Dealing with Stress

A recent study by the International Labor Organization showed that one in ten people in the workplace suffer from depression, anxiety, stress or burnout. That's alarming. The overwhelming wave of information from technological advances; the pace of globalization in nearly every business; overwork and financial insecurity, plus the chaotic dysfunction of business politics have brought about tremendous stress in the workplace.
What's the cause of all that stress? There isn't one single cause... it's a combination of unrealistic deadlines, lack of clear instructions, isolated working conditions, lack of decision-making, workplace surveillance, uncertainty of job status, and dominating managers. Everyone seems to be facing the same challenge of doing more with less: more productivity, fewer people; increased responsibility, less reward; greater customer demand, little time. The list is endless.
After heart disease, depression in the workplace is the most disabling illness for workers around the world. Predictions are mental and neurological disorders could pass highway accidents, AIDS and violence as a primary cause of work years lost from early death or disability in the next 20 years if nothing is done. And, futurists also say women are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression at work.
While some companies are trying to improve their management strategies by putting greater emphasis on family and life issues with stress reduction programs, it still becomes the responsibility of an individual to control stress in their individual workplace.
Let's face it. Anyone who expects a job, a leadership position, or even life itself to be all fun and games is not living in the real world. There are always going to be tough times. And the higher you climb up the ladder of success, the tougher things become. Have you seen the sign that reads: "It's mine. I worked for it. I deserve it! As soon as I find time, I'll have my nervous breakdown." That sounds funny but it's become shockingly true.
When you look around you, who would you say suffers most often from stress? The hard-driving boss who's always fuming? The overly-achieving, aggressive salesperson? Perhaps the quiet, passive engineer or accountant? Wrong.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, a high percentage of the victims of high blood pressure and heart attack are just average, normal working people. Many are in business and community leadership roles. So, what does that say to you? Every one of us... regardless of age, financial status, career, education, career, or gender... is subject to the effects of stress.
Let's look at some remedies to help reduce the stress in your life:
1. Prepare for problems. We don't plan to die next week but we still pay our life insurance premiums each month... just in case. You don't plan to have a flat tire, but you always have a spare in the trunk, right? The same with problems in your life.
One of the best lifelines you can have is the understanding and courage to handle problems that occur. Many problems are simply opportunities hiding behind the mask of trouble. When you have the courage to confront problems head-on, your chances of avoiding a crisis or emergency increase greatly. When you recognize dangerous situations in advance, actions can be taken to avert a catastrophe and avoid a heap of stress.
2. Understand the problem. Many times, we don't take time to understand the true nature of a problem.
"Bill just jumped up from his chair and ran out the door," an excited employee said to the boss. "You taught us that it was unsafe to run through the office."
"Did you try to stop him?" the boss asked.
"Yes, but he kept on running," the employee replied. "His pants were on fire."
Always get to the root cause of the problem. You might discover that what was perceived as the problem is only a symptom of the real problem.
3. Probe the problem. Edwards Deming, the American credited with starting the total quality movement in Japan after World War II, taught that problem solvers need to ask seven "why" questions to get to the root cause of a problem. I've found that to be very helpful in my work. As a business consultant, I'm often confronted with problems within a client's organization. When I ask "Why does this problem exist?" and follow with another "why" question, then another and another until the seventh one does the real cause of the problem become clear. Don't jump to conclusions without seeing the complete picture. The solution should be in fixing the problem, not focusing the blame.
4. Use the fishbone . Another Deming technique from total quality management to solve problems is the Ishikawa fishbone method. To disclose the causes to the problem, draw a horizontal arrow that points toward a written statement of the problem. Just a simple sentence will do. Now, start brainstorming all the possible causes of the problem. Draw lines resembling fish bones from the horizontal arrow to represent the various categories of possible causes. Most problems have five contributing categories: people, method, environment, equipment and measurement. The fishbone will provide a wide range of causes. "Then, you are ready to start analyzing and prioritizing the causes to take corrective action."
5. See the solution. What will the situation look like when the problem is solved? Have that picture in your mind as you begin to analyze the various causes to the problem. Then, start prioritizing the reasonable choices open to you. Don't settle on one without considering all the actions available. And, discuss the problem and your choices with someone whose judgment you value before making your decision.
6. Take action. As Nike's slogan says: "Just do it." Don't ponder or delay. Take action and start implementing your decision. Good leaders move forward. Consultant and author Tom Peters says we need to fail forward faster. It's usually best to act and make a mistake than to do nothing or to postpone action. I like Mark Twain's words: "You'll get run over if you just sit there."
A true lifeline to leadership is the ability to handle problems and move on to other challenges rather than wallow and fret over problems without taking any action. Some solutions might not be realized overnight, they could take months or years. You might have to make adjustments in your plans to accept new information or new situations but don't let the problem get the best of you. Don't succumb to the stress. Keep it under control.