The Paradox of Achievement: Why Do We Struggle to See Ourselves as Others See Us

Why do we never see ourselves as others see us?

Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to accept a compliment, especially after achieving something extraordinary?

Having watched the Olympic games with all the highs and lows it was just amazing. Their journey to perfect their craft a journey of determination, dedication and effort that brings physical and mental challenges, none more than  the emotion of finishing fourth in the Olympic Games—an incredible feat by any standard. Yet, many athletes feel disappointment rather than pride. Why do we struggle to acknowledge our achievements, even when we've clearly outdone ourselves?

The way we perceive ourselves often differs significantly from how others see us, and it affects us all even our Olympic superheroes.

Most of the time regardless of our position in life we measure our success against others. In a competitive environment like the Olympics, finishing fourth can feel like a failure compared to winning a medal, despite it being a monumental achievement. But for our superheroes while the initial heartbreak is raw their resilience in the face of disappointment is nothing short of inspirational.

Their performances serve as beacons of inspiration, inspiring a spark in others to strive to be the best they can be in their set goals.

For our Olympic superheroes and many of us who will never win an Olympic medal the drive to be the best we can be leaves a mark on us far beyond the shine of any medal.

Setting Realistic Goals and Embracing Progress

For us mere mortals and even Olympic superheroes it's essential to set realistic goals and recognise the value of our efforts, even if we don't achieve our ultimate objective.

I won many trophies and medals in my sporting life but for many of them I never took time to celebrate success. Only after I suffered mental exhaustion working 84 hours a week did I change my life to be more in the present, In my marathon and Ultra marathon running I set personal goals such as achieving a specific distance or a personal best time. This allowed me to focus to improve my running rather than comparing myself to others. I took some time to acknowledge and celebrate smaller wins on the way to my larger goal of running ultra marathons. This kept me motivated along the way.

I regularly reflected on my progress, this can help you appreciate your progress and keep the bigger picture in mind.

Disappointment is natural when we fall short of our goals, but it's so important not to let it overshadow our achievements. Understanding and addressing the psychological factors that influence our self-perception can help us appreciate our efforts and successes more fully.

Remember, achieving greatness often involves overcoming internal barriers as much as external ones. Embrace your journey, celebrate your progress, and never underestimate your achievements.

Believe in yourself

If you wish to know more about my journey to suffering Mental exhaustion and my recovery then read my book The Bulletproof Banker available on Amazon https://amzn.eu/d/gkxeZXN

If you wish to know more about my Career coaching and  Stress coaching check out my website bjkennomotivation.com.

#Achievement #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealth #Goals #Motivation #Psychology

Does it matter where you sit for a performance review.

The idea that having a direct report sit to the manager's right during a one-on-one meeting improves communication is rooted in certain psychological principles in nonverbal communication. Here are some key points related to this practice:

Sitting next to each other, rather than across a desk, can reduce perceived barriers and create a more collaborative environment.

When people sit side-by-side, it can foster a sense of partnership and equality, reducing the hierarchical tension that might exist when one person sits directly opposite another. This positioning can make the conversation feel less confrontational and more collegial.

Sitting to the right, rather than directly in front, might allow for more comfortable eye contact. Direct face-to-face positioning can sometimes feel too intense or confrontational, while side-by-side positioning allows for natural eye contact without the pressure.

For right-handed individuals (the majority of people), having someone to their right can make it easier to take notes or gesture comfortably without obstructing the view. This can facilitate smoother interactions and less physical awkwardness.

In some cultures, side-by-side seating is more common and comfortable for discussions, whereas direct face-to-face seating is reserved for more formal or adversarial interactions.

Side-by-side seating (such as sitting to the right) can promote a sense of working together on the same problem or issue, rather than having a "you versus me" dynamic allowing for collaboration.

This seating arrangement can be less intimidating for the direct report, potentially leading to more open and honest communication because everyone is more comfortable

It allows for a more natural interaction, as people often feel more at ease and less scrutinized when they are not directly facing someone.

 Furthermore, there is another reason related to the brain's hemispheric functions that might explain why a person sitting to the right could be more open to communication. This reason involves how the brain processes emotions and facial cues, which are crucial for effective communication.

The right hemisphere of the brain is more involved in processing emotional and social information. It plays a crucial role in recognizing facial expressions, intonation, and other non-verbal cues that are essential for empathetic and effective communication.

Information from the left visual field is processed by the right hemisphere, and vice versa. When a person sits to your right, their face primarily falls into your left visual field. This means that the emotional and social cues from their face are processed by your right hemisphere, which is better equipped for this task.

Finally, as a leader when your direct report sits to your right, their facial expressions and other non-verbal cues are more likely to be processed by your right hemisphere, enhancing your ability to understand and respond to their emotions effectively. This arrangement might help in creating a more empathetic and emotionally connected interaction, as a leader you may pick up on subtle emotional signals more accurately.

Give it a go for your next Performance 1-2-1

Does it matter where you sit for your Performance 1-2-1

The Main Characteristics of Great Leadership

Great leadership is the foundation of any successful organisation. It involves more than just managing tasks and people; it requires a blend of various skills, traits, and behaviours. Behaviours that inspire and guide teams toward achieving a common goal. In this blog post I will share the main characteristics that define great leadership.

1. Visionary Thinking

Great leaders have a clear and compelling vision for the future. They can see beyond the present circumstances and anticipate the direction in which their organisation needs to go. This visionary thinking allows them to set long-term goals and inspire others to work toward achieving them.

Key Traits:

• Strategic foresight

• Inspirational motivation

• Ability to articulate a clear vision

2. Effective Communication

Communication is a fundamental aspect of leadership. Great leaders are skilled communicators who can convey their ideas clearly and persuasively. They also listen actively, valuing the input and feedback from their team members.

Key Traits:

• Clarity and conciseness

• Active listening

3. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Leaders with high EQ can build strong relationships, manage stress effectively.

Key Traits:

• Self-awareness

• Empathy

• Social skills

4. Integrity and Ethics

Integrity is about being honest and having strong moral principles. Ethical leaders are trustworthy and act consistently with their values. They create a culture of accountability and transparency within their organization and build trust.

Key Traits:

• Honesty and transparency

• Accountability

• Consistency in actions

5. Decisiveness

Great leaders are decisive. They can make tough decisions quickly and confidently while often under pressure. This decisiveness stems from a thorough understanding of their organisation, their industry, and the potential consequences of their decisions should things go wrong.

Key Traits:

• Confidence

• Risk management

• Problem-solving skills

6. Adaptability

In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is a crucial trait for leaders. Great leaders can pivot their strategies and approaches when circumstances change. They embrace innovation and as good listeners are open to new ideas and ways of doing things.

Key Traits:

• Flexibility

• Open-mindedness

• Resilience

7. Inspirational Motivation

Inspirational motivation involves the ability to inspire and energise others. Great leaders motivate their team members by setting high expectations, providing encouragement, and recognising achievements. They create a sense of purpose and passion within their team and value the work delivered toward the common goal.

Key Traits:

• Enthusiasm

• Encouragement

• Recognition of achievements

Remember

Great leadership involves a combination of vision, communication, emotional intelligence, integrity, decisiveness, adaptability, and the ability to inspire and lead others. By cultivating these characteristics, leaders can guide their organisations to success and create a positive, motivating and trustworthy environment for their teams.

If you require coaching reach out to me through my website bjkennomotivation.com contact page.

If you wish to read about my journey to recovery from mental exhaustion in my book “ The Bulletproof Banker” it is available on Amazon.

Series 4: The Impact of Personality Colours on Professional Relationships

Personality colours offer a unique opportunity through which to view and understand workplace politics. Taking the time to understand and identify your boss's personality colour can provide significant opportunities into how to navigate your relationship and ultimately your career. This knowledge however, can have both positive and negative consequences on your work life.

Positive Impacts

1. Optimized Work Strategies: Adapting your work style to align with your boss’s preferences can lead to more efficient and happy work environment. A "Red" boss appreciates quick decision-making and efficiency, so focusing on delivering results can enhance your reputation.

2. Enhanced Job Performance: By understanding what motivates your boss, you can ensure your efforts meet their expectations. A "Blue" boss values accuracy and thoroughness, so ensuring your work is meticulous and well-documented can lead to positive career reviews.

3. Stronger Mentorship: A "Green" boss, who is supportive and nurturing, will likely invest more in your development if they see you as a collaborative and empathetic team member, providing you with more opportunities to progress.

 Constantly trying to meet the expectations of a boss with a very different personality colour can be emotionally draining and hugely stressful. A "Yellow" boss who thrives on spontaneity might frustrate a "Blue" personality who needs structure.

 If you do not understand and adapt to your boss’s personality, your efforts and great work might be misinterpreted as incompetence. A "Red" boss might see a "Green" employee's focus on team harmony as a lack of ambition.

Not understanding  your boss's values and personality colour can really limit your career advancement. A "Blue" boss may not recognize the value of a "Yellow" employee’s innovative ideas if they are not presented with supporting data and thorough analysis.

Remember

Knowing your boss’s personality colour is a powerful tool for career management. It allows you to change your communication and work style to better fit your boss’s preferences, leading to a more productive and positive working relationship. However, it’s essential to balance this understanding to avoid the potential negative impacts on your well-being and career opportunities.

If you require career coaching reach out to me through my website bjkennomotivation.com on the contact me section.

If you would like to read my recovery from mental exhaustion, my book “The Bulletproof Banker” is available on Amazon.

Series 3: How Knowing Your Boss’s Personality Colour Can Make or Break Your Career

Understanding your boss's personality colour can be crucial in navigating your career path effectively. This knowledge can influence your work environment and career progression in both positive and negative ways.

Positive Impacts

1. Targeted Communication: Tailoring your communication to match your boss's personality colour can prevent misunderstandings and ensure clearer, more effective interactions between you and your boss and the team. A "Blue" boss, who values precision, will appreciate well-organized and thorough communication.

2. Increased Recognition: Aligning and priortising your efforts with what your boss values can lead to greater recognition and reward. A "Green" boss, who values team harmony, will likely appreciate your efforts to manage conflict and maintain a positive team atmosphere.

3. Professional Development: Understanding your boss's personality can provide insights into your professional development. A "Red" boss, who is goal-oriented, might mentor you in becoming more decisive and results-driven.

Negative Impacts

Major differences between your personality and your boss’s can lead to frequent conflicts. If you are a "Yellow" personality who thrives on creativity and flexibility, a "Blue" boss’s need for structure and detail can feel stifling.

Constantly having to adjust your behaviour to meet your boss’s expectations because you don’t understand the personality type can lead to major job dissatisfaction and burnout, especially if your natural style is in stark contrast to your boss’s personality colour.

 If your boss does not perceive your contributions as valuable due to a personality mismatch, your career growth will be hindered. A "Green" boss might undervalue the achievements of a "Red" subordinate if they perceive them as overly aggressive or insensitive.

Remember

Recognizing and adapting to your boss's personality colour is a strategic move that can provide career opportunities and job satisfaction. However, it is important to maintain a balance to avoid the negative impacts of personality mismatches. By understanding these dynamics, you can navigate your career more effectively.

If you required coaching contact me through my website bjkennomotivation.com

If you would like to read my story of recovery from mental exhaustion in my book “ The Bulletproof Banker” it is available on Amazon.

Series 2: The Role of Bosses Personality Colours in Navigating Workplace Dynamics

The concept of understanding bosses’ personality colours provides a simple yet powerful way to understand the different dynamics in the workplace. I refer particularly to the ability to communicate and work with your boss. Recognising and adapting to your boss's personality colour can lead to a better and more productive working environment, ultimately helping you to gain promotion during your career.

Positive Impacts

1. Enhanced Teamwork: Understanding your boss’s personality colour can improve how you work together on projects. For example, a "Yellow" boss, who is enthusiastic and creative, will thrive on brainstorming sessions and appreciate innovative (out of the box) solutions, making your contributions more important.

2. Proactive Problem Solving: If your boss is a "Blue" personality, anticipating potential issues and providing data-driven solutions can show your ability to foresee issues and highlight your analytical skills, which can lead to increased trust and responsibility and career advancement.

3. Career Advancement: Aligning with a "Red" boss's drive for results by consistently meeting or exceeding targets can position you as a high performer, increasing your chances for promotions and leadership opportunities.

Negative Impacts

Misjudging your boss’s personality can lead to significant communication issues. A "Green" boss, who values empathy and consensus, might feel alienated by a too direct and confrontational approach.

 A mismatch between your work style and your boss’s expectations can create tension. For example, if you are a "Yellow" personality who values flexibility and your boss is a "Blue" who values structure, the differing priorities can lead to conflicts, so even if you are delivering great results there will be too many conflicts and you may have to leave the team or the job.

If you fail to understand with what your boss sees as important, your efforts might go unrecognized. A "Red" boss focused on results might overlook the value you bring if you are more process-oriented. The process may be great but if the results are not up to scratch your feedback will be negative leading to stress.

Remember

Understanding the personality colour of your boss can transform your professional interactions and career opportunities. While there are significant benefits to aligning your approach with your boss's personality type, it's essential to navigate any potential challenges you meet mindfully. By doing so, you can build a positive working relationship with your boss and the team which will unlock new career opportunities.

If you require coaching contact me through my website bjkennomotivation.com

If you would like to read my journey of recovery from mental exhaustion in my book “The Bulletproof Banker” it is available on Amazon.

Series 1: Understanding Your Boss’s Personality Colour for Career Success

This a series of 4 blogs welcome to Blog1

Understanding your boss's personality colour can be a game-changer in your corporate life. The idea of personality colours, such as the ones described in personality assessments, can provide you with crucial information into how your boss thinks, communicates, and makes decisions. Knowledge on this item can significantly impact your career, both positively and negatively.

Positive Impacts

Improved Communication: Knowing your boss's personality colour can improve communication. For instance, if your boss is a "Blue" personality (analytical and detail-oriented), you can prepare detailed reports and anticipate questions, making you appear proactive and thorough.

Stronger Relationships: By aligning your work style with the preferences of your boss you can build a stronger, even a more trusting relationship. A "Green" boss (people-oriented and empathetic) will appreciate your efforts to create a happy team environment, enhancing your reputation as a team player.

Better Performance Reviews: Understanding what your boss values and expects from you can help you focus on the right areas of your job. A "Red" boss (result-driven and decisive) will likely appreciate quick decision-making and high productivity, which can lead to you receiving better performance reviews and opportunities to move on up.

Negative Impacts

If you misinterpret your boss's personality colour or fail to adapt, it can lead to miscommunications and misunderstandings. For example, presenting a detailed report to a "Yellow" boss (creative and spontaneous) who prefers quick summaries can cause frustration.

Trying to constantly adapt to a boss with a drastically different personality colour can be very stressful. If you are a "Green" personality working under a "Red" boss, the constant push for results over relationships can cause you to burnout.

Failing to understand and align with your boss's expectations can result in missed opportunities for promotion. If your daily work delivered is not aligned with what your boss values or requires, you most likely will be overlooked for key project opportunities or even promotions.

Remember

Incorporating personality colour understanding into your career strategy can pave the way for a more happy and productive working relationship with your boss, leading to career opportunities. However, it's crucial to avoid the pitfalls of misunderstanding and stress. Understanding and adapting the delivery of your work to your boss’s personality colour is not just beneficial but essential for career success.

If you require career coaching check out my website and reach out to me through my website bjkennomotivation.com contact page.

If you would like to read about my recovery from Chronic Stress in my book The Bulletproof Banker it is available on Amazon .

How to Build Emotional Resilience in a High Stress Job

High-stress in jobs is a reality for so many professionals, and the ability to build emotional resilience is crucial for maintaining mental health. Emotional resilience is the ability to adapt to stress and adversity, bouncing back from challenges while maintaining a positive outlook. This blog will provide tips for building emotional resilience in high-stress jobs.

What Are High-Stress Jobs?

High-stress jobs typically involve demanding workloads, tight deadlines, high levels of responsibility, and in many cases , a significant impact on other people's lives. Some common examples include:

• Healthcare Workers: Doctors, nurses, and paramedics face life-and-death situations, long hours.

• First Responders: Firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel encounter traumatic events.

• Teachers: Educators manage large groups of students, meet educational standards, and often work beyond regular hours to support students.

• Financial Professionals: Accountants, stock traders, and bankers deal with high stakes, tight deadlines, and significant financial responsibilities where errors are unacceptable.

• Solicitors: Solicitors often work long hours, face tight deadlines, and deal with high-stakes legal matters.

• Sales Professionals: Salespeople face pressure to meet targets, handle rejection, and maintain client relationships.

• Armed Forces: Soldiers and officers operate in highly stressful and dangerous environments.

Tips for Building Emotional Resilience

1. Develop a Positive Mindset

Optimism: Cultivate an optimistic outlook by focusing on positive aspects of your job and life. This doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges but rather looking at them with a solution-focused mindset.

Gratitude: Practice gratitude by regularly reflecting on things you are thankful for. This can shift your focus from stressors to positive experiences.

2. Practice Self-Care

Physical Health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep. Physical health is closely linked to emotional resilience. As part of my recovery from mental exhaustion I found running a great help.

Mental Health: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and mental well-being, such as meditation, positive visualisation, and hobbies that you enjoy.

3. Build Strong Support Networks

Social Connections: Develop and maintain supportive relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. A strong support network can provide emotional support and practical advice. Find a friend you can trust and can talk to when you are feeling overwhelmed.

Professional Support: Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed. Counselling or therapy can offer strategies for coping with stress and building resilience. I found counselling a big part of my recovery from mental exhaustion, I did not understand it until I started and I am glad I did.

4. Build Problem-Solving Skills

Break Down Challenges: When faced with a complex problem, break it down into smaller, manageable parts. Tackle each part step by step this will help you to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Seek Solutions: Focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Engage in brainstorming sessions, seek advice from others, and consider multiple perspectives. Taking a step back can help you get a clear perspective on a problem.

5. Maintain Work-Life Balance

Set Boundaries: Clearly put boundaries to your work and personal time. Avoid taking work home whenever possible and set aside time for relaxation and leisure activities. Learn to say No and keep a list of the projects you are working on.

Time Management: Prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively. Use tools like excel or digital calendars to keep track of your responsibilities and deadlines. Keeping this list or work demands while also adding the hours spent on each item will help you say No when additional work is planned for you.

6. Develop Adaptability

Embrace Change: Accept that change is a constant in a high-stress job. Developing flexibility and adaptability can help you navigate change and unexpected challenges more smoothly.

Learn Continuously: Engage in continuous learning and professional development. Staying updated with new skills and knowledge can boost your confidence and adaptability.

7. Practice Mindfulness

Mindful Breathing: Take a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing exercises. Focus on your breath and allow yourself to relax and clear your mind.

Mindful Moments: Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine by taking short breaks to observe your surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. Taking a moment in the present can help you be more in tune with your feelings and new ways to approach your work.

8. Set Realistic Goals

Achievable Objectives: Set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Break larger goals into smaller steps and celebrate your progress along the way.

Manage Expectations: Be mindful of setting expectations for yourself and others. Unrealistic expectations can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment. When we take a moment to look at the expectation and the amount of work we are expected to complete we can plan and if required say No.

9. Focus on What You Can Control

Control vs. Influence: Identify aspects of your job that you can control and focus your efforts there. For areas outside your control, practice acceptance and adaptability and avoid gossips in the workplace who make you feel negative about yourself and the organisation.

Proactive Approach: Take proactive steps to manage your workload and responsibilities. Being organized and prepared can reduce feelings of helplessness and stress. Write down your to do list and the time you give to each item so you can manage what you can actually deliver.

Conclusion

Building emotional resilience in a high-stress job is essential for maintaining mental health and achieving professional success. By developing a positive mindset, practicing self-care, building strong support networks, enhancing problem-solving skills, maintaining work-life balance, developing adaptability, practicing mindfulness, setting realistic goals, focusing on what you can control, and practicing self-compassion, you can strengthen your resilience and thrive in high-stress environments.

 If you require coaching on stress or your career progression contact me through the contact page on my website bjkennomotivation.com

If you would like to read about my recovery from Chronic Stress and Mental Exhaustion you can do so in my book “The Bulletproof Banker “available on Amazon.

My coaching covers most of the social media searches on stress management

1.     Career stress management

2.     Workplace stress relief

3.     Job stress reduction techniques

4.     Stress management strategies

5.     Coping with career stress

6.     Managing work-related stress

7.     Stress relief at work

8.     Professional stress management tips

9.     Reducing job-related anxiety

10.  Work-life balance tips

11.  Mindfulness at work

12.  Burnout prevention

13.  Productivity and stress management

14.  Relaxation techniques for professionals

15.  Mental health in the workplace

16.  Stress management workshops

17.  Employee stress reduction programs

18.  Corporate wellness

19.  Stress-free work environment

20.  Emotional resilience at work

Burnout Prevention Strategies

Burnout Prevention: Strategies to Stay Energized and Motivated

I suffered from Burnout, total mental exhaustion working 84 hours a week and now I coach leaders and individuals to avoid it.

Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion often accompanied by feelings of cynicism and detachment from work. It can significantly impact both individual performance and organizational productivity. Preventing burnout requires proactive strategies for both individuals and leaders. Here are detailed tips for you to avoid burnout and for leaders to ensure it doesn’t happen to their teams.

Tips for Individuals to Avoid Burnout

1. Prioritize Self-Care

Physical Health: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are fundamental. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week, try to eat fruits and vegetables in your meals, and strive for at least hours of sleep per night. When I suffered mental exhaustion I found running helped me immensely.

Mental Health: Engage in activities that promote relaxation and mental well-being, such as meditation, visualisation, or reading. Set aside at least 15 minutes a day for mindfulness or relaxation exercises. I found visualisation helped me in my quest to be a marathoner

2. Set Boundaries

Work-Life Balance: Clearly set boundaries for your work and personal time. Avoid checking emails or working during personal time. Set specific work hours and stick to them. Keep a record of your work demands and the time you spend on each project.

Digital Detox: Take regular breaks from digital devices, especially outside of work hours. Try to designate tech-free times before bed.

3. Manage Workload

Prioritize Tasks: Use excel or a management system to prioritise and organise your tasks. Break large projects into smaller, manageable steps and tackle the most critical tasks first, if you find you are not clear on the steps or the deadlines ask for clarification.

Learn to Say No: Politely decline additional tasks or projects that you cannot handle. It's important to recognize your limits and protect your time, so having the excel sheet with all your present tasks is a great way to back up your situation to show you are at capacity.

4. Seek Support

Social Connections: Build a strong support network of friends, family, and colleagues. Identify a person you can trust and you can talk to about your issues worries if you are feeling overwhelmed. Most people will have less that 3 people in their network that they can fully trust. Regular contact with friends can provide the emotional support and reduce your feelings of isolation when you are at a low ebb.

Professional Help: If stress becomes overwhelming, seek help from a mental health professional. Counselling or therapy can provide strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout. Depending on the situation coaching can also help which is my speciality in helping leaders and individuals identify and manage their stress.

5. Take Regular Breaks

Micro-Breaks: Take short breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge. A five-minute break every hour can help maintain focus and productivity. This takes practice but when you start you will quickly see the benefits.

Holidays: Use your annual leave days to take extended breaks from work. Disconnecting from work for a few days or weeks can significantly reduce stress and prevent burnout. Please no not use holidays to catch up with work, once again this discipline will reap reqards once you start.

Tips for Leaders to Prevent Burnout in Their Teams

1. Foster a Supportive Work Environment

Open Communication: Encourage open and honest communication. Regularly check in with your team members to discuss their workload, challenges, and well-being. Create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their issues with you. Be aware of the workload across the team.

Empathy and Understanding: Show empathy and understanding towards your employees' needs and challenges. Recognize the signs of stress and burnout and offer support as needed. Emotional Intelligence is vital for leadership success and when you take an interest in your team you will be seen as an inspirational leader.

2. Promote Work-Life Balance

Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible working hours and remote work options to help employees balance their personal and professional lives. Identify and be aware of issues in the lives of the team like sick children etc

Encourage Time Off: Actively encourage employees to take their annual leave days and personal time off. Ensure they understand the importance of disconnecting from work, and if you believe staff use holidays to catch up in work then you will need to put a stop to it.

3. Provide Resources and Support

Wellness Programs: Implement wellness programs that include mental health resources, fitness activities, and stress management workshops. Provide access to counselling and support services and leaders should attend mental health awareness training.

Professional Development: Offer opportunities for skill development and career advancement. Support employees in pursuing training and education that can enhance their job satisfaction and reduce stress.

4. Manage Workload Effectively

Realistic Expectations: Set realistic goals and expectations. Avoid overloading employees with excessive tasks and ensure deadlines are achievable. As a leader accepting work with unrealistic deadlines is unacceptable.

Delegate Responsibilities: Distribute tasks evenly across the team. Ensure no single employee is consistently bearing most of the work.

5. Recognize and Reward Efforts

Acknowledgment: Regularly acknowledge and appreciate employees' hard work and accomplishments. Public recognition and private gratitude can boost morale and motivation.

Incentives: Provide incentives such as bonuses, extra time off, or professional development opportunities to reward outstanding performance and dedication.

6. Create Opportunities for Connection

Team Building: Organise team-building activities and social events to strengthen relationships among team members. A strong sense of community can reduce stress and promote a positive work environment while also building trust.

Peer Support: Encourage peer support systems where employees can share their experiences and advice. Mentorship programs can also provide guidance and support for less experienced employees. Each new leader should have a mentor as they move into a leadership position.

Conclusion

Burnout prevention is crucial for maintaining both individual well-being and organisational productivity. For individuals, prioritising self-care, setting boundaries, managing workload, seeking support, and taking regular breaks are essential strategies.

Leaders play a critical role in preventing burnout by fostering a supportive work environment, promoting work-life balance, providing resources and support, managing workloads effectively, recognising efforts, and creating opportunities for connection.

Having suffered mental exhaustion working 84 hours a week I now coach individuals and leaders in managing stress. If you would like coaching reach out to me on bjkennomotivation.com contact page

You can purchase my book on Amazon https://amzn.eu/d/07cpIxwA

My coaching covers most of the social media searches on stress management

1.     Career stress management

2.     Workplace stress relief

3.     Job stress reduction techniques

4.     Stress management strategies

5.     Coping with career stress

6.     Managing work-related stress

7.     Stress relief at work

8.     Professional stress management tips

9.     Reducing job-related anxiety

10.  Work-life balance tips

11.  Mindfulness at work

12.  Burnout prevention

13.  Productivity and stress management

14.  Relaxation techniques for professionals

15.  Mental health in the workplace

16.  Stress management workshops

17.  Employee stress reduction programs

18.  Corporate wellness

19.  Stress-free work environment

20.  Emotional resilience at work

Creating a Stress-Free Work Environment: What You Need to Know

A stress-free work environment is not just a dream but a practical goal that can lead to increased productivity, better employee retention, and overall improved well-being. Organizations that prioritise creating such environments see substantial benefits in terms of employee satisfaction and performance. Here’s what you need to know about how organisations can create a stress-free work environment and the benefits it brings to employees.

How Organizations Can Create a Stress-Free Work Environment

1. Promote Open Communication

Transparent Communication Channels: Establish clear and open lines of communication between management and employees. Regularly scheduled meetings, anonymous feedback systems, and an open-door policy encourage employees to voice concerns and suggestions without fear of reprisal. Leaders who are aware of the demands of their people are aware of the stress the people are under in meeting deadlines.

Active Listening: Train managers to actively listen to their employees' concerns and provide empathetic responses. This builds trust and helps in addressing issues before they escalate.

2. Implement Flexible Work Arrangements

Remote Work Options: Allowing employees to work from home or other remote locations can reduce commute-related stress and offer a better work-life balance.

Flexible Hours: Implement flexible working hours to accommodate different personal schedules and reduce the stress of adhering to rigid work hours. Leaders who do not micro-manage get the best from their teams.

3. Foster a Positive Workplace Culture

Team Building Activities: Organize regular team-building exercises to promote camaraderie and a sense of belonging among employees. Leaders who build teams along the lines of the organisations culture have great teams.

Recognition and Rewards: Develop a system for recognising and rewarding employees' achievements. Acknowledging hard work and contributions boosts morale and reduces stress. Leaders who are aware of how deadlines have been met build better teams and have great relationships with their teams.

4. Provide Wellness Programs

Physical Health: Offer wellness programs that include gym memberships, fitness classes, and health screenings. Physical health initiatives contribute to reduced stress levels.

Mental Health Support: Provide access to mental health resources such as counselling services, meditation sessions, and stress management workshops whilst also training their leaders in mental health training. These organisations build stronger leaders and teams.

5. Encourage Regular Breaks

Break Policies: Encourage employees to take regular breaks throughout the day. Short breaks can help to clear the mind and reduce stress.

Comfortable Break Areas: Create comfortable and inviting break areas where employees can relax and recharge.

6. Ensure Workload Management

Realistic Deadlines: Set realistic deadlines and provide adequate resources to complete tasks. Overburdening employees can lead to chronic stress. Providing adequate resources to meet deadlines builds great teams and happy employees.

Task Delegation: Ensure that work is evenly distributed among team members to prevent burnout. Leaders who know the workload of their teams and the expected deadlines can ensure work is evenly spread and help is at hand when required.

7. Promote Professional Development

Training and Development: Offer opportunities for professional growth and development. This can include workshops, courses, and career advancement programs.

Mentorship Programs: Establish mentorship programs to support employees’ career growth and provide guidance. Ensuring each new leader has a mentor can help build relationships and the great leaders of the future.

How Employees Benefit from a Stress-Free Work Environment

1. Improved Mental Health

Reduced Anxiety and Depression: A supportive work environment with accessible mental health resources helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression among employees.

Increased Job Satisfaction: When stress levels are managed effectively, employees are more satisfied with their jobs, leading to a more positive outlook on their careers.

2. Enhanced Productivity

Better Focus and Efficiency: Employees in a stress-free environment can focus better on their tasks, leading to higher efficiency and productivity.

Creativity and Innovation: Reduced stress levels encourage creativity and innovation, as employees feel more relaxed and open to new ideas.

3. Higher Employee Engagement

Increased Motivation: A positive and supportive work environment boosts employee motivation and engagement.

Commitment to Goals: Engaged employees are more committed to organizational goals and are likely to go above and beyond in their roles, but will also ask for help when required..

4. Better Work-Life Balance

Personal Time: Flexible work arrangements allow employees to balance their personal and professional lives more effectively, leading to greater overall happiness and well-being.

Reduced Burnout: A balanced workload and regular breaks help in preventing burnout, ensuring employees remain productive and healthy.

5. Stronger Workplace Relationships

Team Cohesion: Team-building activities and a positive work culture foster stronger relationships among employees, leading to better teamwork and collaboration.

Supportive Network: Employees in a stress-free environment are more likely to support each other, creating a network of support within the organization.

Conclusion

Creating a stress-free work environment is a multifaceted approach that requires commitment from both management and employees. Organisations that invest in open communication, flexible work arrangements, positive workplace culture, wellness programs, regular breaks, workload management, and professional development can significantly reduce stress levels.

Training leaders in mental health first aid is crucial in building positive environments and a great workforce.

The benefits to employees are multiple, including improved mental health, enhanced productivity, higher engagement, better work-life balance, and stronger workplace relationships. Ultimately, a stress-free work environment leads to a more efficient, motivated, and happy workforce, driving the organization toward greater success.

If you would like coaching on stress management contact me through my website bjkennomotivation.com

If you would like to read my true story of recovery from chronic stress working 84 hours a week in my book “ The Bulletproof Banker “ it is available on Amazon. https://amzn.eu/d/099lW6bE