Signs of Stress

My blog on November 24 discusses ways that individuals can deal with stress.   From another perspective, an article on Page 1J in The Dallas Morning News in the November 28, 2010, edition “Co-workers Behavior” by Amy Winters of Creators Syndicate discusses behaviors that even hard-working employees may exhibit if they are under extreme stress.  The warning signs listed below may indicate that an individual is under stress needs assistance:

1.    Extreme tardiness and absences:  A dedicated worker starts making excuses to leave the office early or vacates without permission.

2.    More Supervision: Usually, a worker requires less supervision as he or she becomes more familiar with tasks.  If an employee suddenly seeks increased attention, it could be a cry for help.

3.    Decrease in productivity: An efficient worker has an unexpected drop in performance.

4.    Strained working relationships: A worker starts to become disruptive with co-workers.

5.    Unable to concentrate: A worker is most like worried about something else.

6.    Changes in health or hygiene: A worker starts to pay less attention to his or her appearance and well being.

7.    Substance abuse: a worker is probably using drugs or alcohol to cope with stress.

If you observe someone exhibiting any of the about signs or perhaps you see yourself exhibiting such signs, it is time to provide or receive help. As a manager or peer, it may be difficult to confront the employee directly, so I suggest you contact your organization’s human resource department or the employee assistance representative.  Having personally been in an extremely stressful situation, I know how such situation can become very dangerous. 

Please comment in this blog about experiences you may have had with stressful situation.

Thanks!  Glyn    

Stress and Struggling

As anyone that reads my blog knows I am really fond of lists.  Writers use lists to summarize their main ideas. My strategic management students analyze organizations by identifying lists of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. So I was really drawn to articles on Page 1J in The Dallas Morning News in the November 21, 2010, edition directed to job seekers. Here are the lists contained in these articles.

A question is raised by a job seeker in an article by Cheri Butler with the title “Keep Stress at Bay during Job Hunt”: ‘The job-search process has left me stressed.  Any tips on what I can do to better manage the uncertainty?  Cheri’s answer:  The job-search process can be challenging and exhausting and often creates stress and anxiety for the job seeker.’  Here are some summarized suggestions for destressing:’

1.    Find time for yourself. Put time on your calendar to do relaxing and fun things.

2.    Find time to help others. Volunteer in your community using your particular skills.

3.    Find time to exercise. Exercise creates the release of endorphins which have been proved to combat depression in addition to healthy results such as weight loss and fitness.

4.    Find time for family and friends. Make sure you maintain your network of people who will help you to remain positive during your job search.

5.    Find time to network with others in the job search. There are many search net-works in local areas.

An article by Metro Creative Connection “Finding Work in a Still-Struggling Economy” provides the following steps job seekers can take to increase chances of finding a fulfilling career:

1.    Make a daily commitment.  Finding a job is a full-time job so a daily schedule devoted to finding work is essential.

2.    Don’t sit on leads.  Time is of the essence so react immediately to job leads.  You are not the only one seeking employment.

3.    Tailor letters to each specific job.  Sending a form appearing letter may end in a round file. Develop each letter to a specific job, explaining how your individual skills match the open position.

4.    Network with friends, family, and past colleagues. Many people are out of work so you should not be ashamed to be unemployed.  Many employed people are only employed today because they networked and it paid off.

5.    Don’t be caught off guard. Job openings don’t last very long, and the applicant who’s ready to jump on a job opening is the one who’s most likely to land the job.    

Did you notice some similarities in these job seeking lists?  Please comment in this blog if you find these and other lists contained in my blog helpful.

Thanks!  Glyn    

‘Tis The Season for Holiday Jobs

An article on Page 13A in The Dallas Morning News in the November 15, 2010, edition “Start Hunt for Seasonal Jobs” from The Kansas City Star and The Associated Press  reminds job seekers that retail stores are staffing-up for the holiday season. According to Challenger, Gray, and Christmas, retailers will add 500,000 to 650,000 jobs this season.  Last year 500,000 jobs were added.  The average pay for these jobs is $10.60 per hour.

Here is the message for individual seeking work this holiday season:

1.    Apply in person if you can, presenting a friendly, positive, can-do attitude.

2.    Have previous experience in the industry.

3.    Be flexible about the shifts you’re willing to work.

4.    Commit to the entire holiday season, including the post-Christmas rush.

5.    Show a passion for, knowledge of or loyalty to the company and its products.

Hey, I think these suggestions make sense for all job seekers!  Please share your success in finding jobs this holiday season with readers of this blog.

Thanks!    Glyn    

Feminine Traits Can Strengthen Business

An article on Page 1J in The Dallas Morning News in the November 14, 2010, edition “Tips for Seasonal Workers” by Amy Winters of the Creators Syndicate, discusses how seasonal positions can become full time jobs.   However, I think that the most interesting part of the article discusses how feminine traits can help companies thrive as the social media changes.

Quoting Barry Libert, author of Social Nation: How to Harness the Power of Social Media to Attract Customers, Motive Employees and Grow Your Business, the article discusses the following feminine traits that when exhibited by both women and men can result in improved leadership:

1.     Get to know your workers.  Understand what motivates them and what encourages them to come to work every day.

2.    Ask for help. If you aren’t sure how to do something, don’t be afraid to ask for other opinions.  It is ok to collaborate, even when you are the leader.

3.    Let others lead sometime.  Pass the power down and allow others to be in charge when needed.  Listen to your leadership group.

4.    Try to gain better self-awareness.  Attempt to understand how your workers view you.  Are you intimidating? Are you unapproachable and not willing to help?

5.    Be open to a social culture.  This type of culture will allow employee talent to develop and grow, leading to a positive impact for the company.

6.    Focus on others.   It isn’t all about you.  It is about team building and developing a faithful and positive work force.

While this blog typically focuses on strategies assisting its readers finding employment, I think Libert’s ideas are helpful.  Please share your comments with readers of this blog.

Thanks!    Glyn    

Reconnecting with Your Alma Mater

An article on Page 1D in The Dallas Morning News in the November 13, 2010, edition “Alumni Seek Career Coaching” by Melissa Repko, provides actual examples of university career centers assisting its graduates in finding employment.

While I personally have not used alumni counseling services provided by my schools, I think that universities are great resources for ex-students seeking employment.  In addition, I suggest job seekers reconnect with their favorite teachers.  Many of these professors have contacts throughout industry.   

Please share your experience with readers of this blog if you have found your university alumni career counseling services helpful.

Thanks!    Glyn