 | ||
| ||
|
Managing Stress "Calming yourself, clearing your thoughts, being quietly confident..." |
|
|
|
|
Stress Control: Tough Leadership vs. Easy Does It
Tough leaders are usually seen as ogres. Theirexacting demands and high expectations add tostress levels. And their obsessive compulsivebehavior can have a negative effect on results ifthey don't understand how to control stress to getpositive results without serious negativereactions. The same kind of leadership challenge can be foundin the Army. Management at all levels are facedwith the decision of "tough leadership" or "easydoes it" in preparing troops for combat and on thebattlefield. Good military leaders work hard to balance theencouragment of positive stress with the debilitatingnegative stress they confront. The best leadersknow how to use positive stress to get the most outof their troops. And they know how to tone thingsdown to when negative stress threatens productivity. The Army is fanatic about training officers andsergeants to take care of the troops. And thesewell-trained leaders are fanatic about carryingout their responsibilities. The soldiers in theircommand don't always realize why these leadersare so focused on having everything 100% ready --personnel, equipment, and training. Even the most personable leaders are sometimesaccused of managing "by the book" or of being tooconcerned with their own personal recognition andpromotion. But those who make these allegations,miss the point. Just the opposite is true. As in the corporate arena, these "fanatic"leaders are primarily interested in the welfareof their people. They want to complete the unit'smission with minimum personnel loss. Strictdiscipline, intensive and complete training, andnumerous inspections are essential for combatreadiness. Corporate leaders face the same typechallenges as they strive for efficient andeffective productivity. Failing to enforce regulations, conduct detailedinspections, or practice combat readiness istantamount to dereliction of duty. The extraeffort that goes into intensive training programscreates additional stress in the unit, but lesspersistent commanders actually endanger theirtroops and their mission when they fail toschedule training that teaches troops how to dealwith the hazards they will face. Keep this in mind the next time you are tempted torelax a corporate policy. "Easy does it" might bewhat your employees want to hear, but you mightalso be derelict in your responsibilities if yougive them what they want. A little "tough leadership" can give your people andyour company the edge needed to compete on today'scorporate battlefield. To get a free article and learn more aboutcontrolling the top 10 workplace stressors, senda blank email to 10stressors@couragebuilders.com Dale Collie - professional speaker, formerUS Army Ranger, CEO, and a Fast Company top50 innovative leader. Author of "WinningUnder Fire." (McGraw-Hill) collie@couragebuilders.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Rested? The Three Keys to Finding True Rest, Just in Case What do you think of when you see that word? Envy? Vague nostalgia? Familiar comfort? When did you last feel truly rested, and woke up feeling recharged, content, and ready to enjoy the day? If you're having trouble remembering, then read on.Rest is more than just going to bed at a good hour. Planning Stress Management Deadlines at work, demanding bosses, bills to be paid at home, kids demanding for time and attention, changes in the environment, etc. AAARRRRGH. Stressed Out? It May Be Your Job "I'm stressed out."If you find yourself thinking--or saying--this on a regularbasis, you might have a real problem on your hands. Unmanaged Stress Kills and Ruins Lives! Sit a Bit When I pay attention, I clearly see the arresting ways God works in my life. Often people I meet in my programs (or elsewhere) give me such profound, relevant messages I know the hand of God is at work and it is to my peril to ignore such directives. Do You Have Your Foot On The Pedal? Are You Overwhelmed At Work? Is your in-tray or inbox full? I don't normally check the time that emails are sent to me, but for some reason I noticed that Nadia's message had beensent at 2am. In her email she explained that she really needed some help, to deal with all the stress in her life:This morning I rushed out of the house before the kids gotup. How Stress Effects Neurotransmitters The brain uses feel-good transmitters called endorphins when managing daily stress. When the brain requires larger amounts of endorphins to handle increased stress, the ratio of many of the other transmitters, one to another, becomes upset creating a chemical imbalance. 10 Tips To Reduce Stress 1. Determine your "unique ability" and capitalize on itDelegate the tasks that detract from allowing you to shine--doing what you do best. The Scoop on Stress and Exercise Stress is defined as a response by your body to any demand made upon it and a 'demand' means a change.Did you know different stress levels have names? For example "Neutral" stress is the amount of work it takes to maintain normal body function. Stress Can Create Symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder Stress can affect virtually any part of the body and produce physical, mental and emotional symptoms weakening the immune system and impairing coordination and thinking ability. Stress comes from relationships, from school or work situations, and from our own expectations. Are You Soakin' It Up? ?And holding it way down inside you like an old sponge? Be careful. Just like an old sponge that's held its liquid a little too long, we may start to get stinky in a day or two. Aromatherapy Candles Release Stress Have you been feeling so stressful and almost losing your patience over anything? Everything seems to be shattered and you think that you cannot handle it anymore. This is definitely the perfect time to lighten the burden! Aromatherapy is a great conclusion. 9 Warning Signs of Stress Stress is the nastiest 4 letter word you ever met. Don't stress, I know it is six letters but it packs the wallop of the meanest 4 letter word you ever heard. Stress Management Have you ever said the words, "This job/my life is so stressful!" Or something else along those lines?Most people believe that stress is something that happens in their lives. They believe it is the result of outside circumstances beyond their control. Managing Your Every Day Stresses And Anxieties Looking for all of the answers in how to manage your persistent anxieties and stresses? As an author of a managing fear book, I found it difficult to find all of the answers in managing my anxieties. Although I am a layman and not a professional, I have interviewed many psychologists and clergyman and I have over fifteen years of experience in dealing with fear. How to Cope When Things Go Wrong There are times in every person's life when things do not go according to the way we would like. All of us have our ups and downs. 8 Practical Methods to Remain Empowered During Stressful Times 1. Acknowledge that requesting support, guidance and partnership is not the same as being needy. Getting Rid of Your Frustrations Punch a pillowScream into a pillowTurn on your favorite music and dance, sing.. Stress Management: 5 More Things to Clean Out of Your Mental Closet ResentmentsA wise friend once said that holding onto resentments is like trying to crush a sandspur between your fingers. You might eventually do it, but it sure is going to hurt you in the process. Technology and Stress- How to Prevent Technology From Taking Over Your Life 1. 5-minute rule. Three Stress Relief Techniques There is good stress, and there is bad stress. Good stress is the type that propels a person to excel, to reach new heights or to complete a big project on time.
|
|
|
| © Career Consulting Limited.com 2010
|