If you scored over 40, consider one or more of these ideas to reduce your own stress, or to reduce sys-
tems problems that are contributing to stress within your workgroup:
❑ Collectively attend a stress reduction workshop that focuses on individual stress-coping tech-
niques.
❑ Analyze the stressors in the organizational system in which you work. Which contribute the
most stress without contributing to productivity? How can these be reduced? [☛2.1 Systems
Thinking]
❑ Make it okay to discuss stress levels and to use stress reduction methods at workgroup or team
meetings. [☛10.8 Ground Rules]
❑ Make it okay to take time-outs at work for relaxation. [☛15.1 Balance]
❑ Celebrate successes. Often, workgroups or teams do not get enough recognition or positive feedback.
❑ Hold simple letting-go or venting meetings—simple, because you do not want the administra-
tion of these sessions to become a source of stress! [☛5.8 Human Transitions]
❑ As a leader, have one-on-one meetings with people who seem to be stressed out. If an individu-
al’s stress level is high, use the Employee Assistance Program or other resources to provide indi-
viduals with appropriate support. [☛13.1 Coaching]Copyright McGraw-Hill 2000. Original purchasers of this book are permitted to photocopy or customize this worksheet by downloading it from
http://www.books.mcgraw-hill.com/training/download.The document can then be opened, edited, and printed using Microsoft Word or other word processing
software.
474 SECTION 15 TOOLS FORTAKINGCARE OFYOURSELF
Stress symptom Rating
0 (not at all), 5 (very much)- I pace nervously.
- I imagine or dream terrifying scenes.
- My digestive system sometimes feels like a knotted cord.
- I grind my teeth at night.
- I am frequently angry or irritable.
- I frequently get digestive problems.
- I often feel fatigued for no apparent reason.
- I have frequent headaches for no known organic reason.
- I chronically suffer from cold hands and feet.
- My heart often beats very fast.
- I breathe in short, shallow breaths.
- I feel guilty when I take time out to relax.
Add each rating to obtain a total scoreActions you will take to reduce stress (either your own, or stress within your workgroup or team):