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Rita Ernst, Positivity Influencer

My weekly emails are for you if you want a transformational SHOT OF POSITIVITY that makes you think, gets you laughing, and sparks a positive change. Start each week inspired.

Featured Post

Magnify MEANING & never write a PIP again

Reader, steal this and avoid the dreaded PIP. To protect their anonymity I'm going to call this client Acme Incorporated. They had an attendance problem that was quickly becoming a turnover problem. Workers were consistently arriving late or calling out at the last minute, which resulted in internal chaos as remaining staff scrambled to deliver services to the on-site clients each day. Every day felt like the team was short staffed creating extra stress for managers, workers, and clients....

Reader, last week I hit a mental low. One of my closest friends packed up her life and moved 15 hours away. Even though I know we will remain friends, I am feeling deeply sad to lose the spontaneous hangout in person opportunities. Her presence got me through one of the toughest times I have faced. She matters to me. So in this state of sadness, Miranda (my inner critic) decides it's the perfect time to call me out as completely inadequate, pointing to my failure to be further in my business...

Reader, I have a treat for you. Meet Beatrice. My daughter just sent me this picture, and it got me thinking that Bea has a lot in common with us. Reader, how would you describe her vibe? I see trust, love, curiosity, and readiness. She is a fun-loving kitten, about 12 weeks old, and needs the same things we do. Psychological safety: Bea is up for pets from anyone. She trusts that humans will be caring and fun playmates and quickly makes friends with new people. She smartly sheaths her front...

Reader, I've been stricken with vacay brain. My eyes pop open. Dawn is breaking. I grab my phone to see 6:00 a.m. on the dot. I pause to take stock following my 36-hour round trip to St. Louis by car. Do I need more sleep? Am I ready to start my day? I feel good, and walking with my dogs at the park sounds invigorating. My feet hit the floor and I start my day thinking about all the productive work I am going to accomplish. I walk the dogs, grab a light bite, make my morning posts on social...

Reader, this gets a little personal. Over the winter, I started playing pickleball. I love it! I'm having so much fun. Summer is now officially here with a daily heat index topping 100 this past week. In past years, I have avoided being outside in such dreadful heat. This year, I'm taking two or more showers a day to cool off and wash away the sweat. Yes, I'm a prolific sweater. One of those people who always looks like they just ran a marathon after any exertion in the sun. I could choose to...

Reader, last week I got to do what I love twice! I delivered talks at two conferences — one in Texas and one in Louisville. I know that interactive learning is the best, so my presentations include some type of "pair and share" element whenever possible. In Texas, I invited the participants to reflect on their happiest and least happy job experiences, then share the stories with their partners. Here was the punchline from the debrief: Was the experience you shared about compensation, tasks,...

Reader, I bet you can relate to Paula's story. Paula is a highly educated professional. She works in an organization filled with experts who frequently lack emotional intelligence and leadership skills. She's feeling frustrated because the managers above her only recognize her leadership by giving her more tasks. In her recent annual review, she received only the typical increase, despite the volume of extra work she had taken on. Her dissatisfaction is stealing her joy, and she's wondering...

Reader, you're here! Thanks for opening this email. In 2022 I published my book, Show Up Positive. It's a simple playbook to increase the positive experiences in your life by choosing daily actions that foster positive behaviors in the world around you. It is a battle plan to feed the good wolf* inside you. *A grandfather describes to his grandson a battle between two wolves within oneself. In this metaphor for inner conflict, one wolf is kind and good, the other is mean and bad. The boy...

Reader, stop pushing the boulder. My client: "The two new city managers are doing a good job of holding people accountable. I'm not sure some of the team members like it. We might lose a few, but they've got to take swift action to get the revenue up." Me: "You know that's the hard way. Managers don't want to be babysitters. This isn't generating job satisfaction for them or their staff. But there is an easier way that realigns, reengages, and recommits the team to working together."...

Reader, have you ever felt so seen that it made you cry? My youngest daughter is a high school senior. We've done all the things--senior pictures, senior prom, college decision. Last Friday was Senior Luncheon, a tradition where parents and students gather to hear school faculty members speak about the students. Faculty members select the students for whom they speak. Sports coaches often spoke for the members of the team they coach. Extra-curricular and specialty subject teachers also choose...