If each person realized their true P.O.W.E.R., our world might be a better place.  Best individuals make best organizations; best organizations make best communities; best communities make best states; best states, better nations; and better nations, a better world.

So how powerful can each individual be?  Very and they have a profound impact.

Like many people, I observe others – managers, business owners, instructors, students, parents, customer service reps, political leaders etc. And when experiencing outstanding individuals, I walk away amazed and think to myself, what is it that makes them so powerful?   Not powerful as in force, wealth, status, celebrity, or dominance; but powerful as in making a difference.  Just like the Rotary’s vision.

Taking each letter in the word power, attributes, which embody service at its finest, were apparent. As I review these attributes, I bet that Rotarians present will think of a few people they know or work with that have true power.  As you consider these individuals, I bet you’ve said, “If I could have just few a more of him or her!” This is what I consider to be the key attributes of those individuals who have P.O.W.E.R.

P is for presence. They just don’t have presence, they’re in the NOW; living in the present moment! For them, it’s not about yesterday or tomorrow, it’s about now.  They really listen; they recognize needs when they talk to people. They’re not looking at who is coming in or who is talking with whom, or whom they need to connect with next. Vicki Kennedy exemplified presence. This isn’t about politics. It’s about that rainy day when many people lined up to bid farewell to the late Senator and express sympathy and their condolences to the family.  Vicki came out, in the midst of her own loss and grief and shook hands with each person waiting; thanking them for their patience to pay their respects to her late husband.  That’s being present!

O is for Ownership. In everything they do, they act like they own the organization they represent. They think one mistake and I could lose this customer, hurt a fellow worker or a department, or create the wrong impression. They take Ownership!  At Bridgewater State University, the maintenance team takes ownership.  I have never seen such a clean public institution.  A few on their team who clean the men’s and ladies rooms, place a vase of flowers to make it pleasant. They want the visitor feeling like they’re at a first-class hotel or restaurant!  The BSU maintenance team takes ownership!

The W is for Wow factor. No matter what they do, they kick it up a notch or two.   They do extra to exceed expectations! Patrick, a senior at Roger Williams University, is an intern for my business. He was also my “fellow” for the enterprise class I taught fall semester. Patrick was paid for 50 hours to attend my class once a week, and support 19 freshmen enterprise students.  Patrick was to be available, with all of his experience as an RWU senior, and help the freshmen with time management,  college life adjustment issues, the enterprise course, and writing their business plan.  We continued to get emails early on in the semester informing us that the compensated 50 hours were dwindling quickly.  Patrick always said “No worries!  It’s okay if I exceed the 50 hours. I’ll do what it takes to serve these students.” Patrick has the WOW factor!

E is for Excellence.  It’s not what their job is. It’s about every task, and interaction performed with excellence. They execute at a high level for a long period of time. They understand job and purpose.  They make a difference!  Donny Achin, owner of Achin’s garage, represents excellence. As I sat there waiting for my car, a couple walked in needing help with an accident claim. They were directed to Achin’s in error.   Donny, with the utmost of patience, kindness and a caring nature, provided information. It took awhile for Donny to get through, because English was their second language.   Donny embodies excellence.

R is for Resilience!   They bounce back; no matter what failure or set back.   They realize it’s not what happens to them that matters, its how they deal with it that counts.  A few of the long-term unemployed, written about in the Sun Chronicle earlier this week, were hopeful and optimistic in the midst of tough economic times!! These long-term unemployeds are resilient.

Sabrina, a  freshmen student in my enterprise class, maintained perfect attendance, homework prepared, thoughtful interaction, asked questions, and spoke up. She had a positive attitude! With that experience, I sensed Sabrina had power.

My perception was confirmed.  Most of the 19 enterprise students were in the library the day before their business plans were due; together working in an intense fashion, stressed, and frenzied.  It was 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 2^nd and Sabrina’s plan was done, printed and bound!  Her fellow students were poking fun and a little envious, I guess.  Sabrina didn’t leave the library; she stayed helping them, answering questions she had asked me, well in advance.  Sabrina lives in the present moment, she takes ownership, she wowed her fellow students and me; and all she does is done with excellence. I also confident that Sabrina is resilient!

If we viewed ourselves as powerful, rather than victims or the need to be greedy, we’d all be better off.  If the  Rotary motto “service above self” was widespread, I bet life would be a little better today for many. We need to constantly take inventory of our P.O.W.E.R. and its impact: presence, ownership, wow factor, excellence and resilience.”

On January 14^th at Norwood Baptist Church in Warwick RI, Janet Letourneau founder and president of Peak Performers will present to the participants of RINOD.  A one-hour presentation will cover opportunities for enhancing work search techniques.  Janet was invited by RINOD head, Irene Sinteff, hearing about the very popular “Finding Work in Hard Times” workshop that Janet facilitated at HarborOne U.  After their regularly scheduled meeting, Janet’s presentation is scheduled for 11:00 a.m.

Anyone interested in attending or getting more information about RINOD, contact Irene Sinteff @ Irene@irenesinteff.com or phone her at 774-257-9559.

For more information regarding this press release, contact Janet M. Letourneau at 508-699-4415 or Janet@PeakPerformers.Info

The Crossroads Chapter of IAAP has invited Janet Letourneau, founder and president of Peak Performers, Inc. to present at their January dinner meeting.  On January 5^th, Janet will present  P.O.W.E.R UP for Service, providing information regarding their power and its impact. Their dinner meeting is being held at  Brillo’s in North Attleboro, and the program will begin  at 7:00 after a short meeting and dinner.

Peak Performers is a professional development firm providing workshops and programs for continuous improvement in customer service and leadership.

For more information and to register, contact Diane Souza at souza@masstech.org.

For more information regarding this release contact Janet M. Letourneau 508-699-4415.

Janet Letourneau & Donna Goulart

Contact: Janet Letourneau
December 2010

North Attleborough —   Janet Letourneau of Peak Performers and Donna Goulart of Palumbo Insurance earned The United Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Quarter Award for the third quarter 2010.

The Ambassador Committee is comprised of dedicated chamber members who give their time to welcome new chamber members, participate in ribbon cuttings and other events, and extend invitations to business professionals who may be interested in chamber membership.

Janet M. Letourneau, Founder and President of Peak Performers, Inc. -  a professional development firm for continuous improvement in customer service and leadership will present at the Attleboro Rotary Luncheon on Wednesday, December 15^th at the Highland Country Club.  Janet will relate the Rotary’s mission “Service above self” to her workshop “P.O.W.E.R. UP for service.”  The idea is to reinforce the Rotary mission with the  P.O.W.E.R. that every individual has to make a difference.

For more information contact Peter Rose at 508-695-6776, or Janet Letourneau at 508-699-4415; Janet@PeakPerformers.Info.

Janet Letourneau founder and president of Peak Performers, Inc. a professional development firm for continuous improvement in customer service and leadership skills will serve on a panel at Rhode Island College for the American Marketing Association “Be Your Own Boss.”  Letourneau, along with two other business owners will share the joys and challenges of owning and operating your own business.

The event is October 6, 2010, at Rhode Island College – The school of Management in Alger 110. The topic is “Be Your Own Boss – A look into the minds of local entrepreneurs.”

For more information, contact Bryan Ricard at bricard@gmail.com

For information: contact Janet M. Letourneau 508-699-4415 or Janet@PeakPerformers.Info

Finding Work in Hard Times is the workshop that Janet will facilitate at HarborOne U in Mansfield on 9/9, 9/21 & 11/4.  The session is two hours – 8:30 – 10:30 for  individuals in transition and seeking full-time employment.  Those attending will gain ideas to advance their search, obtain a checklist to uncover new sources, places and people to improve prospects,  and gain perspective about the current job market.  Letourneau says:  “During these pressured economic times, we tend to think we’ve exhausted our ideas and resources. Connections, opportunities and resources are abundant-we just don’t always recognize them.”

This is a free workshop; please contact Maureen Wilkinson at 508-895-1347 to register.  Limited seating!

For more information contact Janet Letourneau @ (508) 699 4415

Janet Letourneau of Peak Performers earned The United Regional Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Quarter Award for the first quarter.

The Ambassador Committee is comprised of dedicated chamber members who give their time to welcome new chamber members, participate in ribbon cuttings and other events, and extend invitations to business professionals who may be interested in chamber membership.

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