Stress Management Tip: Better Problem Solving

Sometimes stress management isn’t about relaxation, better eating, getting a massage, or practicing yoga. The best stress management strategy might be a better way to solve a stressful problem. Here’s a problem-solving formula to apply to the root of a problem you face that causes stress: 1) Define the problem; 2) Think of as many ways to intervene as possible; 3) Select the most practical solution; 4) Write goals to achieve; 5) Write objectives under each goal; 6) Select deadlines for #4 and #5; 7) Commit to success (say “no” to distractions and procrastination); and 8) Begin.

When You Don't Mind Giving a Raise

Not all requests for raises are inappropriate, but as part of your supervisory skills training, you may want to add this brief presentation to your bag of tricks. You will need it in the future. You may think the employee deserves the raise he or she is asking for, but regardless, teach the employee to be professional by putting the request in writing using a format that you can take to top management. They will want you to justify it. Make the employee do the work. So, a written request for a grade increase or promotion is more effective than an oral request. Oral requests are easily postponed, forgotten, and argued against. That's the rationale, so tell the employee this. They also put the burden on the manager to “sell" the whole idea to the next level of management. Tell your employee to do the following. Try this proposal outline: 1) statement of original duties and responsibilities for the position; 2) statement of present duties and responsibilities for the position; and 3) identify each new duty and how it demonstrates increased responsibility, not workload. By the way, this is called completed staff work and you can learn about that too. A newsletter to help you learn more skills is FrontLine Supervisor Newsletter. It's now in it's 17th year.

Stating Opinions Diplomatically

Whenever you volunteer your opinions or concerns, are you speaking respectfully and tactfully to your coworkers or teammates? Do so and others are more likely to appreciate your tone and heed your views. If you sound preachy or tell people what they should do, your ideas, even if they are stellar, will face a harder sell. 

To state your opinions diplomatically and improve receptivity to your ideas, establish a give-and-take conversational style when you speak with your team. Rather than spout your ideas, ask questions so that others do most of the talking.Listen attentively and show interest in how others arrived at their conclusions. Try it. 

These are powerful engagement skills, and your peers are likely to ask what you think or believe. And along with this approach comes more attentiveness to what you say. Add a quick overview of your evidence to support your opinions when offering your input. Example: “Based on three instances in which we lost a potential customer, I’m concerned that our sales pitch isn't working very well.” The study of how to be effective and productive in business group discussions is called “group discussion dynamics.” It is a highly researched and studied topic. Lessons learned are available to help you improve your productivity and achieve more for your employer. Learn more about it to advance your career.