by Ciara Conlon Head of Operations at EQuita Consulting
It’s easy to be a good leader when times are good, allowing your people to make their own decisions, make their own mistakes. Good leaders encourage and applaud, they are positive and strong. They set the example of the behaviours they want to see throughout the organisation.
Most Organisations try to foster this supportive and encouraging leadership style, a coaching culture that empowers employees to work to their best. This type of leadership style inspires trust and respect. Not everyone is good at this style but with help and encouragement we can all get better.
What happens when the pressure is on?
How not to Behave
I once observed the director of an organisation speak to one of his employees in a very negative manner. The employee didn’t deliver a commitment on time. After an aggressive rant he threatened him by letting him know there were countless others he could hire for the job if he didn’t perform better. I tackled him on it, I said I knew he was suffering from stress but was it fair to pass this burden on to his employee? He responded by saying he couldn’t afford to have dead weight in his organisation and people had to do their bit for his company to survive. So the employee works a bit faster, a bit harder to save his job. Short term productivity, but what happens then when the pressure relaxes, will this employ forget the way his director spoke to him, will he feel loyalty and respect?
So what is your style when you are feeling the pressure? Do you remain strong and encouraging or do you become a little more domineering, a little more demanding, a little less open to suggestions. Do you turn inwards or do you share the burden?
Don’t let difficult times change your style, don’t lose sight of what works. Your people need a strong, solid and positive example, now more than ever they need hope and good communication. Now more than ever good leaders need the support, encouragement and innovation of a powerful loyal and committed team.
Managing Stress
If Stress is what knocks you off course, take a step back and observe what is causing the stress in your life. Here are some of the chief reasons executives experience stress.
High Work Volume
There are often times where the volume of work that needs to be completed is much larger than the standard volume. This can create stress for both manager and team. The best approach to take in periods of high volume work is to ensure you are working on the tasks that are priority. We often spend too much time reacting to work, reacting to emails and the endless information that comes our way. By focusing on the top priorities and completing those tasks you will feel more in control and less stressed. Practise Mindfulness when you do leave the office and worry about what needs to be done only when you are in the positon to affect it.
Conflict
Is there conflict on your team that has to be dealt with? Do you avoid conflict at all costs or are you first in to the challenge? Conflict is a healthy part of team dynamics, people need to be able to challenge each other and debate areas that they disagree on. When this conflict becomes aggressive or one sided this is not positive for the team. Unaddressed conflict causes stress and discomfort for everyone. If there is conflict that needs to be dealt with get some advice if necessary and deal with it.
Disorganisation
Such a simple thing to fix but a major cause of workplace stress. Disorganisation costs organisations thousands of euro each year, can cause employees stress, unhappiness and in extreme cases can even cost them their jobs. Bite the bullet and spend some time clearing your desk your inbox and your head. The benefits are too plentiful to ignore. You will feel a greater sense of control, less procrastinating, improve your focus and get more done.
Work on gaining more control of your stress levels and your reactions. We all know the way we should behave but few of us do what we should be doing. Time to take action, walk your talk and take responsibility for living the values that you want to promote. Be the leader you know you should be.
