Boosting ENTHUSIASM:  Making the REACH Framework work for you:  
  The second element of the the REACH framework is Enthuasiam.  Leaders want employees who love the organization which employs them.  Enthusiasm shows in language and behavior. 

  Here are some tips to boost ENTHUSIASM on the job: 

 1.  Be aware of negative thoughts about your employer/organization; do not overreact to changes; keep things in context.  A change in policy, procedures, work assignment, etc. may trigger negative thoughts about your organization.  

Enthusiastic employees keep those thoughts to yourself until they have processed the facts of the situation.  It is important not to react too quickly to unexpected or undesirable changes at work.  Get the facts and keep the change in context.  If you loved your company yesterday, one change is not likely to make you a "hater."  

2.  List all the things you like about your job and the workplace.  Employee satisfaction is rarely based on one aspect or another.  As humans, our needs change with our life situations.  Sometimes all we need and want is a good paying job; other times we need strong social relationships; and often, we need challenging work.  Many need some combination of all of these.  Making a list of what you like about your job right now will remind you why you want to keep your job and open yourself up to find ways to be more enthusiastic at work.   

3.  Avoid the rumor mill--or better yet--stop the rumor mill.  It has always been fascinating how fast rumors spread while at the same time, lack of communication is often cited as one of the top three employee issues.  Experience may tell you that rumors generally have a grain of truth--but to be essential, you want to rely on facts.  Check facts with your supervisor, attend briefings, and refer to online and printed news venues.  Don't repeat unverified hearsay. It can be damaging not only to the organization but also to you.  Enthusiastic employees rely only on facts and ask others to do the same.  

 Enthusiasm is an individual pursuit!  Remember to check your words and behaviors daily.  See below for a handy tip on building a new habit.

Q&A:
Here is a question from Barb in Colorado:  

"I seem to have a habit of negativity toward my work and organization.  I actually like my work overall, but am in a rut.  How do I get out of this habit?"    

Barb, this can happen to anyone, and it's great that you are noticing the impact of your thoughts on your work!  As problem-solvers, we often focus more on the negative, but it can make it harder to go to work each day.  You just need to build a new habit--one of positivity.

Here's a way to do that:  Put a rubber band on your right hand.  When you catch yourself making a negative comment about work or your organization, move the band to your left hand.  When the hour is up, move it back and start over.  The physical action will remind you of your behavior.  You may move that band 20 times or more the first day, and you'll try to make that happen less and less as the days go on.

Your goal should be to keep the band on your right hand for 28 days.  That's long enough to build a positive habit!