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MANAGING STRESS IN PRESENT ENVIRONMRNT

Introduction
Stress is created for many organization members by the conflicts they feel between their indepedence and their commitment to the organization, organizational pressures for conformity, day to day demands for work place and role conflict. Service personnel by virtue of their stringent working conditioned hard and active life are subject to difficult and trying situations. A new work environment, children’ education and a continuous process of settling in location every two to three years takes its toll on the human system. Coupled with it is a very narrow promotional pyramid and the desire to succeed against large odds creates a living of anxiety and tensions. At the same time challenges are the spice of life and motivate individual to improve his performance and achieve success... It is therefore necessary for all of us in service to understand the positive and negative aspects of stress so that it can be regulated for a healthy and happy life for our selves as well as for those we lead.
The Stress Factor
The genius of man has resulted in breath taking technological advances like radar, laser, computer and a host of other sophisticated and technological marvels which have permeated our daily lives. Moving around at supersonic speed, commanding vast information at the press of a button, needing quick reactions and being asked to take decisions with far reaching ‘implication have become the hallmark of today’ Managers. Though man has conquered the moon and landed on Mars; yet understanding his own nervous system is still primitive.
This advanced age in which we live exerts a host of demands causing tensions, worry, anxiety and stress. Dr Hans Selyle, Director of Institute of Experimental Medicines and Surgery, at the University of Montreal, is the world’s acknowledged authority on stress. He defined stress as the con-specific response of the body to any demand made on it.
How does one react to a demand or a situation? It is well known that an animal does not strike back unless it feels threatened. What is difficult to say is the nature of the specific demand which will evoke a particular response. Will it always be the same at difference times under different circumstances? Dr Selyle termed these specific demands as “stressors” which threatened a person in any way and the response they produced in the body as “stress”.
There are many stressors – like internal or external pressures to succeed, success itself, conflict with children or mates, too many people to please, too little sleep, money worries, lack of confidence, a conflict in values, lack of goals and so on. The list of stressors which every human being faces is endless. As the man grows in age and stature the level and nature of stresses emanating from his place of work, from his domestic life and from the standards that he is expected to maintain increases. A stage comes when these small inputs of stresses make person feel trapped. Prolonged stress in a person beyond his limits of coping with it, results in physical, emotional and mental illness.
Stress also has a positive side to it. It is only under conditions of stress that performance improves. A certain amount of challenge is always needed to bring out the best among ‘subordinates’. It is therefore imperative for all Managers to know about stress and how to copewtih it. All of us, depending on heredity, ;up bringing in childhood, nutrition and the type of training we have received, can take on varying degrees of stress. A rubber strip is elastic uptoa point; beyond, it snaps. Every individual has also a breaking point and his stress level should not be allowed to go beyond it. It is therefore essentials to recognize the amount of stress and strain one can take in one’s stride. Every person in authority must be made aware of the factors which cause stress and the methods to cope with it.
Factors which Cause Stress
Work Overload. Stress is caused when someone is overloaded with work he does not like doing, or is given a task he is not capable of completing efficiently. These people are invariably the willing horses. Such people may seem calm enough when accepting work they invariably suffer from an inner turmoil and stress
Fear. Fear is a great stress-maker and all threats cause fear. Any casual statement which threatens the position of person is perceived as a danger to his position and authority. Stress is also caused by the fear of the unknown. In organizations, openness goes a long way in making the “unknown” known.
Lack of Rapport. When someone in the office, shop or factory feels lack of rapport he may come under stress. This is also applicable in places when a person is a victim of discrimination or prejudice of race\, religion or sex.
Change. Man can only function in a suitable environment and there is a lin\mit to the amount and rate of change to which he can adopt himself. Frequent transfers, a new management and a difference boss, or a change in the nature of job creates stress. Changes in technology itself require to be managed. Management of change has become a subject of study in its own right.
Personal Life. A person having problems at home carries the stress generated in his personal life to his work place. It is the responsibility of both the superiors and the colleagues to build up such a rapport that such persons confide in them and seek their advice. A heart-to-heart talk can often help the person to find a solution to his problem, or to live with it,
Sensitivity. Some persons are more sensitive than others. Even small wrong doings on their part or an act of misdemeanor causes their conscience ton keep on pricking them. Such people develop an anxiety leading to stress. Special attention must be given to such people.
Responsibility of Superiors
It is the responsibility of Managers to get results and they are finally judged by their capability to get the best out of their subordinates. Some fundamental aspects which bring out the effectiveness in an organization ar :-
Motivation. Results are obtained by a motivated team, and the onus to motivate subordinates is the responsibility of those who lead them. Today there is no longer one type of leadership. Leaders have to adapt to situations. One has to decide whether a stance of toughness, a cozy chat or a pat on the back will diffuse a situation. It is important to win the respect and confidence of men under your charge and to generate a healthy competitive spirit amongst subordinates. Standard motivators like responsibility through delegation, honesty and fair mindedness in all dealings, inculcating pride, involvement and encouragement makes a work place happy and healthy. Though monetary awards and incentives are not motivators, absence of them can be denominators. This directly affects the status of a person both in office and at home. Most of the stress is generated, both at home and office, when a person is not adequately compensated monetarily and with perks, specially when some of equal status or lower enjoy the same.
Conflict. It takes very little effort to generate a conflict. Facing unacceptable or sudden changes, formation of cliques, constant bickering and favoritism leads to stressful situations. Such actions cause a building up of resentment and unpleasant reactions. Those in authority must keep a sharp look out to identify areas of generation of conflict and apply suitable measures to control these occurrences.
Communication. Lack of communication within an organization leads to drastic results. This is the only method by which the pulse can be kept under strict check, Formations of quality circles, adventure and cultural groups, welfare committees and such organizations, provide the platform not only to give vent to the inner feelings and turmoil which have been quietly generating but also a source to find solutions to the problems. Many problems are solved just by being able to talk about them. Superiors must build such a rapport with their team that persons under stress confide in them and seek advice.
Controlling Responsibility and Workload. Stress often results when a person is shouldered with responsibility that he is incapable of withstanding, a workload which he is unable to cope with. Training of subordinates to handle their responsibility, time management and to develop an attitude to delegate can mostly save someone from succumbing to stress.
Tackling Stress
Stress is the essence of life. It is the noblest of nature’s gift to nab. Stress like el4ectricity is a bad master but a good servant. Stress therefore must be tamed and trained to our own advantage both at the organization and the individual level. One must reorganize the amount of stress and strain which can be taken in stride. Specially for Executives and Managers it is necessary to control their own stress levels as they are general subject to a multitude of constant demands from their superiors, subordinates and from their position in society. Because of their position they are a potential source of stressing others also. Some simple suggestions to cope with stress are:-
Enjoy your Work. Hard work has not killed anyone. One has to try and find work that suits one best and keeps him motivated. To be happy, man needs work and recognition of his work.
Positive Thinking. A great deal of attention must be paid to physical and mental well being. A healthy body houses a healthy mind. It is ultimately the mind which controls the body and therefore, depressing, negative and frustrating thoughts must be banished. It requires effort and practice to be happy, cheerful and satisfied
Set Objectives. It is essential that we all must have objectives set in mind and pursue them. It is necessary that these goals must be judiciously set and pursued with determination. All of us cannot become number one and none of us can become so overnight. Stress is written in large letters on the faces of those who are impatient to achieve the impossible overnight.
Sense of Pride and Well Being. This is the crux of problems which faces mankind. Since this is primarily an attitude of mind it has to be inculcated. One must have faith in life, be possessive of his heritage, have pride in his job and be proud of his family and friends. Anatomists say that if takes nine muscles to smile and nineteen to frown. Being cheerful and happy is the best antidote against the ill effects of stress. Physical Fitness. Improving physical fitness is one step in handling stress. People who exercise and strengthen their cardiovascular systems and increase their endurance are less susceptible to illness caused by stress. In view of this philosophy many organizations have added exercise rooms and a short compulsory physical training time every morning before office procedures begin.
Relaxation through Yoga. Yoga and meditation can also diminish the effect of stress. Deep breathing can lower tensions. There are large number of relaxation training techniques and programs which can be followed.
Hobbies. It is very important for every one of us to have hobbies in which we can devote time and take our mind off the other problems. One can take interest in gardening, light reading, entertainment through music, dance and drama or one could develop interest in outdoor life and adventure activities like gold, fishing, etc where both the body and the mind gets refreshed.
In short one must develop the following four characteristics to handle stress:-
Personal style and Personality – to perceive interpret and respond to stressful events.
Social Supports – the extent to which family, friends, co-workers and others provide encouragement and emotional support.
Mental Strength – develop the faith and pride in the system and love of the assignment.
Healthy Practices – stay in a sound physical condition through exercises and healthy habits.
In conclusion – use stress as your best ally, learn to tackle your small problems head-on and the large ones will take care of themselves. Develop a love for life and sign a non-aggression pact with stress.

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