Army Step 4. Hygiene - bathing, clean uniforms

Corporate Solution: A scheduled break to get cleaned up before lunch or after a hard day of dirty work can pay off in a big way. Make sure everyone has right protective clothing for job. Extreme temperature and dampness create stress that can be easily relieved by proper apparel and hygiene breaks. And, as surprising as it might seem, some employees do not have running water at home.

Not all of them have hot water. Not all of them have washing machines. Make these things available at your workplace or find alternatives. One-time arrangements can go a long way in helping stressed workers get their emotions under control and get their productivity up where it belongs.

Army Step 5. Discussion - A chance to talk about what happened, to tell war stories

Corporate Solution: Everyone benefits from a chance to tell about what went on. Some people are more sensitive than others. There is often great value in routine meetings to kick off shift or explain day's activities. Scheduling time before or after meetings to talk about what happened can relieve stress for those in spot light. Team discussions after sales calls can help stressed workers understand results and focus on what needs to be done.

In times of high stress, some people need to talk about what happened to others around them - family members, community tragedies. Managers can handle day-to-day conversations and experts are available to address major stressors. Help workers tell their "war stories."

Army Step 6. Restoring identity and confidence with useful work

Corporate Solution: As soon as possible, over stressed workers need to return to their positions of responsibility. They need to see that (a) they can perform well (b) that management recognizes their efforts (c) and that life goes on. Emphasize small accomplishments. Find reasons to reward each person for their achievements.

GIs usually return to their jobs after a short rest, a hot shower, a chat with their supervisor, and a warm meal. Your people can do same. Most of time, they can continue in their jobs if you pay attention to their basic needs.

Watch for high stress period in your business cycle and schedule time to work on these six steps. You'll improve productivity and workplace environment by taking care of your people. Your investment of time and money will be rewarded in better performance and lower costs.

Work with your human resources experts to assist those who are beyond your ability. Let professionals take care of severe cases while you take care of your other employees and get work done.

Can you identify employees who are suffering from stress? Do you know what to do about it? Evaluate employee problems with an eye toward stress control. Send a blank email to toptenstressors@couragebuilders.com for a f`r`e`e article about top ten causes of workplace stress.

Copyright 2004 - Dale Collie

Dale Collie (MailTo:collie@couragebuilders.com) speaker and former US Army Ranger, CEO,and professor at West Point. Selected by "Fast Company" as one of America's Fast 50 innovative leaders. Author of "Frontline Leadership: From War Room to Boardroom," and "Winning Under Fire: Turn Stress into Success US Army Way." (McGraw- Hil) Free newsletter upon request: MailTo:subscribe-956606571@ezinedirector.net

In addition, cycles tend to favor ups rather than downs. It is not uncommon to see large cycles of appreciation and much smaller downward cycles. In other words, current double-digit growth we've all come to know and love in recent years will likely be followed by downturns of single digit declines. Its like taking two steps forward and one step back.

In big picture you will still be further ahead than when you started. You may see slower growth, but it will still be growth.

Real Estate is a Basic Necessity People need to live somewhere. They need a roof over their head and their children's heads. Like food and clothing we must have a home. People don't need stocks or bonds. Therefore, you can be sure that whether market is high or low in growth, whether interest rates are up or down, people will be buying, renting, leasing, and selling homes. It is as perennial as years.

This Real Estate Wave Has Been Around Awhile I don't know when you first realized we were in an up market in real estate, but it has been on a solid upward trend for at least last 3-4 years. It didn't just happen yesterday. Of course like anything else, awareness of general public is a bit latent, and dependant upon media. It has only been lately that media has really focused on it and thrust it onto front page.

The old adage "Success breeds success" is also true. The momentum will grow as other more traditional investors continue to jump on band wagon and pour their money and resources into real estate investment. It tends to create a perpetual, self-feeding market that is ideal for more seasoned investors.

Real Estate is Local and Regional It is true that even in today's real estate boom, there are areas in United States that are not enjoying high rates of return that others are experiencing. California is a fantastic place to invest, so is Arizona and a host of other places.But Rust Belt states are not as fortunate. Watch what happens to Florida home values after this horrendous hurricane season. This is because real estate is driven by primary capitalistic force of Supply and Demand.

Generally speaking, property values increase in areas where job market is strong, and where there are more people moving into than away from. Of course there are other factors to consider; including interest rates, availability of funding, climate, and governmental policies. These are all important and you must be cognizant of their impacts to your strategy.

However, it is true no that matter what rates are or how nice climate is, people will continue to migrate where there are abundant job markets and affordable housing. If you can stay just slightly ahead of that migration, you will profit immensely.

Real Estate Investing is Diverse You can invest in so many different ways, from foreclosures and fix and flips, to buy and hold and everything in between. Right now commercial space is relatively soft. It will recover no doubt, but people investing in single family homes are probably doing slightly better in returns. Vacancies are up and rents are down for commercial properties, but fortunately, forecast is for this sector to improve over next few years.

The key to successful real estate investing is to understand forces, trends, and conditions that are driving market. BE AWARE of your surroundings; Read articles and stay on top of industry news; Look in your own area at job market and forecasts. Check my website www.realestateinvestment.net for all news and information you need to help you succeed in your real estate investing career.

There is no real estate bubble, but there is a real estate wave. Like any dedicated surfer, when surf's up, get in water and catch a wave! But watch for danger, be flexible, and be smart. Invest wisely and you can prosper in any real estate market.