Stress Management

A LECTURER, WHEN EXPLAINING STRESS MANAGEMENT TO AN AUDIENCE, RAISED A GLASS OF WATER AND ASKED "HOW HEAVY IS THIS GLASS OF WATER?" ANSWERS CALLED OUT RANGED FROM 20G TO 500G. THE LECTURER REPLIED, "THE ABSOLUTE WEIGHT DOESN'T MATTER. IT DEPENDS ON HOW LONG YOU TRY TO HOLD IT."

"IF I HOLD IT FOR A MINUTE, THAT'S NOT A PROBLEM. IF I HOLD IT FOR AN
HOUR, I'LL HAVE AN ACHE IN MY RIGHT ARM. IF I HOLD IT FOR A DAY, YOU WILL
HAVE TO CALL AN AMBULANCE. IN EACH CASE, IT'S THE SAME WEIGHT, BUT THE
LONGER I HOLD IT, THE HEAVIER IT BECOMES."

HE CONTINUED, "AND THAT'S THE WAY IT IS WITH STRESS MANAGEMENT. IF WE CARRY OUR BURDENS ALL THE TIME, SOONER OR LATER, AS THE BURDEN BECOMES INCREASINGLY HEAVY, WE WON'T BE ABLE TO CARRY ON. AS WITH THE GLASS OF WATER, YOU HAVE TO PUT IT DOWN FOR A WHILE AND REST BEFORE HOLDING IT AGAIN. WHEN WE'RE REFRESHED, WE CAN CARRY ON WITH THE BURDEN." "SO BEFORE YOU RETURN HOME TONIGHT, PUT THE BURDEN OF WORK/TASK DOWN. DON'T CARRY IT HOME. YOU CAN PICK IT UP TOMORROW. WHATEVER BURDENS YOU'RE CARRYING NOW, LET THEM DOWN FOR A MOMENT IF YOU CAN." "RELAX; PICK THEM UP LATER AFTER YOU'VE RESTED. LIFE IS SHORT. ENJOY IT!

Interpersonal skills

The project manager needs to possess interpersonal skills. It is imperative that the PM understands his responsibilities to act meticulously as he is the captain of the ship. If he stumbles then the success of the project goes for a toss.

Main interpersonal skills that a PM should possess are,

1. Very effective communication - Should be able to clearly communicate information to stake holders in the form of emails, conference calls and face to face meetings

2. Problem solving - Should be able to resolve problems that are posed to him. He needs to identify alternatives for the problem and do an effective decision making. His subordinates look up to him for problem solving. The PM should be rational in decision making

3. Conflict resolution - Conferring to terms and come to an agreement or ensure that the other party obliges by his decision mutually

4. Leadership - Should lead by example. Needs to have a clear vision and strategy for his projects or goals and ensure that his team gets into the mode of achieving them

5. Motivation - Should be charged up to achieve things. Should motivate his team to reach that level. Ensure that the resistance to change is overcome by his motivation

6. Organization Influence - The art of getting things done for the benefit of the project