Motivational speaker Joel Zeff is a former newspaper journalist and public relations executive. Joel started his own consulting business in 1994 teaching. His business initially focused on helping technology and telecommunications companies with marketing, advertising and public relations. As he came in contact with so many corporate cultures, he noticed the glaring need for employees to have more fun and re-energize their creative spirit while reducing stress in a bad economy.
We are all facing challenges. Today, the economy is our main concern. Tomorrow, there will be other obstacles. How do we continue to keep reducing stress in a bad economy for employees during difficult times?
First, we need to stop worrying and relax. Give yourself a break. Stop letting the media feed your fears with the dreaded “r” word. Even during an “r” people work. Companies manufacture, transport, distribute, sell, market, advertise, produce, grow, research, develop, entertain, build and purchase. We have to figure out a way to do it without being cranky and stressed. Yes, we need to have more fun. More importantly, we need to motivate and energize our employees to have more fun and increase their passion.
Yes, you can have fun. And in the process keep reducing stress in a bad economy and help create a more productive, innovative and fun work environment. First, we have to create a foundation so that fun can exist. Here are three simple ideas to reduce your stress, help motivate your employees and create a foundation to have more fun.
1. Sometimes you have to ask. If something is bothering you and causing stress, then speak up and say something. Most people will just stew or whine in the break room rather than speak up. They don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. Guess what? Someone’s feelings are being hurt – your feelings. If you ask nicely, most people would be happy to oblige and help. They probably don’t even know their words or actions are bothering you.
2. Be a better listener. Everyone thinks they are good listeners. In reality, we get into bad habits that prevent us from being good, active listeners. We multi-task. We wait to talk. We play solitaire on our computer during a conference call. Pay attention to your listening skills. When we listen, we are more effective as a team; we are better communicators; we are more productive; and we have more fun. Listening to each other every day will change our work environment faster than any pizza party, softball game or team building event where you make boats out of cardboard boxes, aluminum foil and paper towels.
3. If you really want to keep reducing stress in a bad economy, make a list of everything that caused you stress and frustration in the last week. Take a really hard look at what you wrote. You will giggle. Why? Because most of the things on that list don’t matter. Sure, there are some very important items on the list. Most of the items, though, we will forget about in a short time. Why do we forget? Because they really were not that important. When you are in the middle of a stressful and frustrating situation, take a moment and ask, “Am I going to giggle about this in a week?”
Staying sane at work in a bad economy can be easy. Use these tips from Joel Zeff and you will start to see your stress levels go down in now time. You can also read more on staying sane at work in a bad economy by visiting Joel’s blog.
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