Transparent Stree
I disagree with the "Thinking Break" for this section. It said that you should be transparent about stress in both your personal and professional life. This is not correct. I think that stress should not be transparent in your professional life. It is healthy for your friends and family to know of your stress levels so that they can help you cope with stress. But you should not be "transparent" about your stress at work. It is unprofessional for your students and boss to know that you are stressed. It is appropriate to speak with your boss about adjusting your work level to contend with your stress; but this is NOT the same as being transparent about your stress.
Mary, I understand where you are coming from. For many of us, sharing our stress at work can make us feel like we are in a vulnerable position. They key is to find people you trust and can count on, be it at home or at work.
Dr. Melissa Read
I also disagree, I would never be "transparent" with my personal stress at work. If there is someone at work who I also consider a friend, I may talk with them, but typically I do not bring personal issues to the workplace.
As I remember, even a part of the quiz mentioned being transparent in both your home life as well as at work. I tend to agree that personal stress should not be mentioned in a work environment. That should be shared with a friend, not at work.
Nick, It's an interesting balance. On one hand, we want to show our students that we are human and when we are stressed, it's sometimes hard to hide it. At the same time, we want to be strong leaders who demonstrate that we manage through stressful situations well. We want to show great coping skills to our students if nothing more.
Dr. Melissa Read
I didn't go back to re-read the thinking break, but I didn't understand it the same way you did. I thought it was more be honest with yourself & friends/co-workers about it. I would agree that showing stress in front students is unprofessional.
