Episode 27:  I’m happy to welcome Rita Ernst to the studio to discuss the launch of her new Show Up Positive book.  You may remember Rita from Episode 22.  She is an industrial/organizational psychologist, who became a business consultant and now, a published author.  She’s appeared in the local news, on radio and to a book signing with 70 people.  Let’s learn about how her approach to helping individuals to have a positive impact.

Meet Rita Ernst

Rita is the owner of Ignite Your Extraordinary, in Louisville, Kentucky.  She is a business consultant working with clients on both a local and national basis.  She’s a trained organizational psychologist.  This background helps her to work with business leaders and teams to craft the workplaces and jobs to ensure people feel their needs are being met, while remaining engaged in their roles.

She began working with companies, on the side, via word-of-mouth.  Eventually, she was able to launch Ignite Your Extraordinary and pivot to it as a full-time passion.

The Pandemic’s Role in Rita’s Decision to Write a Book

She fully explains this in the book’s Preface.  Rita goes on to explain that not all businesses closed or transitioned to remote working, during the COVID-19 Pandemic.  Essential businesses remained open.  Those business leaders and employees had to balance the needs of child-related responsibilities, concerns about bringing home the virus and more led to highly-increased levels of stress for many people.

Sustained levels of stress can lead to emotional exhaustion.  It’s simple biology.  People typically withdraw and begin to express negative emotions.  If it gets out of control, it can become a cancer within an organization.

Rita’s Core Value is Legacy

Early in her career, Rita realized Legacy is a core value.  It’s focused on relationship-building.  She’s naturally driven to help people to improve their situations.  As the pandemic continued, she noted how people were miserable, based on all of the negativity and emotional exhaustion they were experiencing both at the office and at home.

People were struggling to figure out how to escape from the negativity engulfing the co-workers and environment they used to enjoy.  Rita figured out a way to contribute to a solution.  The result is her Show Up Positive book.

Rita explains that we’re all just “human-ing” through this period of time.  It’s not about blaming someone for the situation.  It’s about recognizing it exists and committing to playing a part in fixing it.  Self-empowerment works, especially when the focus is on positivity.

Approaching the Issue from the Reader’s Perspective

Rita is an avid reader and consumer of audiobooks.  The book is purposely written in a conversional tone.  Stories are woven into the pages as examples.  She included chapter summaries at the end of each one (“Too Long Didn’t Read” Summaries).  It’s great for skimmers.  Finally, she focused on sharing and communicating, rather than hitting a certain number of pages.

The Book Is Divided into 2 Parts

The first part is the manifesto.  It’s her invitation to you to become an agent of change for the positive.  Become part of this movement.  Be the co-worker you wish you had.  Remember, the skills you learn in this book for your work-family can also be applied to your actual family.

The second part focuses on how you can put these ideas into action.  It’s the “Put Me in Coach” manual.  It provides practical skills and tools (50 Show Up Positive Sparks) you can immediately begin using to improve the situation around you.

The 3 Core Ideas of the Book

• Idea #1 is Culture Starts within You. It’s not up to someone else.
• Idea #2 is You Have the Agency. You have it inside yourself to be the co-worker you wish you had.  So, become that person.  Do it for yourself.
• Idea #3 is You Are the Light Attracting Others to Do the Same. It’s a way to get others engaged by your example.  Don’t let your imperfections decide your possibilities.

Rita explains she’s on a campaign of awareness.  This book is a resource.  She refers to it as a repository of ideas and inspiration to help you to show up positive.  The Sparks and the book are about intentional, habit development.

Misery Loves Company, until People Grow Tired of Being Miserable

At some point, people simply reach a saturation point.  If that’s you, be intentional with your words and actions in driving positive change.  You have the capacity and now you have a roadmap, the Show Up Positive book.

Want to Go Deeper into the Positivity?

Rita offers workshops, speaking engagements and an innovative card deck consisting of 24 words for more effective teamwork and meetings.  These 24 words are in-addition to those provided in the book.

If you’re on LinkedIn, you can join Rita Ernst Positivity Influencer for her weekly live stream of the Monday Minute.  She’s also on Facebook at Ignite Extraordinary.

I’d like to thank my friend Rita Ernst for a terrific conversation.  Her passion for positivity is contagious.

Buy Your Copy of the Show Up Positive Book

You can find Rita’s book in various stores and online outlets.  Here are 2 options to help you buy your book, now:

• Carmichael’s Bookstore: https://www.carmichaelsbookstore.com/book/9798985206593
• Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/show-up-positive-rita-ernst/1141376734?ean=9798985206593

Need Rita’s Help Overcoming an Organizational Challenge?

Contact Rita Ernst for a confidential discussion and to learn about her workshops.

Website:         https://www.igniteextraordinary.com/

Phone:             (502) 235-6791

I want to thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode.  From more information on business-related issues, visit my website at www.JimRayConsultingServices.com.

Got Podcast?

Finally, if you’re interested in developing and launching a podcast for your business or organization, I’d be happy to help.  I provide this service on a regional basis.  Visit my podcast production services page for more information.

Until next time, remember, if you need help with your small business, Let’s Grow For It!