Awareness and Mastery -Two Essential Keys To a Successful Small Business

At the heart of it, mastery is practice. Mastery is staying on the path."
~ George Leonard
US pioneer in human potential


We often hear managers complaining that their employees aren’t productive, don’t listen and just can’t consistently get the job done. As a youth sports coach, I hear coaches with similar complaints—the kids don’t listen, don’t know where to go and don’t try very hard. I can’t relate. The boys on my team are usually focused, do what I ask of them, and work hard. As a business owner, my employees are focused, do what I ask of them and work hard. What am I doing that is different from the rest? And what can this teach you about running a successful small business?

As a coach, I make my boys’ jobs very simple. I ask only two things of them. I ask them to master one shot and I ask them to be aware of what is going on around them. Of course we work on defensive and offensive strategy, but both of those revolve around the two keys that I gave them for success—awareness and mastery.

I teach awareness by constantly asking them to be aware of where the ball is and at the same time to be aware of their teammates are and where their opponents are. I teach them how to see the ball and their opponent when he doesn’t have the ball. Sounds simple, but for ten year olds this is work.

I teach mastery by assigning homework to each boy. The second week of practice, they have to show me a spot on the court from which they can make a shot every time. I don’t care if it is from just two feet under the basket. I want them to know they can make it every single time. As the season progresses, they may gradually move their spot further and further out, but I still ask that they be able to make their shot every time unguarded in practice.

These two simple concepts have a tremendous effect on the boys during their games. They have incredible confidence in their ability to make shots because they “know” that they will always make it. I don’t need to yell at them like other coaches about where they should be on the court because they have developed awareness of what they are doing and seeing. Now let’s see how you can use this in your successful small business.

As a business owner, I put these two key principles to work in training my employees. From the first day on the job, I work with them to be aware of what tasks are needed, what I expect of them, how I want customers treated, etc. And I ask them to master tasks and customer scripts. Once they are mastered, I open it up for them to adlib just like with my players. When correction is needed, it is usually in one of these two areas. They are either unaware of what is needed or they haven’t mastered the task at hand.

Not only does following these two concepts make it easy for me to get results with my players and employees, it also brings incredible results. My first team lost only one game all season and my employees rarely lose a sale. My businesses and products win awards earned by my employees. And, as a bonus, everyone enjoys themselves with this simple structure. I knew I was doing it right when the father of one of my boys told me that his boy enjoyed practice so much that he chose to come to practice instead of going to see our professional basketball team play one night. And I know it works with my employees because they show up on time happy, focused and ready to work. Remember, awareness and mastery are two essential keys to a successful small business.


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Awareness And Mastery – Two Essential Keys To A Successful Small Business

At the heart of it, mastery is practice. Mastery is staying on the path."
~ George Leonard
US pioneer in human potential

We often hear managers complaining that their employees aren’t productive, don’t listen and just can’t consistently get the job done. As a youth sports coach, I hear coaches with similar complaints—the kids don’t listen, don’t know where to go and don’t try very hard. I can’t relate. The boys on my team are usually focused, do what I ask of them, and work hard. As a business owner, my employees are focused, do what I ask of them and work hard. What am I doing that is different from the rest? And what can this teach you about running a successful small business?

As a coach, I make my boys’ jobs very simple. I ask only two things of them. I ask them to master one shot and I ask them to be aware of what is going on around them. Of course we work on defensive and offensive strategy, but both of those revolve around the two keys that I gave them for success—awareness and mastery.

I teach awareness by constantly asking them to be aware of where the ball is and at the same time to be aware of their teammates are and where their opponents are. I teach them how to see the ball and their opponent when he doesn’t have the ball. Sounds simple, but for ten year olds this is work.

I teach mastery by assigning homework to each boy. The second week of practice, they have to show me a spot on the court from which they can make a shot every time. I don’t care if it is from just two feet under the basket. I want them to know they can make it every single time. As the season progresses, they may gradually move their spot further and further out, but I still ask that they be able to make their shot every time unguarded in practice.

These two simple concepts have a tremendous effect on the boys during their games. They have incredible confidence in their ability to make shots because they “know” that they will always make it. I don’t need to yell at them like other coaches about where they should be on the court because they have developed awareness of what they are doing and seeing. Now let’s see how you can use this in your successful small business.

As a business owner, I put these two key principles to work in training my employees. From the first day on the job, I work with them to be aware of what tasks are needed, what I expect of them, how I want customers treated, etc. And I ask them to master tasks and customer scripts. Once they are mastered, I open it up for them to adlib just like with my players. When correction is needed, it is usually in one of these two areas. They are either unaware of what is needed or they haven’t mastered the task at hand.

Not only does following these two concepts make it easy for me to get results with my players and employees, it also brings incredible results. My first team lost only one game all season and my employees rarely lose a sale. My businesses and products win awards earned by my employees. And, as a bonus, everyone enjoys themselves with this simple structure. I knew I was doing it right when the father of one of my boys told me that his boy enjoyed practice so much that he chose to come to practice instead of going to see our professional basketball team play one night. And I know it works with my employees because they show up on time happy, focused and ready to work. Remember, awareness and mastery are two essential keys to a successful small business.

Sexual Health Awareness and Social Responsibility

Summary:

Young people will normally get curious and interested about sex as they go through physical and emotional changes during puberty. It is the duty of the parents to prepare their children in the matters of physical, emotional, and social dimensions of sexual health and its consequences.

Keywords:

sexual health

Article Body:

Sexual permissiveness is perhaps one of the most evident marks of post-modern society. We see it everyday. Just consider the music videos of popular artists with provocative suggestions of sex, as well as films touted to be artistically produced and directed. Even advertising makes use of subliminal messages of seduction to promote their products. While there is really nothing wrong with sex, adults have to be sensitive and responsible in dealing with sexual health issues especially when the youth is concerned.

Boys and girls will normally get curious and interested about sex as they go through physical and emotional changes during puberty. And due to media and internet access, our youth are easily exposed to a lot of possibilities about sex. The risks of acquiring Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STD are high in this age group. It is the responsibility of the parents to strike a balance between teaching their teens about responsible sexual health while, at the same time, making them understand that the knowledge about safe sex does not give them a license to engage in sex with every willing party and at every available opportunity.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases or STD are diseases caused by viral or bacterial infections that can be transmitted through sexual contact. STD affects men and women of all ages and backgrounds who are sexually active or engage in unprotected sex. People who are aware of STD may experience social, emotional and psychological stress due to guilt or embarrassment. But there is more to STD than stress and shame. There are serious sexual health problems that may cause permanent damage such as infertility or even death, as in cases of AIDS, if not given proper attention. But the good news is, STD can be treated.

The spread of STD is due to the common thinking of people that sexual intercourse is a requirement to get the infection. STD, like herpes or genital warts, can be acquired through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area or sore. The myth that one cannot get infected through oral and anal sex is just a myth. Viruses or bacteria that cause STD can enter the body through tiny cuts or tears in the mouth and anus, as well as the genitals.

The fact that it is difficult to tell whether a person is infected or not makes STD spread easily. People who are infected may not even know that they have STD, thus, endangering their partners with the infection without even realizing it. Sometimes, STD takes a long time to display any kind of symptoms. The following are some of the most common STDs that affect sexually active individuals: chlamydia, gonorrhea, crabs or pubic lice, genital herpes, genital warts, and syphilis.

Just like with other medical conditions, preventing Sexually Transmitted Diseases is much easier than treating them. Abstinence from all types of sexual contact may be the only way to prevent STD. But people do not have to deprive themselves of sex as long as they remain faithful to their partners or at least, try using a condom to reduce the chances of getting STD. Other birth control methods may help prevent pregnancy but only latex condoms can lessen the risk of getting an STD.

People who are sexually active should consider getting regular gynecological or male genital examinations to give doctors not just the opportunity to check for STD while they are still in their earliest and most treatable stage, but also to teach people about STD and how to protect themselves.

People should always be honest to tell their doctors if they are thinking about having sex or if they have already started having sex. The more you hold back, the more chances you allow STD to develop and cause more serious damage.

There is a delicate harmony that balances guilt-free sexual health awareness, self-worth, and social responsibility. Parents need to be more willing to hold open discussions with their children. It is the duty of the parents to prepare their children in the matters of physical, emotional and social dimensions of sexual health and its consequences. STD is a serious sexual disease. It could happen to you.

Sexual Health Awareness and You

Summary:

Sexual health issues involves attitude, behavior, genes, environment and the economy. It is not just the absence of the disease or its dysfunction and infirmities. One must learn to practice a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships.

Keywords:

sexual health

Article Body:

Modern society has adapted a very permissive view of sex that today's youth are more independent, expressive and liberated when it comes to sexual expression. In this high-tech culture where conventions do not necessarily become the rule, it is important to consider what lies ahead for you and for your loved ones, and how you can protect each other from getting sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexual health is not just the absence of the disease or its dysfunction and infirmities. It is a state of physical, emotional, psychological and social well-being with regards to one's sexuality. Addressing sexual health issues involves a complex web of factors such as attitude, behavior, genes, environment, and economy. It also deals with sexual health problems such as STD, HIV, pregnancy, abortion, infertility, cancer, and a wide range of sexual dysfunctions. Those who are in a relationship must not consider an infected partner as being unfaithful. One must learn to practice a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships and this can be achieved if the sexual rights of every individual is respected and protected.

As the cliché goes, “looks can be deceiving.” It's not easy to tell if the person beside you has STD, or other illnesses for that matter, just by the way that person looks and acts. There are STDs that are not accompanied by any obvious signs. Symptoms can be very subtle that the person infected may not even know it. Aside from your regular health check-up, it is very important that you should also take special attention in knowing your own body especially when you are healthy. So that if any changes take place such as skin infections or sores, as well as any unusual discharge or pain while urinating, it will be easier for you to recognize these signs and symptoms because you already know how your body is like when healthy.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are diseases caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites and can easily be transmitted through body contact during sex. There are at least 25 different sexually transmitted diseases which can be spread by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Sometimes, STDs take a long time to display any kind of symptoms. The following are some of the most common STDs that affect sexually active individuals: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Bacterial Vaginosis, Crabs or Pubic Lice, Epididymitis, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Gut Infections, Hepatitis, Molluscum, Non-Specific Urethritis, Scabies, Syphilis, Thrush, Trichomonas Vaginosis, Balanitis.

Sexual health awareness is very important in detecting and treating STD to avoid serious infections which can lead to long-term or permanent damage. Untreated STD may cause infertility and can be passed on from a pregnant mother to her unborn child. STD can be passed onto sexual partners easily and can aid in the transmission of HIV.

Abstinence is the surest thing to avoid STD. But you don't have to be a killjoy just to be free of the dreaded STD. The practice of safe sex and sexual health awareness can greatly help in minimizing risk from STD. Always use condoms during sexual intercourse or dental dams for oral sex. Make sure to sanitize sex toys before and after use. Observe genital hygiene routines, as well as keep your hands clean at all times. Consult with your professional health care provider for sexual health advice on getting tested for STD.

Sexual Health Awareness: The Key to Safer, More Enjoyable Sex

Summary:

Addressing sexual health issues involves becoming informed about a number of factors including attitude, behavior, genes, environment and economy. One must learn to practice a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships.

Keywords:

sexual health, skin infections

Article Body:

Life is too short yet too wonderful to be wasted by a wreckless and wanton lifestyle. Today's generation has become very independent, expressive, and liberated when it comes to sexuality. In this fast-paced culture where conventions are being broken and rules are relative and no longer absolute, it is important to be well-informed about the various aspects of life, most especially about the issue of sexuality. Knowing how to protect yourself and those who matter to you from sexually transmitted diseases starts with getting the right facts.

Quite obviously, it is very important to be aware of your sexual health. Sexual health is not just the absence of the disease or about dysfunctions and infirmities in sexual performance. It is a state of physical, emotional, psychological and social well-being with regards to one's sexuality. Addressing sexual health issues involves a complex web of factors such as attitude, behavior, genes, environment, and economy. Of course, it inevitably tackles sexual health problems such as STD, HIV, pregnancy, abortion, infertility, cancer, and a wide range of sexual dysfunctions.

Sexually Transmitted Disease

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) are diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, and parasites. STD can easily be transmitted through body contact during sex. There are at least 25 different sexually transmitted diseases that can be spread during sexual contact, especially during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Sometimes, STDs take a long time to detect since some of the symptoms may appear only when the disease is in the advanced stages. The following are some of the most common STDs that affect individuals who engage in unprotected sex: Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Bacterial Vaginosis, Crabs or Pubic Lice, Epididymitis, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Gut Infections, Hepatitis, Molluscum, Non-Specific Urethritis, Scabies, Syphilis, Thrush, Trichomonas Vaginosis, and Balanitis.

Looks can be deceiving. It's not easy to tell if the person beside you has STD or other illnesses for that matter, just by the way that person looks and acts. There are STDs that do not show any obvious signs. Symptoms can be very subtle that the person infected may not even know it. For that reason, it is very important to have a regular health check-up, even when you feel healthy. Some of the common early signs of STD include skin infections or sores, as well as any unusual discharge or pain while urinating.

Importance of STD Awareness and Prevention

Early detection of STD is crucial to avoid serious infections and to prevent long-term or permanent damage. Untreated STD may cause infertility and can be passed on from a pregnant mother to her unborn child. Sexually Transmitted Diseases can also be easily passed onto sexual partners and can aid in the transmission of HIV.

Abstinence is the surest thing to avoid STD. But you don't have to be a killjoy just to be free of this dreaded STD. The practice of safe sex can greatly help in minimizing risk from STD. Always use condoms during sexual intercourse or dental dams for oral sex. Make sure to sanitize sex toys before and after use. Observe genital hygiene routines, as well as keeping your hands clean at all times. It is best to consult your professional health care provider for advice on getting tested for STD. It is also worth mentioning that those who are in a relationship must not automatically consider an infected partner as having been unfaithful. Getting STD is not always a consequence of unprotected sex. Infections can also happen due to unsanitary practices in a medical facility, for example, the use of a contaminated needle and syringe.

Indeed, sex is a natural human activity that should be openly discussed. One must learn to practice a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships. By increasing awareness about the sexual rights of every individual, people with have a healthier outlook towards sex. Sexual activities should be enjoyed to the fullests. However, maintaining mutual respect and making sure both partners are protected must always be a top priority.