Lindsay Tigar* speaks to female executives who have mastered the most professional and effective ways to deal with high-stress periods and work environments.
Photo: Kelly Sikkema
Cohesive organsations still experience periods of disarray, where office politics, client relations, and employee happiness falter.
During these times of turbulence, it’s the top leadership who serves as an example for employees to help keep things running smoothly.
I spoke to 12 female executives who have mastered the most professional and effective ways to deal with high-stress periods and environments.
Not only do they keep their cool, but they have developed coping and problem-solving techniques that help keep their organsation moving forward.
Here is their best advice:
I talk it out
Whether it’s your best friend who understands all of your idiosyncrasies or a trusted mentor who cheers for your career, having a patient ear to bounce ideas off is essential for juggling anxiety in the workplace.
Uber’s regional manager for the US and Canada, Meghan Joyce says there’s nothing that replaces a confidante.
“Having a buddy who you can trust, who understands what you’re going through, will provide you with a safe space, a sounding board, and good advice when you need it most,” she says.
I slow things down
When you’re being pinged in every direction, working at a rapid speed seems like the only solution to checking off every last box.
But CFO of XO Group, Gillian Munson says she’s her most successful — and calmest — when she purposefully pauses.
This helps decrease arguments, tension, and of course, angst.
“Stressful situations typically involve interpersonal relationships — trying to communicate, trying to get people to follow you, and trying to solve hard problems as a team,” she says.
“Solid interpersonal communication is made worse by rushing.”
I step away
Senior vice president of communications and custom experience at Mattress Firm, Sunni Goodman says, especially in the midst of a crisis situation, she makes a conscious effort to step away to clear her mind, have a good laugh, and then return with a renewed focus.
“High-stress moments can bring out the worst in some people, and it can be easy to overextend or respond aggressively,” she said.
“Stepping away for a moment helps bring a fresh perspective and allows me to provide a proportional response to the situation at hand.”
I try to believe people have the best intentions
Maintaining focus, building strong friendships, and capitalising on day-to-day happiness depends much on your mind-set.
When you are generally positive, the rest of your life will follow suit, including the way you’re perceived during high-stress situations.
CEO and the Senior Vice President of development for KIND Snacks, Elle Lanning says it’s important to operate under the assumption that everyone is kind-spirited, even if, well, they’re not.
“Reminding yourself that folks have the best intentions can help take the stress and emotion out of any situation because, at the end of the day, everyone is showing up with the same goals in mind,” she says.
I have a standing cocktail date
Sure, yoga, meditation, exercise are all healthy ways to decrease stress, but for President of Sunrise Banks, Nichol Beckstrand, a stiff cocktail also hits the spot.
In addition to helping her decompress at the end of the week, it also improves her work/life balance, too.
“To keep stress from interfering with relationships, my husband and I have a standing cocktail date every week,” she says.
“We don’t let it slide, because having fun together is our priority.”
I make a list
For many people, it’s not actually having a burgeoning agenda that makes their heart race, but rather, having endless tasks floating around in their brain.
Lana Ellie, the CEO of Floom, swear by the importance of list making, which takes away the guesswork that comes with turmoil.
“I find stress most commonly happens when there’s a big task or several tasks ahead, and you’ve not yet allowed the time to plan what’s involved, so it can seem more daunting than it really is,” she says.
I figure out what I can control
Consider the last time you had a complete meltdown: were you upset about what you knew — or what you didn’t know?
General Counsel at Roc Nation Sports Kim Miale says addressing what she can solve — instead of worrying about the unknowns — helps her to focus and conquer.
“Prioritise what needs to be done and stick to the plan,” she shares.
“Do not waste time worrying over things you cannot control.”
I take ‘me’ time, listen, and dissect
As an introvert, Dorothy Dowling, the senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Best Western Hotels & Resorts, taking alone time to recharge is paramount for her performance.
When she has the space to collect and catch her breath, she’s able to listen more effectively, making her a stronger, more diplomatic leader.
I maintain respect
As any executive knows, success isn’t reaped when they meet their personal goals, but when each member of their teams is valued as well.
Senior vice president of operations for Extended Stay America, Victoria Plummer matches her mentality toward customers to her employees by prioritising respect, always.
“Value those who you work with and always be respectful,” she says.
“Focus on common ground you can agree on and don’t be afraid to table the rest for later.”
I meet face-to-face
While the majority of corporate communication is transcribed digitally these days, there is still no replacement for face-to-face delivery.
When chief creative director and president of Multimedia Plus, Jodi Harouche senses wires crossing, she sets up a meeting ASAP.
“Pick up the phone or meet with the person,” she says.
“It might seem old fashioned, but it shows that you feel that the person is important, and you can better gauge body language.”
I stay solution-oriented
Life is often moving either glacially or at rapid speed, making it that much more stressful to navigate.
Instead of hyperfocusing on the derailment, the CEO of Saban Brands, Janet Hsu zeroes in on her problem-solving skills.
“When you can frame stressful moments as realistic challenges with feasible solutions, you can help keep yourself and your team focused on acting toward achievable next steps,” she says.
“Try to take a breath and shift your outlook, which can help lead to positive outcomes.”
* Lindsay Tigar is a freelance travel and lifestyle journalist who tweets at @LindsayTigar.
This article first appeared at www.fastcompany.com.
