Emotional Intelligence, Gratitude Go Hand in Hand

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In thinking about emotional intelligence, it seems to have become a buzzword in business. For successful enterprises, it’s so much more.

Kevin Guest | Power of Emotional IntelligenceThe notion of understanding and managing our emotions in the workplace isn’t necessarily new, but today more than ever it’s crucial, I believe, in achieving success. In an age when businesses seek innovative strategies for a competitive edge, emotional intelligence is key.

Cultivating emotional intelligence among leaders and employees is a game-changing approach to gain momentum and drive business success. I’ve found this skill to be a linchpin for success across diverse industries and markets globally.

Recent Harvard Business School research provides compelling evidence of the transformative power of EI in business. The study underscores that emotionally intelligent leaders can create a positive work environment, significantly motivating their teams and instilling a sense of belonging among employees.

Another Harvard study concluded that 200 companies with a high level of emotional intelligence saw output increase by 20 percent. The message is clear: Emotional intelligence is not just a buzzword; it’s a key driver of business excellence. By fostering a culture of empathy, understanding, and emotional management, companies can boost productivity remarkably.

Gratitude Plays a Role

And nestled within the important realm of emotional intelligence is gratitude. It’s top-of-mind for us in the United States as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It’s no coincidence that November is also National Gratitude Month.

In this space last year, I shared fiveĀ ideas to show gratitude that might even go above and beyond a simple thank you:

  • Making a phone call
  • Writing a handwritten note
  • Offering an in-person expression of gratitude
  • Stating gratitude of another to them in front of others
  • Saying thank you by taking a friend out to lunch or dinner

I’m always looking for ways to demonstrate gratitude. I approach EI with a grateful heart as I seek to foster skills of perspective and understanding. This reminds me of an allegory I share in my book, All the Right Reasons, about a currant bush that “complains” about being trimmed prematurely, only to realize later that this pruning was necessary for it to reach its full potential. Much like the bush, our growth often comes from challenges.

Read More: The Currant Bush Principle

So, what does this mean for us in the business world? It means that by focusing on EI, we can boost productivity remarkably and create a harmonious work environment. It’s an initiative that holds the promise to transform business leaders and teams to higher levels of success.

As we communicate effectively with a strong sense of empathy, accountability, and flexibility, we’ll find that we handle stress better and act with a greater perspective, which benefits everyone.

Let’s embrace EI ā€” and remember to express gratitude ā€” for a more empathetic, productive, and successful tomorrow. Together, we can redefine the future of business.

Emotional Intelligence

I shared these thoughts in a LinkedIn post and news release published on Nov. 1, 2023. I also shared a version with e-newsletter subscribers on Nov. 21. Please consider subscribing.

Promise2Live: 5 Reminders That You Are Valued

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As Executive Chairman at USANA Health Sciences, I’ve come to understand the importance of addressing mental health concerns head-on. Today, I want to talk about a cause close to my heartā€”suicide prevention and Promise2Live.

Recently, I’ve been helping Promise2Live.org raise awareness around suicide prevention and provide resources for those in need. It’s a cause that demands our attention and compassion because it affects countless individuals and communities in ways that are often unseen and unspoken. I’ve seen the critical impact of Promise2Live’s work as they strive to offer a beacon of light in the darkest hours for those who need it most.

Promise2Live is Shaping the Conversation on Suicide Prevention

On Sept. 10, Promise2Live hosted an amazing global event to help everyone from kids to adults who might struggle with suicidal thoughts. Please watch it on YouTube.

As part of September’s Suicide Prevention Month, I shared on my LinkedIn five reminders that I believe can help each one of us remember our worth, our value, and our purpose in life.

1. Self-Love

We must embrace who we are, with all our strengths and flaws. Each one of us is unique, and that uniqueness is actually our superpower. It gives us the ability to contribute to the world in a way no one else can. As we genuinely love ourselves, we’ll see increased self-esteem, healthier relationships, and improved mental and emotional health.

2. Connections

Our relationships with family, friends, and loved ones nourish our soul. They give us strength, comfort, joy, smiles, and laughs. It’s important to stay connected, to reach out, and to let others in. When someone says, “How are you?” they’re showing love, care, and interest. Those conversations from loved ones can provide comfort and support when it’s needed most.

3. Support

Life can be challenging, and sometimes, we all need help. And I’ve found it’s OK to ask for it. It’s OK to receive it. More than ever, thereā€™s strength in vulnerability, and thereā€™s courage in admitting when we need a listening ear or hand to hold. Remember, you are not in this alone. There is always someone to help you and show love to you. Always.

4. Purpose

Each one of us has passions, dreams, and aspirations. In fact, if I spent five minutes with you, I bet I’d find amazing things about your passion and dreams. Pursuing dreams gives our life meaning and direction. It drives us forward and fuels our spirit. Charge forward with your passion.

5. Gratitude

Finally, practicing gratitude is a powerful tool that I use daily. It brings positivity and perspective into our lives. It helps us appreciate the beauty in the world and the goodness in others.

Supporting One Another Year-Round

USANA partners with Promise2Live for a global suicide prevention campaign.Each one of these reminders serves as a lifeline, a reaffirmation of the genuine worth and value that lives in each of us. Again, please remember that you are loved. You are valued. And you have a purpose.

Now, here’s the important part. Suicide prevention is an ongoing commitment to supporting one another. So let’s turn these words into action! I invite each of you to join me in my mission to make a real impact.

Visit Promise2Live.org to make the promise and start a conversation. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless individuals who may be struggling with thoughts of despair and loneliness.

Together, we can bring about change, one conversation at a time. I believe in the power of harmony, compassion, and understanding. And I believe in you.

I shared these thoughts in a LinkedIn post published in September 2023 as part of Suicide Prevention Month. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Successful Entrepreneurs Possess These 4 Core Beliefs

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As a one-timeĀ business owner myself, and as someone who’s spent 30-plus years interacting with thousands ofĀ entrepreneurs across the globe, I’ve learned what attributes contribute to success.

Hard work, determination, perseveranceā€”they all play a part. Vision, positivity, and sound judgmentā€”they are also keys to success.

But perhaps the one trait I see most in all successful entrepreneursĀ is an unwavering belief system.

For the many entrepreneurs who serve as CEOs of their own USANA businesses, there are four coreĀ beliefs that will put you on track to achieveĀ success.

4 Core Beliefs

  1. Industry: Collectively as direct sellers, it’s your stories that become “the magic sauce” in what makes USANA great. Lean into the business model and connect with as many people as you can, sharing your story to build trust and develop meaningful, long-lasting relationships.
  2. Company: Our vision, our values, the USANA Difference. Learn what the company stands for and what it represents. Build a portfolio of accolades to bolster your own personal story.
  3. Products: Put simply, if you’re not consuming USANA products each day, how can you credibly tell others about the positive difference they’re making? Experience and authenticity drive success.
  4. Yourself: Finally, the most important component in this four-part system, is belief in yourself. Work on catching and quietingĀ the negative self-talk that’s swimming around in your head. Successful entrepreneurs recognize that they’re the onesĀ who lead with conviction and are talented enough to build strong communities around them.

As we discuss belief, I’d like to share a favorite quote, that I’m sure you’ve heard me repeat before: Be firm in your destination, but flexible in your path. Adapting to life’s many curveballs is critical for success. But with a strong belief system in place, your destination remains solid.

Note:Ā A version of this article originally went toĀ e-newsletter subscribers on Oct. 19, 2023. I invite you to subscribe for free.

5 Benefits of Returning to the Office

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Over the last several years, working remotely has become the norm, largely out of necessity, for companies around the world. But with the pandemic largely in the rearview mirror, I’m seeing huge workplace productivity benefits as employees transition back to the office.

True collaboration ā€” the kind that sparks creativity, triggers innovation, and thrives in an environment of face-to-face dialogue ā€” is the lifeblood of any successful business. As we welcome our associates back, we see this move is igniting a new wave of energy and productivity.

In the Office: 5 Key Benefits

I’ve identified five key benefits of associates returning to the office as I visit company operations across the globe. Find the full article on Yahoo! Finance.

  1. Enhanced collaboration
  2. Relationship building
  3. Vibrant company culture
  4. Mentorship and learning opportunities
  5. Increased employee engagement

5 Benefits of Returning to the Office Kevin Guest

Our office space is designed to foster spontaneous brainstorming, quick problem-solving discussions, and real-time feedback. Those interactions are critical to driving innovation. That happens more naturally when we’re back in pre-pandemic work settings.

By working together physically, I see stronger relationships forged, which leads to improved teamwork and communication. Our on-site activities, celebrations, and routines are instrumental in creating a sense of belonging and shared values. These do much to reinforce our strong company culture.

Moreover, the office environment provides a fertile ground for mentorship and learning, with less-experienced employees gaining invaluable insights from seasoned colleagues.

That kind of connection is valuable, especially for younger workers who are looking at short- and long-term benefits for their own careers.

šŸ“– Further Reading: I shared more on the topic in this LinkedIn article

As I write in my book, All the Right Reasons, having interacted with thousands of people during my career, I have come to realize that the best, most authentic relationship-building experiences happen when you’re sitting kneecap to kneecap with someone, looking each other in the eye, and sincerely wanting to understand. Facebook, Instagram, email, Skype, and other forms of electronic media are great for communicating and connecting across distances, but face-to-face meetings lead to solid business partnerships and long-term relationships.

These are the meaningful relationships that help grow a business. They foster trust, build bridges, and help us manage conflict from a position of mutual understanding. With all of its incredible benefits, technology can’t replace the power of face-to-face communication.

Best of All: Increased Engagement

Being physically present in the office helps to foster a sense of community and shared purpose. It boosts employee satisfaction and productivity. It’s like a party with good friends that you don’t want to miss out on.

I shared these thoughts in a news release that went out on Oct. 2, 2023. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, which is available on Amazon, uncovers 12 principles for living a life in harmony and drawing on the power of values to help find life’s success secrets. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.

Sustainability in Action: People, Planet, Products

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Since its founding more than 30 years ago, USANA’s focused its efforts on creatingĀ The Healthiest Family on Earth. It’s an ambitious goal, andĀ it’s one that’s multifaceted.

For us as individuals, physical healthĀ is obviously important. But equally as critical is our mental and emotional well-being.

It’s no coincidence that in 2020 when USANA conceivedĀ its sustainability reportĀ (the most recent of whichĀ became available earlier this year)Ā USANA prioritizedĀ people.

As Paul Jones, USANA’s Chief People Officer, says, “Everything we work to accomplish at USANA starts with our people, which is why we put such a strong emphasis on making USANA the gold standard for workplace excellence.”

Similar to howĀ individual health encompasses many aspects, so too do our sustainability efforts.

USANA Sustainability | People, Planet, Products

USANA’s 2022 sustainability report, released in May of this year, highlights USANA’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) achievements. A few worth noting:

  • 350+ employees completed USANA’s career mentorship program
  • 100% of employees received current Good Manufacturing Practices training
  • USANA saved the equivalent of 435,266 supplement bottles worth of plastic annually after moving to smaller bottles for 10 products
  • 20% reduction in waste sent to landfills
  • More than 12.9 million meals provided through The USANA Foundation
  • Created supplier code of conduct as part of our responsible sourcing efforts
  • Invested $11.6 million in research and development

This is the third year we’ve compiled a sustainability report. I’m soĀ pleased to see how much our company has improved in our key target areas year over year.Ā Our commitment to sustainability sets us apartĀ and ultimately supports our vision of creating The Healthiest Family on Earth.

Thank you to everyone who’s joined us in our commitment. I invite you toĀ download and readĀ the full report.

Sustainability in Action

On the What’s Up, USANA? blog, the team highlighted a few employees who are walking the walk, as it were, when it comes to being environmentally friendly. Here are a few articles well worth your time:

Sustainability Spotlight Imagery

Note:Ā A version of this article originally went toĀ e-newsletter subscribers on Sept. 20, 2023. I invite you to subscribe for free.

Natural Born Coaches Podcast: Discussing Promise2Live

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Natural Born Coaches | Kevin GuestKevin Guest, the Executive Chairman of USANA Health Sciences and author of All the Right Reasons, appeared on the Natural Born Coaches podcast. Episode 834 debuted on Sept. 11, 2023. Brandy Vega, founder of Good Deed Revolution and the Promise2Live campaign, joined Kevin and host Marc Mawhinney on the episode.

In the interview, the guests discuss the global mental health crisis and why they urge everyone to “promise to stop the stigma, start conversations, and save lives.”

šŸŽ™ļø Listen to the full interview on the Natural Born Coaches website

šŸŽ„ Watch the conversation on YouTube

 

Natural Born Coaches: About the Podcast

Marc Mawhinney founded the podcast in 2014 as a way to help coaches grow their businesses. Now featuring more than 830 episodes, the weekly podcast continues to provide coaches with actionable strategies.

In May 2023, USANA partnered with Good Deed Revolution to help stop the stigma of talking about suicide and mental health. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Resources are also available online.

Join Me in Making the Promise2Live

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The Promise2Live pledge is a promise not only to our loved ones but also to ourselves as we recognize Suicide Prevention Month in September.USANA partners with Promise2Live for a global suicide prevention campaign.

USANA Health Sciences is a company dedicated to health and well-being. We believe that true health encompasses both the body and the mind. While we have made significant strides in understanding physical health, we have continued work to do with the mind.

To truly be healthy, we have to take the mind into consideration. Thatā€™s why our mission is to spark conversations and create a safe space for individuals to share their struggles.

Earlier this year, USANA partnered with Good Deed Revolution and its Promise2Live campaign to erase the stigma and start talking more directly about mental health and suicide.

My personal journey and professional associations led me to therapy, where I learned the importance of open communication about suicide.

Read More About My Personal Journey on LinkedIn and in this Deseret News Article.

One thing learned from my therapy is to be part of the solution. To understand it’s OK to say the word suicide and to talk about it directly. I want others to seek harmony and engage in honest conversations with loved ones about mental health.

Take the Promise2Live Pledge

The Promise2Live pledge involves promising to reach out to trusted resources when struggling personally and to share the pledge with others. Thousands of people, including USANA employees and affiliated celebrities, such as Dr. Mehmet Oz and country music star Collin Raye, have already taken the pledge.

Suicide remains a major global issue. The act of openly discussing suicide can release pressure for those struggling, providing crucial relief. By bringing this issue to the forefront, my hope is to reduce the stigma and foster a culture of understanding and support.

As the world comes together during September’s Suicide Prevention Month, I encourage everyone to take the Promise2Live pledge and play a role in saving lives. To learn more and take the pledge, visit www.Promise2Live.org.

Promise2Live Live Event: Sept. 10, 2023

World Suicide Prevention Day is Sept. 10. I urge you to tune in that evening to watch the Promise2Live livestream event.

Watch Highlights from the 2022 Event

“We are demonstrating the innovative power of using live-streaming on various channels by various influencers as an effective method to get the word out about Suicide Prevention and Mental Health,” Promise2Live Live organizers wrote.

Here is more on the event featuring Brandy Vega, founder of Good Deed Revolution and Promise2Live:

I invite you to learn more about USANA’sĀ partnershipĀ with Good Deed Revolution, and I challenge you toĀ make the Promise2Live today. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Promise2Live Kevin Guest

 

Networking Star Podcast: Making the World a Better Place Through Business

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The Networking Star Podcast | Kevin GuestKevin Guest, the Executive Chairman of USANA Health Sciences and author of All the Right Reasons, appeared on The Networking Star podcast. Episode 18 debuted on Sept. 2, 2023.

In the interview, “Guest shares his wealth of knowledge, offering unique perspectives on leadership and success that you won’t find anywhere else.”

Topics include:

  • Listening to understand
  • The importance of mentorship
  • Entrepreneurship and direct sales
  • The value of charity

Hosted by Jeffery Boyle, The Networking Star podcast aims to “leave you inspired and ready to make positive changes in your own life.” It’s called a must-watch for anyone seeking to level up personally and professionally.

šŸŽ™ļø Listen to the full episode on the Spotify

šŸŽ„ Watch the conversation on YouTube

The Networking Star: About the Podcast

Entrepreneurs and business owners share their secrets to success in order for listeners to achieve greatness together.

Effective Interactions: Interpersonal Tips for Success

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Every time I surround myself with aspiring leaders, I get a jolt of energy. Entrepreneurs who are determined to make a differenceā€”in their own lives and in the lives of othersā€”hold a special place in my heart.

4 Tips for Effective Interactions | Kevin GuestRecently, health-focused business owners from throughout North America and Europe met in Salt Lake City to celebrate, connect, and learn (scroll for video highlights from the event).

In-person gatherings such as these fuel my soul. They provide opportunities to strengthen relationships and unite in common goals. I’m grateful to connect with so many on a personal level through handshakes, selfies, and one-on-one conversations (no matter how brief they may be).

Thank you to everyone who makes attending in-person events a priority. And many thanks to the USANA teams that work hard to produce high-value, high-energy, and high-impact events. They’re an important piece in helping to create The Healthiest Family on Earth.

Interactions: 4 Tips for Success

In addition, as USANA strives toward our goal of reaching 1 million active customers, I’m often asked to share advice on what makes a good leader. The list could go on and on. However, here are four concepts that contribute to strong leadership.

I invite you to watch the following brief video clips and see how you might be able to incorporate these techniques in your professional (and personal) lives:

Interactions: Listening to Understand

Asking the Right Questions

Connecting in Meaningful Ways

Being Teachable

In the end, relationships rule the day. Success arrives when we nurture and strengthen relationships.

Note:Ā A version of this article originally went toĀ e-newsletter subscribers on Aug. 24, 2023. I invite you to subscribe for free.

Be Happy: 5 Ways to Celebrate Happiness

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Did you know August is “Happiness Happens Month?” I’ve found happiness is not a destination; it’s a way of life. Even during difficult times, finding joy in the simplest moments can create a ripple effect of positivity. This month, we remind people that happiness is always within their grasp. And celebrating it every day can brighten the world and make it a better place.

As you know, I’m a big believer in the importance of living life in harmony and aligning one’s actions with principles that lead to lasting fulfillment. With that, I encourage each of you to infuse your life with happiness.

Wrapping myself up in music is one of the things that makes me most happy. Iā€™ve found that the most accomplished people have discovered joy in one of several ways. These five habits seem to be the most powerful.

5 Habits for Increased Happiness

  1. Focus on positivity
  2. Embrace every day with joy
  3. Appreciate the little things
  4. Get lost in a hobby you love
  5. Find someone to serve

I shared these thoughts in a news release that went out on Aug. 1, 2023, in celebration of August’s Happiness Happens Month. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, which is available on Amazon, uncovers 12 principles for living a life in harmony and drawing on the power of values to help find life’s success secrets. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.