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Commuter Chronicles February 2006 | Volume 1 | Issue 3 |
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In this issue: |
Commuters seem to be aware of the weather more so than others. They have to. Their schedules depend of whether it’s rainy, snowing, or the sun is shining. You must be very happy lately. Planes, trains and busses are on time. Highways are dry. If you look off road, you’ll see buds on the trees. You’re heading into the home stretch. Spring is almost here. With two months of the year almost complete, this is a good time to review your year’s goals. They might need readjustment. But even if you’re on target, a review is a good way to get some reinforcement that will encourage you to continue moving on them. Last issue, we gave you an opportunity to send for the Circle of Life, which gives you a visual of how your life is going. If you missed it, just send a blank e-mail with Circle of Life in the subject line and we’ll send it out to you. I think you will find it most helpful. This issue, we want to introduce you to a service that develops ride shares around the country. It has been functioning long enough to have proven itself with some very big companies like Lockheed Martin, over seventy universities and resorts like Squaw Valley Ski Slopes. We also ask the question: Why should your employer be concerned that you commute 40, 90 or more minutes to get to work? Because companies have a heart and because it benefits everyone, the employer and the employee. Do read the article and pass it on to your employers. We have two new links in this issue. The first is to Amazon.com, where you can find books, book on tape and music. The second is to a survey we developed to help us get to know you better and deliver to you what will make your commute easier and your life happier and more successful. Please fill out the survey now, before you forget. And remember, we always appreciate your calls and e-mails. Be well! |
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WHAT'S NEW Take our
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WHY CORPORATIONS NEED TO CARE ABOUT THE COMMUTE You would think corporations have enough to concern themselves about without also taking on the commute of their employees. How far someone lives from work should certainly be his or her own concern, shouldn’t it? Or should it? Over the years, studies and interviews have shown that the long distance commute has had adverse effects on the worker and work production. After 40 or 50 minutes on the road, the need to resist a break to relax and recoup is strong. Some people even plan on getting to work early so they can have time to reenergize before they begin the work day. There is no doubt that long commutes have adverse effects on work production throughout the day. Still, why should corporations care? Because the loss of revenue creeps into the millions of dollars. Because making decisions when chronic fatigue has set in can have devastating effects. Because the accident rate increases significantly. Because absenteeism, health problems, relationship problems all have a major effect on the bottom line. Corporations should care because the way to make money is to have well-oiled parts, both mechanical and human. From top to bottom, the employee who functions well, who makes good decisions, who produces outstanding work, is the employee who moves the company forward. And the employee who has difficulty in functioning, making poor decisions, producing poor work, is the employee who is causing the company to stumble on its march to excellence. And the road-weary employee can easily be the one having difficulty. What’s a company to do? There are a number of things, both big and small that will enhance the employees experience and have beneficial side effects for the company as well. There are services out there aimed at providing companies with tools to help their workers with the commute, including AlterNETrides.com. AlterNETrides.com provides companies with an automated rideshare/carpool service for their people. A company could sponsor this program and relieve their employees of driving and offer solutions to commuting. Commuter-Assist.com offers workshops, coaching and additional supportive material which helps companies who aim to enhance their employee’s lives. By asking employees what will assist them and having them involved in how to avoid the negative effects of the commute, companies can score high points with their commuting employees. We at Commuter-Assist will be happy to help, just call (570-839-6394) or e-mail (info@commuter-assist.com). |
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COST SAVERS
WHAT IS ALTERNETRIDES.COM? AlterNetRides is a company based in California. It offers an easy system for businesses, schools, hospitals, slopes, communities - just about any large group of travelers –to inexpensively provide an automated rideshare/carpool service to their people. This nationwide company sets up the location and the link that is placed on the business’ web site to activate the service. Companies can offer a rideshare/carpool option for all employees anywhere in the United States. They also link people together for one time long distances that may cross the country. Take a look at it, AlterNetRides.com. Tell them Commuter-Assist.com sent you! |
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SOMETIMES WE NEED A LITTLE HELP We all need a little help sometimes. Sometimes we need a lot of help, too. Knowing when to ask for help and where to go for help are two keys to success. Coaching is a way of getting the help you need to move quickly up the ladder of success. Coaching is becoming more accepted as a way to get help, information and mentoring. With its roots in the field of psychology, good coaching can offer techniques that draw on your signature strengths- the strengths that make you you. But coaching has no stigma attached to it. In fact, you’ll hear people talk about what coaching has helped them do and how they can’t imagine being without coaching. What is coaching? The International Coach Federation describes it as an ongoing relationship, which focuses on the individual taking action toward the realization of their visions, goals, or desires. Coaching uses a process of inquiry and personal discovery to build a level of awareness, responsibility, structure, support and feedback. The process helps the individual define and achieve professional and personal goals faster and with more ease than would be possible otherwise. In coaching, the focus is on the future rather than the past. The relationship can be short term or intermittent but is typically long term and can last months or years, as the individual moves to greater successes. It is action oriented and driven by the goals, desires and dreams of the individual. As a psychologist, I now work with people who want success in all aspects of their lives, not only at their chosen profession. I call them the “Supersuccessful” because they have sought out a balance in their lives and are now able to live each area successfully. They do not give up parenting for work, love relationship for parenting. They have found room in their lives, their hearts and their souls for each part of what makes them happy. They define what supersuccess means and what happiness is. Even how we use our time and what time we meet is open to negotiation. As part of the inauguration of Commuter-Assist.com, I am offering complimentary consultations so that you might get a taste of the coaching process. Email me at info@commuter-assist.com or call 570-839-6394 to set up your free time. Do it before you forget.
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SPONSORS
Visit Amazon.com for everything from books on tape to home electronics. |
UPCOMING EVENTS
MONTHLY TELECONFERENCES! CONQUER THE COMMUTE: TOOLS FOR THE ROAD AND LIFE will be ready soon. Click here to email and reserve your copy of this new e-book today. You will also enjoy a 30 percent discount with your reservation. |
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Dr. Mastria is founder of Commuter-Assist.com, which publishes e-books, CDs and cassettes to help commuters get the most out of their commute and life in general. Dr. Mastria speaks, offers workshops, and consults to businesses. She also provides life, wellness, and business coaching to groups and individuals. To contact Dr. Mastria email info@Commuter-Assist.com or call 570-839-6394. All content Copyright © 2006, Dr. Marie A. Mastria, CLC, PCC / Commuter-Assist.com. All rights reserved. You may copy or send it to family or friends who may benefit from it so long as the format and credits are intact. You have permission to publish this article electronically, free of charge, as long as the by-lines are included and links are activated and maintained. A courtesy copy of your publication or link to website would be appreciated. |
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