers are less effective. And it aggravates fellow
employees
, who are often called upon to pick up the
slack
. A great attendance record will speak
volumes
to your employer about your commitment to the organization.
Make every effort to get to work. Your absence disrupts the services you provide and causes stress for your peers, who will need to cover for you.
-
There are times when you should not go to work. These include the times when
-
you are sick with something that may
infect
other people, thereby exacerbating the problem;
-
your state of health requires that you be under
medication
, which could cause an
accident
.
-
If you need to be away, call in early so that your
associates
can deal with the shortage as quickly as possible.
-
Take care of your health, and you will
miss
work much less often. Here are some tips that will contribute to your well-being:
-
Think
wellness
. Be positive. Be optimistic. Your mind will enhance your immunity to
illness
.
-
Exercise regularly. Don't do things you hate to do — they will be short-lived. Do things you enjoy, such as skating, walking around a mall — anything that
improves
your heart rate. Then, as you get fit, increase the rate and frequency of exercising without
putting
pressure on yourself. Make exercise your choice — walk up stairs, walk to the store. You'll feel better mentally and physically.
-
Drink lots of water. Water will purify the body and help you feel less inclined to eat.
-
Have fun. Plan to do things that make you
laugh
and smile. These feelings wipe away the stress normally associated with the daily routines we experience at work.
-
Take frequent stretch breaks. At tea/coffee breaks and at
lunch
, stretch your body. You will feel increased energy.
-
Improve your nutrition intake. People say you are what you eat. While you never want to give up those
foods
that give you
pleasure
, you should think about cutting down on red meats and fatty foods. Eat more fruit and vegetables. You will feel and look better as a result. Also, eat more frequently, so you don't have that starving feeling that might cause you to binge.