People across almost all industries and geographies are feeling a huge amount of pressure today.
For many, there is not enough work and they are hustling to make things happen. On the other hand, you may have too much to do and may be overwhelmed or burnt out.
We all know people experiencing high stress from working on the front lines. Many are worried about contracting the virus while needing to ‘make ends meet.’ Others are working from home, in isolation, and experiencing a fraying in their relationships. It is not a great picture for anyone.
The Impact of Pressure
At IHHP, we have long studied how pressure affects people and what happens when it increases, as it is during this pandemic.
We know that pressure diminishes our ability to:
- think clearly
- make effective decisions
- be creative
- work on a team, and
- meaningfully connect with others
In short, it impairs our ability to manage and lead others. And it can affect anyone.
When under high stress, air traffic controllers, pilots, and oil rig chiefs make errors in judgment. ER doctors and nurses can make inappropriate decisions and incorrect diagnoses. Politicians forget their talking points or otherwise stumble and fumble. Leaders and managers miss opportunities to build relationships and lose the engagement and critical discretionary efforts of their team.
Doing Your Best When It Matters Most
Since so few handle people pressure well, those who can manage it a little better enjoy a distinct advantage. They are equipped to successfully engage their teams during this difficult time and move their organizations forward.
Given the way pressure is engulfing so many today, navigating it is becoming the single most important difference maker between people who succeed at adapting and those who struggle.
After working with individuals under pressure for our book, Performing Under Pressure, we identified 22 solutions. Over the next few weeks, we will update this blog with some of those solutions. We will also provide more context in our Last 8% Morning podcast. In both, we will explore how people are feeling today and some of the best ways to manage your emotions. If you are feeling pressure, anxiety, stress or burnout, you won’t want to miss it!
Pressure Solutions
- Befriend the Moment
- Multiple Opportunities
- Downsize the Importance
- Focus on Your Mission
- Anticipate, Anticipate, Anticipate
- Recognize That You Are Worthy
- Recall You at Your Best
About the Author
Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry is one of the founders of IHHP. He co-wrote the NY Times bestseller, Performing Under Pressure, and is sought out by Fortune 500 companies as a keynote speaker. If you want to hear more about how to manage stress and pressure, subscribe to his podcast Last 8% Morning on Apple, Spotify, and Stitcher.