Sometimes, Reduce the Stress

Is your team under stress?

Yes, it's every leader's task to help the team to produce at its highest level. That will at times put some people under stress. Eustress, or positive stress, can help to energize, motivate and activate people. But too much stress -- distress -- can send people into polarizing tailspins and produce counter-productive effects. That's not what you want.

If you constantly place your people under stress don't be surprised if they are less than their best.

Sometimes, reduce the stress. Show some patience. Forgive a lost deadline if its not mission-critical. Laugh more, forgive often, empathize constantly.

When leaders balance their strength with their compassion they become even more effective.

What can you do to relieve your team of some piece of stress? Are you willing to do that?

-- Douglas Brent Smith

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