Managing Teams & Work Related Stress
“Our bodies react to stress in exactly the same way whether or not we have a good reason for being stressed. The body doesn't care if we're right or wrong. Even in those times when we feel perfectly justified in getting angry, when we tell ourselves it's the healthy response, we pay for it just the same.”
- Doc Childre & Howard Martin, The HeartMath Solution
People respond to stress in different ways
The most obvious response is someone who becomes loud, angry and attention seeking, or even displays ‘drama queen’ behaviour. Some people under stress may argue about facts, figures and data at the expense of someone's feelings. Others may become particularly sensitive to what is said and to your tone of voice. They might misinterpret a loud or rushed voice as angry. Some people will withdraw, either physically or emotionally. If you ask what is wrong, particularly if you do not have rapport with them, their response may be a terse "Nothing" or "I'm fine!"
As a manager, parent, coach or partner, consider the stress responses of the people in your ‘team’
Learn to recognise these responses, and when you do become aware of them take a moment to speak to that person privately. From a place of rapport and clear intent, check in with them if there is anything you can do to support them.
Perhaps they need a listening ear, a pat on the back or even the space to get their work completed in private. When we have support and encouragement, we are then motivated to work harder, lifting the performance of our entire team, and making it a happier place to be.
Executive coaching is an effective tool to create a compelling future for yourself, your team and you employer
Your thoughts and perception of reality can have a profound impact on your day-to-day performance, coaching can help you create positive thought patterns in yourself and others, learn effective reframing techniques and understand the power of words on performance with self and others.