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Emotional Intelligence, Gratitude Go Hand in Hand

November 22, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

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

The 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 five 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 — and remember to express gratitude — for a more empathetic, productive, and successful tomorrow. Together, we can redefine the future of business.

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

November 6, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

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 heart—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, there’s strength in vulnerability, and there’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

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.

5 Benefits of Returning to the Office

October 9, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

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 — the kind that sparks creativity, triggers innovation, and thrives in an environment of face-to-face dialogue — 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.

Enhanced collaboration
Relationship building
Vibrant company culture
Mentorship and learning opportunities
Increased employee engagement

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.

📖 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.

Be Happy: 5 Ways to Celebrate Happiness

August 7, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

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. I’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

Focus on positivity
Embrace every day with joy
Appreciate the little things
Get lost in a hobby you love
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.

Self-Care Day: 7 Tips to Prioritize Your Own Well-Being

July 24, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

Taking care of yourself is crucial, especially when times get tough. Specifically, it’s essential in these times to prioritize our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. International Self-Care Day, which takes place July 24, reminds us to engage in self-care practices that enhance our quality of life.

I’ve found seven key habits for aligning one’s core values with harmony and balance.

Self-reflect each morning: Start your day with a few minutes of quiet introspection to set a positive tone for the day.
Meditate: Use guided meditation to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Spend time in nature: Connect with the outdoors to boost mood and improve mental health.
Detox digitally: Unplug from electronic devices to give your mind a break and enhance focus.
Listen to favorite music: Reduce anxiety and stress by listening to soothing tunes.
Engage in a new creative activity: Stimulate your brain and unleash your creativity by trying something new.
Get enough sleep: Prioritize restful sleep to support physical and mental health.

What’s On My Self-Care Day To-Do List?

Benefits of Self-Care

I’ve found that when we do these self-care practices, we increase energy, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being. For example, music is medicine to me and helps me balance when pressures build. As our band, The Free Radicals, performs, we see people singing, smiling, and dancing to the music, whether we’re in Mexico, Europe, the United States, China, or Korea. Music is a universal power that balances people.

Growing up, there was always music in our home, and it set a good feeling. My love for music has been with me for as long as I can remember. It has transformed my life and continues to help me balance.

In celebration of International Self-Care Day, I encourage you to share your self-care practices and positive experiences by using the hashtag #SelfCareJuly on social media.

I shared these thoughts in a news release that went out on June 29, 2023, in advance of International Self-Care Day. 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.

Effective Communication: A Cornerstone of Success

June 5, 2023/1 Comment/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

The power of effective communication in business (and in life in general) is incredibly important.

Communication is the cornerstone of success, both professionally and personally. It’s the foundation of strong relationships and successful organizations. In June, we recognize National Effective Communications Month. It’s the perfect time to celebrate this important skill.

Effective communication builds trust, which is one reason I’ve found that nothing is more important than relationships, than connecting with others, and understanding the other person’s motivation. When relationships align with your own core values, you’re poised to do great things together that benefit those around you.

Effective Communication: 5 Tips to Improve

To help you improve your communication skills, here are five actionable tips.

Active Listening: Pay full attention to the speaker, avoid interrupting, and ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand their message.
Empathy: Put yourself in the other person’s shoes to understand their perspective and feelings.
Clarity and Conciseness: Be clear and concise with simple language to avoid confusion and misinterpretation when delivering your messages.
Nonverbal Communication: Pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, all of which convey important information and emotions.
Feedback and Follow-ups: Encourage feedback from others and follow up on conversations to ensure understanding and maintain open lines of communication.

When done consistently, these five action items show respect, promote open dialogue, and allow for greater understanding. Because we’ve learned effective communication is key to building strong relationships with USANA’s customers and distributors, we strive to ensure that every interaction, whether it’s through our products, marketing materials, or customer service, is clear, concise, and informative.

In professional situations, empathetic and clear communication promotes open dialogue and resolves conflicts, which maintains a positive work environment.

I shared these thoughts in a news release that went out on June 1, 2023, to commemorate Effective Communications 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.

5 Secrets to Staying on Track and Accomplishing Your Goals

May 8, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

Making a goal is admirable. Seeing goals through to completion can be hard. But research shows accomplishing goals increases positive self-concept and improves moods. It all starts with understanding why your goals are important to you.

In All the Right Reasons, I emphasize the importance of achieving goals in harmony with one’s core values. And as we celebrate May’s National Recommitment Month, I’d like to share five ways I believe we can stay on track to accomplish the goals we set out to achieve.

1. Understand Your “Why”

Defining the why motivates you through inevitable ups and downs.

One story I share in my book involves Mother Teresa. She served the poorest of the poor in slums because she heard a call from God. That inspired her to nurse the sick, the hungry, and those dying in communities she visited. Long after her passing, her work continues, providing relief to those in need in 123 countries and confirming how the why behind goals is powerful.

2. Use Your Why for Inspiration

Remember your motivation for setting goals. And use that as a source of inspiration to re-energize your efforts and recommit.

3. Reflect on Goals from a New Angle

When progress stalls, take a step back and view your goals from a new perspective. Brainstorm new ways to achieve your goals and change up your approach with new energy.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, chose advisors and cabinet members who held contradictory views to his own so he could be exposed to other perspectives and divergent ideas. I have tried to follow Lincoln’s example of leadership by surrounding myself with people who are smarter and more capable than I am and I let them go to work. I welcome tough questions and am not afraid to be contradicted or challenged. I’ve found the best leaders see value in opposition.

4. Break Down Big Goals into Smaller Ones

Achieving smaller milestones toward your goal will help you visualize progress and stay determined. Then self-evaluate to assess your strengths and weaknesses. In areas where you have fallen short, generate specific strategies to address them. That level of honesty with yourself may be the single most important thing you do to recommit yourself to your goals.

5. Reward Yourself for Your Progress

Positive reinforcement and self-rewards can have huge benefits for anyone striving to meet goals, which leads to increased motivation, self-esteem, and happiness. Celebrating successes brings an overall happier mindset and a sense of accomplishment.

Whether it’s a food treat, a spa day, a new adventure, or a relaxing time at home with a book, such rewards can boost your confidence and energize you to overall personal growth.

I shared these thoughts in a news release that went out on May 2, 2023, to commemorate National Recommitment 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.

Find Harmony in Your Life Through Music

April 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

During April, which is International Guitar Month, I urge you to find harmony in life through music.

As you know, I’m a lifelong musician. Guitars, the bass especially, hold a special place in my heart — and soul.

Studies show that people who live in harmony with core values are more productive and happier. This practice ultimately benefits themselves and those around them. Creating a harmonious environment with music brings better collaboration, a sense of belonging, and increased motivation.

As I write in my book, All the Right Reasons, living a life with harmony and music brings five key benefits:

Reduced stress
Improved mood
Increased concentration
Better sleep
Enhanced creativity

By living each day in harmony, you can increase calmness and manage priorities better, which leads to higher productivity.

Seeking Harmony? Don’t Forget to Have Fun

At USANA, we live by four core values: Community, Excellence, Health, and Integrity. But fun is a fifth, informal value that I ask our employees to remember. Having fun and enjoying opportunities helps us to increase harmony in our lives, especially when tackling new challenges.

Speaking of new challenges, whenever I’m faced with one I remember my grandfather. His favorite mottos were: “You Gotta Fake It Till You Make It” and “Go, Baby, Go!” In life, we face setbacks that can terrify us and knock us to the ground. At those times, do we run or confront our fears?

When challenges arise, stand up, be strong, and meet your troubles head-on. I’ve found you can conquer just about anything if you just face it and follow Grandpa’s “Go, Baby Go!” advice.

Celebrate International Guitar Month

With the guitar as one of today’s most popular musical instruments, International Guitar Month is the perfect time to strike the chords and produce exquisite melodies.

Now is an excellent opportunity to learn to play the guitar. That effort will show the beauty of harmonies, which can stimulate the imaginative parts of the brain, leading to greater inspiration and innovation.

That can also enhance the ability to think abstractly and outside the box, which develops greater problem-solving skills.

I shared these thoughts in a news release that went out on April 3, 2023, to commemorate International Guitar 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.

5 Ways to Boost Employee Morale

March 1, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

Employee Spirit Month, which is celebrated each March, honors all hardworking employees. In celebration, I’d like to share five ways to boost employee morale for ongoing, upward progress.

When employee morale is high, we see productivity soar. So it’s important to keep morale at a high level for many reasons. Boosting employee optimism can happen with five proven ways that enhance individuals, teams, and companies.

In my book, All the Right Reasons, 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, I write that nothing is more important than relationships. Realizing that, at the core, companies are primarily groups of people providing services or products. Lifting employees higher benefits everyone with high-level positivity.

1. Create a Positive Work Environment

An upbeat work environment reduces stress and provides an atmosphere of collaboration and communication, which benefits every organization.

2. Support Team-Building Activities

Team-building activities unite people because they let employees bond over shared experiences outside of work.

3. Celebrate Employee Achievements

When a supervisor genuinely shows appreciation for an employee’s good performance, it makes a huge statement that the company values each person.

4. Listen and Respond to Employee Feedback

While making the work environment a safe place to share feedback is important, it’s equally valuable to show employees you are acting on valid points they’ve raised. If you simply can’t act on their suggestions, you have to state that and give a valid reason to continue to lead with trust and respect.

5. Promote Work-Life Balance

In today’s sometimes fatigued work world, promoting work-life balance acknowledges that company leadership understands employees have important personal lives that should be addressed.

Each circumstance calls for its own practices, but mental balance is key because when employees are balanced in life, they bring that stability and happiness to work, which results in more productive results at every level.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on March 1, 2023, to commemorate Employee Spirit Month. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony is available on Amazon. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.

7 Ways Music Can Positively Influence Your Life

February 6, 2023/0 Comments/in Blog/by Kevin Guest

Music is medicine for the soul, and this is the perfect time to celebrate music icons and the influence music has on us. Few things have the power to promote harmony, peace, and unity among people everywhere as does music.

Feb. 3 marks “The Day the Music Died.” It’s a day to celebrate the power of music and the icons that have influenced us. In doing so, here’s a list of 30 songs that mean a lot to me.

Music as a Positive Influence

Here are seven ways music can positively influence people across the world.

1. Creates Positive Vibes

Playing music in the workplace can create a more positive atmosphere, which can help to improve morale and productivity.

2. Reduces Stress

Music has been shown to reduce stress levels and help people relax, which can lead to increased productivity. Sweden’s University of Gothenburg study found that listening to music helps lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

3. Improves Memory

Studies have also shown that music can improve memory and help people to remember tasks more easily.

4. Increases Focus

For many, music helps to increase focus and concentration, which brings improved productivity in the workplace.

5. Enhances Creativity

One of my favorite things about the power of music is that it can stimulate creativity and help people think outside the box, which generates more innovative solutions.

6. Boosts Motivation

Increased focus (see above) can also motivate people and encourage them to work harder and more effectively.

7. Promotes Teamwork

Tunes can also help to promote teamwork and encourage collaboration, leading to better results.

Additional Benefits

Moreover, music has the power to promote peace, break down barriers between people of different cultures, and be a powerful force for good in the world.

As I travel, I see that music is a universal language everyone can understand. For example, our Free Radicals band has played songs from the Beatles, Toto, Doobie Brothers, Boston, and more. It’s wonderful to see people singing, smiling, and dancing, whether we’re playing in Mexico, Europe, the United States, China, or Korea.

As many of you know, I gained a love for music from my parents, who bought a piano before they bought a car.

My dad returned from the war, married my mom, and bought a beautiful piano before buying a car because they valued music that much. In those early days of marriage without a car, my dad rode his bike to work and took my mom on the back of his bicycle on trips to the store.

Some people couldn’t understand it. My parents didn’t have a car, but they had a beautiful piano. Music was that important to them — essential, actually.

I shared these thoughts and more in a news release that went out on Feb. 1, 2023, in honor of The Day the Music Died, which is commemorated each Feb. 3. All the Right Reasons: 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony is available on Amazon. All proceeds feed hungry children, with each book purchase providing 40 meals.