At Work, Don't Stress: Play Hard

Many times work requires us to work harder:   situations arise that need thoughtful responses, workload increases and competition presents us with new challenges.  Often our responses present themselves as stress. . . which can be both a waste of energy and leadership.

And here's the thing. . .more often than not, our team's skills and our own leadership abilities allow us to meet the challenge. . . without stress.     Think about it. . .we pride ourselves on our accomplishment and abilities. . .we can meet these challenges head on with thoughtful responses, the required workload and the strategy to win over the competition. . .without having to stress about it.

We just have to play hard.

Championship basketball, football, soccer teams rise to the occasion in the final minutes of really tight games.     They win because they do what they do best. . . only at a higher level. . not because they stress about it.   The sideline conversation is not about how much work the game is, or how much time it's taking or how difficult it all is. . .the conversation is about executing to the team's strengths and winning.

We've all been in highly capable teams that, when challenges occur, start to dissipate into despair.   They create additional drama around the situation. . .they engage in mutual hand-wringing (vs. hand holding). . .and they self-convince that the situation is bigger than they are.

All of this creates stress. . .and for what additional result?

There are also leaders and team members that default directly to stress to deal with difficult situations;  they don't consider the inherent talent and determination of the team to win the day.

Granted, there are work situations (unreasonable expectations, unreliable personnel, unsympathetic leadership) that create genuine stress. . . .that is another topic.  If one finds one's self in such a situation . . .seriously consider moving on.

When a work situation, however, calls upon us to be at our best. . . let's do just that and lead the team with confidence. . not stress.  You will be happier, the team will be more confident and all will be rewarded with a better result.

Like it?   Share it!

My book "Courageous Questions, Confident Leaders" is available for e-readers, tablets and PCs from Amazon Kindle.