9 Ways Leaders Can Boost Morale and Lower Stress During Tough Times
Today's workplace is fraught with difficult emotions and tension. As a leader, be sure you deal with those head-on or risk the consequences.
By Diann Daniel
Layoffs, a worsening economy, too much to do and too little time to do it. No wonder we feel more stressed than ever.
Anger, low morale, depression, lack of interest and fatigue are just a few of the side effects.
And those emotions don't get checked at the door of the workplace—especially considering work is an increasing source of stress for so many, says Maureen Moriarty, executive coach and founder of Pathways to Change. The cost of ignoring those feelings is high—absenteeism, turnover, and low morale to name few.
Emotional intelligence (the ability to identify and manage emotions) is important for anyone who deals with other people. But as a leader, you have great influence over the morale of others. That's why it's doubly important to develop your own emotional intelligence, and create a work environment where excitement, motivation and enthusiasm have the best chance of growing.
Here's how. (When you're done with the slideshow, be sure to give us your tips on how to relieve stress and how to boost workplace morale.)
Invite positive solution-oriented responses.
Times are
tough, and
difficult changes in the organization are the norm. That's why honesty, authenticity and
openness are so important. But those are very different than focusing on the doom and gloom. Now, more than ever, helping to create a positive outlook and feelings of control in your
staff is crucial. Ask questions in a way that encourages solutions, says Moriarty. For example, "What's working well? What are our strengths? What do we want this organization to look like?" The energy of a room will change based simply on how you ask the questions.
Image credit: Photos.com
