What is executive stress?

Stress is a natural reaction by the body that happens when a part of the brain perceives a threat. The problem with this natural survival reaction is that the brain cannot tell the difference between positive and negative events and is constantly ready for action irrespective of whether the threat is real or imagined.

The body?s response to this constant readiness for action creates symptoms of stress. An example is muscular tension resulting from frequent input of adrenalin. The body is designed to dissipate this adrenalin physically, through fight or flight but these options are not possible in a work or family situation. No one can run away from a difficult meeting!

The result for some people can be significant symptoms of stress which appear over time due to constant exposure to stressful situations and action without sufficient respite. Life for Executives can be particularly stressful because of the responsibility they feel to make the business succeed; the accountability to shareholders and employees, and the consequences of decisions they make. Often the response an Executive has to increased pressure of workload and expectations such as these, is not to under-perform, pull back, delegate and get support but to over-perform. Executives are then at risk of burn out because they desire to get things done to the same if not increased, standards as before.

Over-performing means stressed individuals work longer hours to get everything done; may take fewer breaks during the day, believe they will get something done better or faster by themselves than to delegate it, and often resort to taking work home. In extreme cases these behaviours become the norm and the Executive cannot tell if their workload is excessive or not.

Help is possible! Coaching is often the best answer for Executives. It can be cost-effective for their time, tackle bespoke issues as well as following a structured process of learning, and be supplemented by e-mail and telephone support.

"Help is possible! Coaching is often the best answer for Executives. It can be cost-effective for their time, tackle bespoke issues as well as following a structured process of learning, and be supplemented by e-mail and telephone support."