“The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another.” –William James
Whether you’re a new graduate or a well-tenured professional, all of us have experienced some form of stress. For many accounting and finance managers, you might find busy seasons such as year-end or tax season to be more stressful than other times during the year. The same can be said for information technology managers in the middle of a systems conversion or network upgrade.
Everyone typically has their own way of coping with stress. Some people may drink that extra cup of coffee or eat a candy bar in the afternoon for a pick-me-up, while others might hit the gym on the way home from the office to wind down before dinner.
Some of these methods might be healthier than others and some provide only short-term fixes, however, you’re options aren’t limited to treats and treadmills.
There are other ways for managers to alleviate stress.
One thing to keep in mind is that stress is inevitable no matter how much a person loves their job. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 40 percent of professionals report that their positions are very or extremely stressful and 25 percent view their jobs as the No. 1 stressor in their lives.
That’s why when I came across a Forbes article that discusses how to manage stress, I knew it was something we could all relate to.
Learn 4 Ways for Managers to Alleviate Stress below.
1. Trust your Team
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Work smarter, not harder.” There’s certainly truth to it, especially when it comes to managing your team. When the work piles up, try to focus on the projects that are most important to you and to delegate other tasks to the individuals who can take them on just as effectively. Further, allow your team to make decisions without you. This will help to alleviate your stress, build team trust and empower the individuals who can step in for you.
2. Understand the WHY
It’s not always about what you do as a manager, rather it’s important to ask yourself why do you do what you do. Some managers might say that they work to provide for their families. This is a great source of motivation and can keep things in perspective when it comes and not get overwhelmed with stress.
3. Plan and Prioritize
While it might sound like a no-brainer, this tip is essential when it comes to managing stress. Look at your calendar and determine what upcoming projects, deadlines and events are taking place and when. Simple organization skills can do wonders for your stress levels and make conquering your to-do list much more manageable. Sometimes stress is unpredictable, so there’s an element of adaptability you need to have, but this certainly helps managers have a better understanding of what they can and can’t control.
4. Step Back
Not every manager can afford to take a vacation when they’re faced with stress at work. However, there are ways to step back from work when it becomes overwhelming in order to be successful. Whether that means taking a walk around the block or spending time with family and friends, there are small tips for alleviating stress. By taking even a 5-minute break from overwhelming tasks, just to rest your eyes from your computer screen, a stressed out manager can return with a clearer mindset and an improved mood overall.
These are just some of the ways for managers to alleviate stress. Do you have other tips? Comment below and let us know.