Tense Times, Tense Office: What’s Your Path?

In my recent conversations with employees, there has been one consistent, gnawing question: “How do you think the economy will affect my job?”

Most downturns find even the economic “pundits” scratching their heads – especially as we watch the current turmoil. It takes discipline not to be consumed by the deluge of speculative headlines on just how bad things will be. Similarly, it’s easy to sink into the mode of consuming fear or negative assumptions that will naturally surround you daily at work. You may have never experienced a weakened economy during your career, or thought about how much stress it can place on work relationships – and that includes interactions with your boss.

But the good news is that you can choose a different path from most – that may not only bolster your job security – but may catapult your career long-term. That is, to view this as an opportunity to challenge yourself personally and develop skills that you will always find invaluable. I’m referring to the ability to think and act like a calm and in-control leader.

Nerves are frayed now in the office – because in the absence of information, people often assume the worst. You can buck this trend by defusing tension; projecting that this is a temporary time in the longer continuum; focus conversations into the work at hand; and make an extra effort to turn negative phrasing into positive statements; just to name a few examples.

Your demeanor will be contagious and you’ll create a calmer workplace for yourself and others. Your boss will likely notice your positive attitude, clearheadedness and resolve during tough times – all valued leadership traits. But even if all that doesn’t happen, you haven’t lost a thing. In the worst case, you’ve just added a coveted skill to your own personal marketing tool kit. Try conducting your own private test of this approach at work…and watch for the results.

In my next few blog entries, I’ll offer additional tips on how to lower tension, boost job satisfaction and job security, while developing greater control and leadership skills.

Best regards,

Lynn