Focuses on the training and development needs of admin professionals and features topics such as hard skills (software competencies, writing, communication, filing) and soft skills (teamwork, time management, leadership).
Issue link: https://digital.hrreporter.com/i/784788
MARCH 2017 2 E D I TO R ' S N OT E George Pearson An everyday challenge: Controlling stress I marvel at Pat Shantz's capacity to keep activities of the Stratford (Ont.) mayor's office organized and on an even keel while she fields multiple phone calls and emails, problem- solving as she goes. (See She has 32,000 bosses, page 1.) It's a job that could easily cause stress overload, an occupational hazard that many admins face daily. Stress not only gets in the way of a smoothly productive workday, it can damage the brain, chipping away at one's physical, mental and emotional health. So finding ways to reduce destructive levels of stress is essential to staying in control of one's workday. In a recent post, Travis Bradberry, author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0 and co-founder of Talentsmart, a lead - ing provider of emotional intelligence tests and training, cited his company's research that found that "90 per cent of top performers are skilled at managing their emotions in times of stress in order to remain calm and in control." A certain amount of stress is normal and even necessary to drive performance. "As long as the stress isn't prolonged, it's harmless," he says. To keep stress under control, he suggests 10 strategies he's noticed that successful people employ: They appreciate what they have. Bradberry cites research demonstrat - ing that "people who worked daily to cultivate an attitude of gratitude experienced improved mood, energy, and physical wellbeing." They avoid asking "what if?" "Calm people know that asking 'what if?' will only take them to a place they don't want—or need—to go." They stay positive. If negative thoughts start to push aside positive ones, think about something positive that happened today, or yesterday, or look forward to something coming up. They disconnect. If you're online 24/7, you never know what stressors may find your inbox – and your brain. Try going offline (or turning off your cellphone) in the evening or on the weekend or on part of the weekend if you have trouble separating from technology. They limit their caffeine intake. Caffeine puts the brain and body in a "hyperaroused state of stress" and emotions take over your bevhaviour. They sleep. "Your self-control, attention, and memory are all reduced when you don't get enough—or the right kind—of sleep." They squash negative self-talk. Negative thoughts are probably not facts. If you find yourself believing them, write them down and exam - ine them. This slows down negative momentum and "you will be more rational and clear-headed in evaluat- ing their veracity," says Bradberry. They reframe their perspective. "You can't control your circumstances, but you can control how you respond to them," says Bradberry. If you're thinking that everything is going wrong, try listing specific things that are actually going wrong. Most likely the scope of the actual stressors will be reduced significantly. They breathe. They find a place to be alone, shut out everything else and focus on their breathing, even to the point of counting each breath if they still have trouble concentrating. They use their support system. They identify people inside or outside work who are always supportive and seek their insight and assistance when the going gets tough. Administrative Assistant's Update is published once a month by Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Director, Media Solutions, Canada: Karen Lorimer Publisher: Todd Humber Editor: George Pearson george@adminupdate.ca Associate Editor: Jennifer Lewington jennifer@adminupdate.ca EDITORIAL OFFICE (519) 271-6000 Administrative Assistant's Update Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. 1 Corporate Plaza, 2075 Kennedy Road Toronto, ON M1T 3V4 CUSTOMER SERVICE (416) 609-3800 (800) 387-5164 FAX (416) 298-5082 (877) 750-9041 carswell.customerrelations@ thomsonreuters.com Contents copyright. All rights reserved. © 2017 Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Contents may not be reproduced without written permission. Brief extracts may be made with due acknowledgement. Annual subscription: $189. Publications Mail Registration No. 40065782 GST# 897176350 UPDATE Administrative Assistant's Visit the Administrative Assistant's Update booth at the 18th Annual Administrative Professionals Conference (APC) "Make the Leap to Extraordinary" May 28-31 Harbour Castle Westin Hotel Toronto For conference information: • apccanada.com • registration@apccanada.com • 1-888-443-6786