There is a Fine Line Between Pressure and Pain!

Pressure has the potential to start you up and close you down!

Pressure is an essential ingredient in getting you engaged, focused and in action. Without it enthusiasm and motivation can easily wane. In my experience the upside of pressure is easily overlooked in a world where the negativities of pressure are topical.

Pressure is not good or bad it just is. It is your response to pressure that counts. This affects your ability to use your talent and influence to rise above challenge, make appropriate decisions and influence others through the resultant implementation of those decisions.

As I write this I am considering you reading this in a normal frame of mind on a “business as usual” day. Therefore as you sit and read this you most likely agree so far and feel you respond well to pressure. I wonder if you would have the same response if you were feeling pressure now, since Leading when the pressure is on may seem easy in theory before or after the fact? Try this…

Imagine a continuum of pressure, get a pen and paper and draw this as a straight line from left to right. Consider carefully and subjectively plot the points at which you:

• Get fired up
• Keep focused
• Trigger emotionally driven frustration
• Tip into overwhelm

Congratulate yourself on what you do well. Then…

• What do your positive pressure points allow you to do?
• How do they assist you to positively influence?
• What can you now do better from becoming aware of this?

Then…

• What are the negative behaviour patterns that result from the negative pressure points?
• What is this costing you in time, energy, influence?
• How would addressing that allow you to improve your bottom line result?
• How aware are you of the pressure points of those you Lead and actively influence?

Pressure is perceived not real! Although it seems to come from external sources it is your response to the environment that triggers it. Enter Emotional Resilience!

Emotionally Resilient people rise to the top regardless of the situation. They make rational decisions in emotional situations. This is key to Leading when the pressure is on.

Practical strategies integrated with personal management systems provide a compass in the densest situations. All you need is a strong motivation to positively enhance your skills and to call me!

What question would you like to ask me about Leading when the pressure is on? Click here to ask a question (name and email address are optional - if you include them I will provide a personal response).

Until next time, be emotionally resilient, play with pressure, and enjoy life in business!