Being dependable and transparent is a quality that many seek, both in the working world, and in our personal lives. If you are not dependable, it can cause a domino effect of unsuccessful relationships. Luckily, there are ways to improve and exhibit dependability.

Australian author, realist and educator, Tony Steven, explores dependability in ourselves, how we can harness it, and become trustworthy individuals during these uncertain and somewhat misleading times.

“Taking responsibility in becoming a more dependable person is easier said than done,” says Steven. “Dependability influences your reputation, your character, and your sincerity. It is a serious quality, undertaken by many, yet under-delivered by some. There are ways to work on this and maintain dependable behaviour,” Steven adds.

Punctuality: Showing up on time shows people that you genuinely care. Being a punctual individual displays your seriousness and commitment. Punctuality is having a mindset of being present, on time, and at the service of those who confide in you and your ability to assist them when you can. “It is a great quality in many people’s characters, and is universally revered as a quality that establishes authentic individuals through their behaviour and response to accomplishing tasks,” says Steven.

Honouring your word: When you make a commitment, stand by it. In these times, particularly with the prevalence of social media platforms, words have a way of travelling quicker than actions. A single broken promise to an individual can lead to a disastrous backlash, tarnishing one’s reputation and rendering them as liars and untrustworthy. Today, more than ever, people have the opportunity to revisit unfulfilled claims, and can use them against individuals for as long as they want to. Thus, staying true to what you do and say must reflect in your actions.

Respond often: When you’re a dependable individual, you respond to requests. While this may seem like common sense, it’s not performed by many. Taking the time to respond to others, regardless of the subject, shows that you do care about the circumstances of events, and that you are available to lend a helping hand when you can.

Organise yourself: It’s easier to be a dependable person when you live an organised and system-driven life. Set up helpful, habitual and thorough systems that work for you and manage to maintain them for the future. Being organised and system driven means you have consciously thought about the process. Take the time and be aware of what you need to do. Dont just react without thought.

Be consistent: Consistency in a dependability context, proves to many, that you have your own way of coping through the toughest of situations through self-controlled and respectable actions. “Being balanced, composed and trained to consistently react diplomatically, earns the trust of others,” says Steven. “As organising your life through systems of character-building habits shows great discipline, being consistent in all that you do, lends itself to displaying your attitude as admirable, no-nonsense, and serious,” adds Steven.

Utilising these key dependability aspects will build your ability to be trustworthy, and on a personal level, be that shoulder to cry on in emotional situations. “The power of truth should not be underestimated, so it’s time to hone it,” says Steven.

Tony Steven is an Australian author, speaker, realist and educator who shows you the immeasurable power you have over the circumstances of your life. After a lifetime of research, reading and education, he has written a book entitled ‘The Answer is You!: Awaken to your self-responsibility’.

Tony has also developed keynote presentations, webinars and educational seminars to show people that they are the ones responsible for their actions. Tony will lead you away from emotional motivations and help you see life for what it is, and provide key information for you to see the truth.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

“Imagine a world where giving was more predominant than receiving”, says Australian author Tony Steven. A principle that has been tabled for discussion for a long time. Cultivating a high degree of selfless behaviour in the hope of assisting one another. There’s a term that best describes it, and it’s time we all understand it better.

Tony Steven, trusted Australian author, realist and educator, discusses ‘Altruism’, what it is, and how we can apply it to assist others in need. 2023 has begun, so let’s start it off on a constructive and helpful note.

“Altruism, at its very core, is an unselfish and genuine concern for others, and is the principle of helping others without any reward in return,” says Steven. ” Be it giving money to those in need, letting somebody enter a room before one’s self, or even letting somebody take that last bag of potatoes at a grocery store, altruism varies in its acts. However, the underlying concept is to ensure that we take care of one another,” Steven adds.

Examples of striking, real-life altruism have been explored by the media in-depth. Stories of people sharing resources with others during scarcity; running onto busy roads to rescue a stranger before a vehicle hits them; and even donating large amounts of money to charities with zero expectation of recognition or return. These are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of altruistic stories and the lengths people can go.

Many ask what motivates people to undertake altruistic deeds, especially if, in some cases, it can cause risks to the giver. “Altruism, in fact, is a branch of what is known as Prosocial Behaviour. Prosocial behaviour refers to any form of action that can benefit others, regardless of motives, recognition and benefits for the giver,” says Steven.

Because altruistic acts are prosocial, that does not necessarily mean that all prosocial behaviours are altruistic. Many help others purely out of guilt or a sense of duty or even for the benefit or reward that may ensue. Psychologists have studied tirelessly as to how and why altruism exists. Their results have suggested that altruism may be passed down genetically, and that some people may just be naturally inclined to help others. “Simply put, it may just be an evolutionary response, as well as a brain-centred reward whereby one who displays altruistic behaviour, receives positive stimulation from the pleasure centres of the brain,” says Steven.

The norms of society can be described as an additional reason as to why many are altruistic. Specifically, the concept of reciprocity, where the social expectation to help others, if they’ve help us before, exists. “This is indeed present in society and its encompassing social circles, where reciprocity lends itself to the bigger picture of being altruistic, and in turn, developing a culture of giving,” says Steven.

Experts in psychology note four different types of altruism: Genetic Altruism, Reciprocal Altruism, Group-selected Altruism and Pure Altruism.

Genetic altruism is an altruistic type that involves engaging in altruistic acts benefiting relatives or close family members. As an example, parents, as well as other family members often engage in acts of sacrifice in order to provide for the needs of their family members.

Reciprocal altruism is based on a mutually-based, give-and-take relationship, involving helping another person at that moment, as they may one day be able to return the favour.

Group-selected altruism involves engaging in altruistic acts for people based upon their group affiliation. People might direct their efforts toward assisting people who are part of their social group or supporting social causes that benefit a specific group.

Pure altruism involves helping someone else, regardless of risk, without any reward in return. It is motivated by internalised values and morals, done purely out of selflessness.

In terms of practising altruism in general, there are amazing ways to incorporate it into our lives. Practice random acts of kindness regularly. Look around at one’s circle, and see where one can prepare meals, volunteer, or donate to causes close to the heart. “Look at inspirational individuals performing acts of altruism, gain some inspiration and begin the journey of making others feel better,” says Steven.

“Altruism should be a habit, so keep a kind mindset and perform altruistic acts unconditionally, and wholeheartedly,” says Steven. Remember though, help out where you can, without straining your own financial situations or resources. You should take care of your own priorities first, thus the saying ‘charity begins at home’,” he adds.

Tony Steven is an Australian author, speaker, realist and educator who shows you the immeasurable power you have over the circumstances of your life. After a lifetime of research, reading and education, he has written a book entitled ‘The Answer is You!: Awaken to your self-responsibility’.

Tony has also developed keynote presentations, webinars and educational seminars to show people that they are the ones responsible for their actions. Tony will lead you away from emotional motivations and help you see life for what it is, and provide key information for you to see the truth.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

For many people, it can be tough to control their emotions at times. Although this can be completely normal, it is crucial to control ones emotions as the way they are displayed can negatively or positively affect many aspects of daily life.

Tony Steven, a realist and an educator with more than thirty years of experience in business as well as non-profit organisations, explains why it is so crucial to have the ability to control one’s emotions and give tips on how to do this.

“When we can control our emotions, it allows us to make better decisions no matter how big or small, and by understanding our emotions better we can respond to situations in a more constructive manner,” says Steven.

Emotions allow people to communicate, connect and understand one another. If someone is in control of their emotions, they will be able to do this more effectively. Our emotions have control over behaviour and moods. It is important to connect with emotions and understand them as this will help to control them.

“Research states that if we suppress our emotions it can have negative consequences. This is because if emotions are stifled we are more likely to be aggressive and become annoyed more easily. The more we let our feelings and emotions buildup inside the more likely we are to explode or react to situations in the incorrect way. We need to control our emotions so that they don’t control us,” explains Steven.

When emotions are running high or are uncontrollable, there are ways to return to a calm and logical state in order to make the correct decisions and have the correct reactions.

Firstly, identify the emotion. Spend some time reflecting on your thoughts, and then be still and attentive to your body. Your heart might be beating quickly, and your hands may start to perspire. Emotions can have a physical effect on the human body. This can give you some ideas about how you are feeling.  Both excitement and stress can trigger these feelings. Try to comprehend these feelings and any potential causes behind them. Are you anxious because of a significant presentation you have looming?  Are you anticipating a fresh opportunity tomorrow at work? Have you argued with a loved one? Are you having trouble relating to someone? Once you have worked out what the trigger is, it will be much simpler to manage your emotions and recognise how they are affecting your behaviour.

It is important to regulate your reactions to emotions, not suppress them. Suppressing emotions can lead to negative outcomes. Besides having outbursts or bad reactions, the suppression of emotions can lead to anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, tense muscles and pain and in some cases substance abuse. When trying to regulate and deal with emotions, ensure that they are not being swept under the carpet and that they are being correctly dealt with and understood.

Determine the emotions that are being felt. “If you are suddenly feeling many different emotions, it is important to check in by asking yourself a few questions. What emotions are you feeling, what caused these feelings, what can you do with those feelings and always think if there are better ways to deal with those feelings,” says Steven.

Know when to express emotions. For example, if there has been a misunderstanding at work, an emotional response could be anger. However, there are certain situations that require more control or restraint. Being aware of surroundings and environments can help to decide when it is okay to let one’s feeling out or when it’s time to hold back for a moment.

It is important to keep stress under control. If someone is under a lot of stress, it becomes difficult to manage emotions. Finding ways to manage stress or keep it under control can help control emotions. Some ways to try and cope with stress include, getting enough sleep, making time to be with loved ones, spending time outdoors, and making sure there is time for relaxation and hobbies.

Tony Steven is an Australian author, speaker, realist and educator who shows you the immeasurable power you have over the circumstances of your life. After a lifetime of research, reading and education, he has written a book entitled ‘The Answer is You!: Awaken to your self-responsibility’. The lessons in the book can help you to increase self-awareness by realising that how you respond to your emotions doesn’t only affect you but it also affects those around you.

Tony has also developed keynote presentations, webinars and educational seminars to show people that they are the ones responsible for their actions. Tony will lead you away from emotional motivations and help you see life for what it is, and provide key information for you to see the truth.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

Being accountable in general is an essential quality to have. However, being accountable within the workspace is even more important. This is because those who are accountable in their workspace are more likely to perform their tasks efficiently.

Tony Steven, a realist and an educator with more than thirty years of experience in business as well as non-profit organisations, explains why it is so crucial to have accountability skills within the workplace and how it can benefit not only the individual, but their co-workers as well.

Accountability by definition is: an assurance that an individual or an organization will be evaluated on their performance or behaviour related to something for which they are responsible. “Some examples of accountability in the workplace include; being present at work at the allocated hours, independently carrying out each duty outlined in the job description, communicating any changes or difficulties with management and so on,” explains Steven.

Accountability is crucial for the workplace and it is said that those who are more accountable are more productive than those who are not. This is due to the fact that having a sense of accountability for one’s deeds and labour may increase one’s sense of control and autonomy. People who believe they have some control over their work will be more likely to do so positively. More benefits of workplace accountability include: increased workplace spirit, more transparent communication, improved efficiency, more involvement, improved project execution, lower employee turnover rates, greater degrees of trust as well as higher levels of employee satisfaction.

According to Steven, if there is more workplace accountability, employees are generally more respectful towards one another. This is because they understand the impact their work has on their co-workers and that they are determined to make their impact positive.

There are ways to increase accountability within the workspace. Here are some examples: It is important to have clear expectations. Increased accountability at work could be achieved by making expectations clear. People are more likely to accept responsibility for their actions and try to live up to expectations if they have a clear understanding of what their goals are. Leaders at a company should think about incorporating a discussion about expectations into the onboarding procedure. This can assist in establishing a common understanding of acceptable workplace conduct for all relevant personnel early on in their employment with the company.

Exchanging feedback is another important way to boost accountability. Positive feedback may instil self-assurance in workers and encourage them to accept responsibility for their decisions. Constructive feedback can assist them in identifying activities they might improve. In both cases, receiving feedback might be a great approach to encourage people to reflect on their actions and take proactive action. Feedback becomes a valuable tool to promote workplace accountability as a result.

Employing tools and systems to track the progress of work. Tools and systems created to track work, either in terms of time or the development of a project, can be effective for maintaining responsibility. If someone can plainly understand what they need to accomplish and when they need to do it, it is easier for them to be accountable. For some people, accountability comes easy and they can remain accountable in private, for others they need a public system to keep them on track.

It is important for employees to know that their responsibilities at work mean something and that they have a purpose. Every firm has a goal or mission, and employees who can connect their activities to that larger objective may have a higher feeling of duty and purpose. If people fully get the objective of smaller jobs, such as filling in spreadsheets or categorising data, they may feel more responsibility when performing those smaller chores.

A safe space for employees to grow is critical for creating accountability as well as an all-round healthy work environment. Workplaces that are dedicated to assisting employees to correct unintentional errors may develop a culture of learning and support that makes it easier for people to accept responsibility for their actions. “This can encourage such people to attempt new things and take on new tasks in the knowledge that their employer will assist them during their period of learning and development,” says Steven.

Mutual respect should always be encouraged in the workplace. Respecting others is a crucial component of accountability. This can entail carrying out the plans made and demonstrating confidence in others’ ability to do the same. Companies could decide to provide their employees more flexibility with their job or schedule as a way to build trust and encourage personal accountability.

Finally, it is crucial that company leaders lead by example. By exemplifying accountability themselves, company executives and leaders can contribute to the development of the value of accountability across their business. Professionals at lower levels will be more motivated to practise accountability if they observe leaders doing so. This can support the development of a productive culture based on respect and honesty at all organisational levels.

Accountability in the workplace is a crucial element to creating a healthy work environment. To improve staff accountability, book a Tony Steven course for staff and encourage them to take responsibility for their own accountability. The webinar can also assist participants to take responsibility in their personal life.

Tony Steven is an Australian author, speaker, realist and ultimately, an educator who shows you the immeasurable power you have over the circumstances of your life. After a lifetime of research, reading and education, he has written a book entitled “The Answer is You!: Awaken to your self-responsibility”.

Tony has also developed keynote presentations, webinars and educational seminars to show people that they are the ones responsible for their actions. Tony will lead you away from emotional motivations and help you see life for what it is, and provide key information for you to see the truth.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

Self-Responsibility, is ‘the state of being responsible, answerable or accountable for something within one’s power, control, or management’[1]. As opposed to living a victim-like mindset, self-responsibility is crucial to the development of one’s character and ownership of their circumstances. This concept of living has been addressed across the globe, yet practiced by few. It’s time for self-responsibility to take full effect.

Tony Steven, Australian author, speaker and realist with over three decades of learning and experience, discusses his book ‘The Answer is You!: Awaken to your self-responsibility’. Steven pinpoints important aspects from his first two chapters that will serve as an introduction to self-responsibility in one’s life.

“This book will help those at the very beginning of their awakening. The information herein will push one over the line into self-responsibility”, says Steven. “Good luck. The road ahead, should you decide to take it, is hard, but very rewarding,” he adds.

In the first two chapters, Steven introduces the seven stages of creation, and outlines how these stages are within one’s control, directly, and indirectly. The seven stages of creation are: Ideas, Thoughts, Words, Actions, Reactions, Interactions and Experience. “These stages have been organised as chapters that will outline the steps of creating something in the physical world, and help the reader understand the influence one can have over each one of them as an individual and as a member of this universal community,” says Steven.

Ideas, also known as the first step to manifestation, form an initial element to self-responsibility. Steven discusses how sometimes, people recognise a great idea and how, if implemented, it can change their lives. Ideas can excite people, even motivate people to make it so. Other times we let them slip. Ideas can change the direction of our lives, such as an idea for a new career path.

“The mind is an all-encompassing system that incorporates the total result of the brain, the body, and maybe even, some spiritual forces. The brain uses synapses to operate and these are physical structures, albeit staggeringly complex and magnificent. The brain will learn and create habits, a routine of behaviour that is regularly repeated, and tends to occur subconsciously to ensure you survive and live well,” says Steven.

Simply put, the mind asks questions, attempts to see into the future, and projects forward using imagination; this provides us with the opportunity for ideas. Steven mentions that “the universe has no provision for good or bad, just cause and effect”. Adding to this, any judgement on whether something or someone is good or bad is our own.

“It is in the realm of concrete thought that many of us build a refusal to understand the deeper self, a blindness to the knowledge of oneness, that is when we become selfish and it is then that we enable an ability to do harm,” says Steven. “The deeper real self is incapable of this. This blindness is built by our ego. When we are caught in this rationalising state where we are capable of hurting others, we open ourselves to destructive emotions such as envy, pride, lust, and even hate,” Steven adds.

Thus, self-awareness, learning, and meditation can take one to higher levels of understanding and, in turn, this can breakdown selfishness. “A self-aware person has to face these rationalisations because they can see the truth and it conflicts with the programmed or adopted self-beliefs, many formed in childhood,” says Steven. When people take charge and face these truths, they open themselves to opportunities and possibilities that fit within the patterns of the universe.

“Truth is a token of trust, not what is correct, it’s what you know within yourself to be right. The truth relies totally on you and your application of self-responsibility to exist. But to know the whole truth you have to know all the facts, and none of us can know it all, so therefore on many questions in life, not all, truth is a matter of perspective,” says Steven.

Tony encapsulates these themes, and more pertaining how people can receive ideas, and how people have to take full charge of them. One’s self-awareness allows them to be in control, and act on the following points: education, experience, trial, error, judgement, meditation, focus, physical readiness, and truth. These form the critical growth of one’s self responsibility.

Tony’s first two chapters of the book are available on his website. Click here to read more on them.

Tony Steven is an Australian author, speaker, realist and educator who shows you the immeasurable power you have over the circumstances of your life. After a lifetime of research, reading and education, he has written a book entitled ‘The Answer is You!: Awaken to your self-responsibility’.

Tony has also developed keynote presentations, webinars and educational seminars to show people that they are the ones responsible for their actions. Tony will lead you away from emotional motivations and help you see life for what it is, and provide key information for you to see the truth.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News

Introducing Tony Steven, esteemed Australian author, speaker, realist and educator, who shows people the immeasurable power they can have over the circumstances of their life.

Tony has developed keynote presentations, webinars and educational seminars to demonstrate to people that they are the ones responsible for their actions. After a lifetime of research, reading and education, he has written a book entitled ‘The Answer is You!: Awaken to your self-responsibility’.

In Tony’s book, he identifies and highlights that one must not escape the truth any longer; there should also be no blaming; or taking offence in one’s life. Tony explains the power of enabling self-responsibility and an awakening that will explain life and the way one should live it. Tony’s book is currently on sale, and is promoted on his website.

For 30 years, Tony Steven worked in the Not for Profit sector, ultimately finishing his illustrious career as the CEO of the Australian Medical Association in Tasmania. For many years, he ran his own Association Management Company where his clients included the Council of Small Business of Australia and the National Independent Retailers Association. He was also the State Director of the Liberal Party of Australia in Tasmania in the 1990s.

Tony holds a Diploma in Business Management, Certificate in Front line Management and Hospitality and is a Distinguished Toastmaster, with Toastmasters International. Having extensive experience in the not for profit sector, Tony has represented many associations nationally, and has been a member of many Boards, Committees and lobby groups at both the State and Federal level. He has also made many international representations.

Tony served as the President of AuSAE, (Australasian Society of Associations Executives) throughout Australia and New Zealand, overseeing the redevelopment of the organisation, and its increased in membership ten fold.

In his seventh decade, Tony has the knowledge and experience to educate and guide many to take the control they need to exercise self-discipline so that they can work for the life they want. Unlike most coaches, Tony leads people away from emotional motivations and helps them see life for what it is, and gives the key information for people to see the truth.

As a Keynote Speaker, his mission is to take the audience on an investigation of themselves and flip the table, so to speak, showing how much people rely on false meanings and incorrectly assigned emotions. His presentations seek to show the audience how much power they actually have over their lives and explain how to take control of their destiny.

During his pursuit of self-accountability for many, Tony also explores another area of possibility where the majority of people are trustworthy, tolerant and resilient. In this particular presentation, Tony explains the depth of awareness many have and how to use it for the best results.

“Imagine an economy where more people contribute, where more people can be trusted, where efficiency reaches dizzying heights, an ecology where humanity sits within nature’s capacity, where jobs begin to disappear and engagement is more important than employment,” says Tony. These elements form part of his presentation and packages.

Our reliance on process is a huge contributor to developing a rigid workplace culture, Tony, discusses the importance of trusting staff and letting them serve the customer fully. He elaborates on the importance of decision-making and trust for an employee’s true development within the workplace.

Tony’s hard dose of reality is just what’s needed today, as many tend to live in this bubble and the ideal that the world owes them an explanation, that their downfalls are not of their doing. While this may seem to be a rude awakening for many, it is indeed true. “The world is a tough environment, and we must take ownership of our circumstances and decisions,” says Tony.

Only then, will many be able to develop a tough exterior to criticism, become accustomed to the uncertainties of the current reality and hold themselves accountable for what they’ve done and will do in the future. In the same breath, transparency and trust must be harnessed to the maximum, in every facet of human interaction. The development and importance of trust stands as the solid foundation of Tony’s presentations, and is further built upon with self-responsibility and most importantly, altruism.

“Trust can be tangible if it can be seen to be reliable. To build a better world we need to give, trust, and engage,” says Tony. “We need to support as many people as possible to believe in a mindset where they are self-responsible. This is so we can witness more people giving to others, making us all less self-focused. Also we need to modify bad behaviour by making more people self-aware,” he adds.

He also emphasises the concept of kindness. “Kindness without expectation, is a gift, an act of service or putting the wants and needs of another before your own. Kindness is considered a virtue and is recognised as of value in many cultures and religions,” says Tony. “Being kind is generous, giving, friendly and considerate, it can be a word, an act or a gift. Something with a conscious or even unconscious intention behind it,” adds Tony. Therefore, Tony poses the question, as a recipient of kindness, what should be judged – the kindness or the intention behind it?

Tony’s perspectives and ideals, as mentioned, are from a place of intense experience and education from personal and professional encounters. Visit his website tonysteven.com.au and view his range of presentation specialities , seminars, and a taste of his sought-after book “The Answer is You!: Awaken to your self-responsibility” available now for purchase. Simply click on the book title link above, and embark on your rejuvenating journey to self-responsibility.

Written and syndicated by: YDMA News