Page 280 - DMGT106_MANAGING_HUMAN_ELEMENTS_AT_WORK

Managing Human Element at Work

Notes 5. Breathe deeply, and between inhaling and exhaling; tell yourself that you can cope with
the situation.
6. Maintain a quiet place at home and relax there briefly every day.
7. Take a leisurely vacation (even if only a weekend) with no work.

8. Finish something you have started, however small. A sense of accomplishment reduces
stress.
9. Avoid drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.

10. Stop to smell flowers, make friends, and play with a kitten or puppy.
11. Strive to do a good job but not a perfect job.
12. Work with your hands, doing a pleasant task.
13. Write down your angry thoughts on a piece of paper or type on your computer rather
than keeping them to yourself.
14. Next time you are caught up in such a situation, think how your favourite star or cartoon
character would deal with it.

12.9.6 Role Management
The idea of role management can be related to time management, in which the individual
actively works to avoid overload, ambiguity, and conflict. For example, if you do not know
what is expected of you, you should not sit and worry about it. Instead, ask for clarifications
from your boss. Another role management strategy is to learn to say “no.” As simple as saying
“no” might sound, many people create problems for themselves by always saying “yes.”
Besides working in their regular jobs, they agree to serve on committees, volunteer for extra
duties, and accept extra assignments. Sometimes, of course, we have no choice but to accept
an extra obligation (if our boss tells us to complete a new project, we will probably have to do
it). In many cases, however, saying “no” is an option.

12.10 Handling Stress by Getting Close to People

An ideal way of managing stress is the one that provides additional benefits. Getting close to
people reduces some of our tension and enables us to form healthy relationships with other
human beings in the process. Closeness suggests getting in touch with your feelings or tuning
into others. If you want to be close to someone else, and, therefore, reduce stress, you may need
to first get close to yourself.

12.10.1 Getting Close to Yourself
Solitude, perhaps taking walks alone, can be tension reducing. Yet, many people find it difficult
to get close to them. Part of the reason is that they find solitude uncomfortable.
12.10.2 Getting Close to Others

By getting close to others, you build a support system, a group of people on whom you can
rely on for encouragement and comfort. The trusting relationship you have with these people
is critically important. People you can go to with your problems include family members,
friends, co-workers, and other students. In addition, some people in turmoil seek help from
strangers to discuss personal problems. An effective way of developing a social support network
is to become a good listener so that others will reciprocate when you need to talk about your
problems. The usual method of reducing stress is to talk over your problems while the other
person listens. Switching roles can also help reduce stress. Listening to other people will make
you feel better because you have helped them. Another advantage of listening to the problems
of others is that it helps you get close to them.

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