We find that most managers can relate to stress but few properly understand it. For some the word itself conjures only negativity and inference of weakness. In ‘macho’ or sales oriented organisations this can form an understandable barrier to dealing with it. But nobody has guaranteed immunity to the potential hazards of stress. It is a natural human response to a perceived inability to cope with certain types of pressure, especially when prolonged.

Today’s manager is expected to be knowledgeable about the various facets of stress and recognise it as a legitimate health issue which impacts on wellbeing and performance. Without this understanding managers may struggle to deal with it in themselves but also find it difficult to identify and address it in those around them.

Managers are vulnerable to the squeeze of pressure from above and below. They are likely to work the longest hours and feel challenged by issues of work-life balance. To an extent this ‘goes with the territory’ but their ability to cope and their mood and manner when under pressure are pivotal in the motivation and morale of their team. If they regularly succumb to stress they are likely to be self-absorbed and less sensitive to the needs of others.

Some managers may be in post on the strength of their experience in some previous non-managerial role. They may be weak on people skills and have received little or no relevant training, leaving them feeling ill equipped and short of confidence in such a key area.

Our work with managers, usually over 2 days, encourages them to recognise the realities of their role and influence and their duty of care responsibilities towards those they manage.