Momentum - Business to Business Online Magazine MOMENTUM May 2020 | Page 27

1) What are the most difficult aspects of this crisis for
you, both professionally and personally?
2) What is your primary stress signal?
3) How do you prefer that coworkers or leaders
support you if we see this stress signal in you?
People like different things, and some attempts at
support can trigger more stress if we step on each
other’s toes. Examples of support are:
• I like to talk about it. I usually like to go to lunch or
spend time with a friend, so remind me to video
conference, even though we can’t get together.
• I like someone to make me aware, but then trust
me to take care of myself and not ask me how
I’m doing all the time.
• Encourage me to exercise, that always relieves
my stress.
• Pray with me. Or, don’t pray with me but pray
for me. Or, it irritates me if people say they are
praying because I don’t buy into that…
• I usually like to have a hug, but since we can’t do
that, encourage me to go hug my spouse, my
child or my dog…
• Encourage me to _____ (enjoy my hobby, take a
walk, step away from work, take a nap…)
Finally, let them know what actions you are taking
to assure their income, whether or not they come
through. It gives them security to know you are trying
(PPP or EIDL SBA Loans, etc.) If you as a leader can
put this in place, you will find it goes a long way in
setting the stage for a supportive work culture in
the future. This practice of emotional, mental and
relational well-being will continue in your workplace,
with much less chance of work stressors escalating
to the point of dissention or conflict. If you need a
debrief group at your workplace to handle stress—
especially for those essential employees, call your
EAP to set it up via TeleHealth or, if you don’t have an
EAP, call Innovative Alternatives, Inc. in the Bay Area
at 713-222-2525. innovativealternatives.org Most of
all, take care!
May 2020
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