This list should not be seen as a charter for soft management !
Managers should always expect maximum effort and high achievement from their teams. However, the most effective and respected managers of today are those who are firm but fair and understand their duty of care.

1. Become knowledgeable about stress
2. Recognise that everyone is different
3. Be alert to signs of stress in yourself and others
4. Don’t ignore the signs. Deal with it appropriately
5. Communicate often with your team, collectively and individually
6. Review workloads and priorities regularly
7. Listen to concerns and respond carefully
8. Encourage ideas and examine them positively
9. Inform and consult over changes. Allow feelings to be expressed
10. Take grievances (bullying, discrimination, etc.) seriously and investigate
11. Don’t let relationship difficulties fester. Deal with them
12. Learn about and use informal counselling skills
13. Show its OK to admit to stress and want help
14. Show concern for those returning after stress related absence. Discuss support
15. Adopt a positive approach to appraisals and agree training needs
16. Encourage self-responsibility and development
17. Ensure adequate training for newcomers or job changes
18. Utilise talents and skills. Avoid square pegs in round holes
19. If practicable and agreed, re-design job to better suit individual
20. Where possible allow flexibility, variety and autonomy
21. Recognise people’s needs as people, especially the vulnerable
22. Constructive criticism is fine, but look to balance it with appreciation
23. Allow your team the right resources and environment to do the job
24. Recognise that your own style, mood and behaviour will affect those around you
25. Respect and encourage a healthy work/life balance amongst your team