Wayne,
When you have the knowledge of stress and its effect on you; you have the ability to reduce the negative effects. By practicing good stress management you can excel with manageable skills to overcome and succeed.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Stress can be both a motivator and a distractor. As the course suggested, early signs of "normal" stress is healthy in order to keep us working at peak performance. BUT... when stress overtakes us in can become toxic and unhealthy.
Specific example of the stress distractor includes focusing on the short deadline versus a quality presentation. Quality goes done as stress goes up.
Van,
The secret is knowing what is negative stress and positive. Stress that is caused by trauma, loss of life or crisis is much harder to accept and deal with for an emotional state. When we know how to step into the best practices for stress we will handle the situation much better.
Dr. Gary Carlson
As pointed out in the class it is definitely both. It all has to do with the type of stress and how you let if affect you. It can help propel you forward to excel if it is positive and dealt with in that way.
Kim,
You are on the right track. I usually respond with advice on how to approach stress but you are on the right path with your appoach. This goes to the saying if it isn't broke don't fix it. I would encourage you to practice what has worked for you. The mistake we make is how we forget how we got to the healthy point we are in and start to not continue with the best practices.
Dr. Gary Carlson
It is all situational. It is a motivator b/c it is a stressor and you want to get out of the situation and can push you to move forward to accomplish the task. On the other hand, it can be a distraction which will prevent you from getting to or completing your mission. For me, I try to keep an even temperament no matter what the issue. I do not let anything take me from my center b/c the stakes are too high for me if I become stressed. I have asthma and reacting to stress in a positive manner is paramount. I also had cancer at 24 (now I am 43) and I will not let anything turn that situation into a negative. For others, stress can cause many illnesses and it just is not worth it.
Miriam,
We all are better when we are informed. No surprises makes a better learning experience. We all are victims of our own habits. If the instructor can pave a clear path of what it takes and how to get there students have a better chance of succeeding. This also allows for more individual assistance for the students who are advanced and those that may need more time.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Depends on the person. I give my students a term calendar with the homework and test dates as well as any unusual events posted on it. The students are encouraged to use their available time to work ahead during the beginning of the term when things are a little slower so they will have less to do for my class at the end of the term when other classes may get heavier. I have found those who do this get better grades overall than those who wait and crunch. Plus, the early birds are smiling and coasting at exam time!
Tirrell,
Stress controlled can be a motivator and stress uncontrolled can be negative. Goals are pathways to success. If for any reason the goal is not appropriate or has met with unforeseen variables which have detrimental effects on the outcome we need to have the ability to communicate the expectations to the team. Stress levels can be lessened by communicating to the people who need to know. This is the appropriate time to create a new plan.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Stress is a can be a motivator and a distractor. Knowing that a deadline is approaching can motivate a person to kick themselves into high gear and complete tasks efficiently. However, stress in an impossible environment (where the goal can't be achieved) can become a huge distractor. This stress can often cause physical and mental anquish to the employee.
Irina,
There is stress we may enjoy because of the possible outcome is positive and favorable. Stress that is dangerous is that which puts great pressure on our emotional system through trauma and personal loss. This is when we need to practice the stress relief techniques.
Dr. Gary Carlson
Mild short term stress can be a motivator promoting growth. However, continuous or moderate/ severe stress results in diminished physical functional ability and mental capacity.
William,
Bouncing ideas or thoughts others is a trust factor and respect. When you have someone you respect and trust keeps the conversations between you and your team member.
Dr. Gary Carlson
William,
Stress relief is a combination of events in anyone's life. They are not prescribed activity but are related to good health habits, mental stimulation, spiritual rejuvenation and exercise. How you accomplish this fits the individual preferences.
Dr. Gary Carlson
William,
Projects and task a have process which is a handoff to the individuals who will do the implementation. Stages of research, planning, monitoring and review makes the implementation successful.
Dr. Gary Carlson
William,
The key to accomplishment is organizational skills. I would agree doing multiple task at the same time won't work but to have them prioritized and putting them into sequence is how to get them done with effective performance.
Dr. Gary Carlson
William,
You are right on with your summary of getting it done. Performance can be increased if there is the appropriate time to do the job.
Dr. Gary Carlson
William,
Great leaders have the ability to concentrate with organizational skills to accomplish great things. When a person can handle sequenced events it is a way to accomplish notable task.
Dr. Gary Carlson
William,
Putting timeframes on project that are unnecessary creates a lack of urgency when it may be necessary. Timeframes need to be honest and reliable for getting the job done.
Dr. Gary Carlson
William,
It has been a long known fact that what get measured gets done. When we can place a value on any project with expectations and deadlines the team have the knowledge of what is necessary. Poor leadership is when you don't let them know the facts.
Dr. Gary Carlson
