In Equilibrium 25
Dear subscribername, here is your latest copy of our newsletter
In Equilibrium 25
Christmas Edition
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THIS MONTH
1. In Equilibrium News: I-STRAM The Worlds First Web-Based Stress Risk Management System
After extensive research and development, In Equilibrium have launched their new web-based stress risk management system, I-STRAM. I-STRAM stands for Integrated STress Risk Assessment and Management.
The system is unique in that it provides face-to-face training, online learning and implementation, and feedback to the organisation, all in one cost-effective package. I-STRAM allows organisations to monitor and control stress in a continuous, cost-effective manner. The system has been developed by organisational psychologists with many years experience in helping organisations prevent and reduce workplace stress. I-STRAM represents best practice in managing stress at work and will play a substantial role in helping organisations comply with the new HSE Management Standards.
2. Stress Tip: Holiday Health Plan
Don't make unrealistic plans for exercise over the holidays. Try to make sure you have realistic goals that can fit into your other activities over Christmas. If you have a hectic social time ahead, plan on going out for a few brisk walks over the Festive Season with friends/family rather than expecting to pull yourself out of bed early and go to an exercise class on your own.
Remember, the key to success is to make small, achievable changes to physical activity habits rather than trying to do too much all at once. Christmas is a time when it is important to have achievable goals - it is better to achieve smaller goals and be more ambitious later in the year, for Christmas give yourself an easier time. Think of how much better you will feel in January if you have more realistic expectations of yourself in December!
"I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances"
Martha Washington (Wife of George Washington, 1732-1802)
The New Optimum Nutrition Bible.
By Patrick Holford
Published by Piatkus
ISBN 0 7499 25523
This is a new, updated edition of Patrick Holford's original book - The Optimum Nutrition Bible. Patrick Holford is one of Britain's best selling nutrition writers who looks at new approaches to health and nutrition. He believes that, by having the best possible intake of nutrients, we allow our bodies to be as healthy as possible.
What I like about this book is that it is set out clearly and contains scientific research to back up the information. There are chapters to look at diet, explaining digestion, information about balancing hormones, having a healthy heart and immune system and much more. There is also a section looking at specific ailments so that you can see at a glance what supplements could be good for improving specific areas of your health.
This book is very reasonably priced at £12.99 and provides information that can be referred to again and again.
Alastair Taylor
Do you have any thoughts/opinions on this or any other book review you have read in In Equilibrium?
Please click here to email us your comments
5. Al's Column: Can you credit Christmas?
Well, as predicted last time, I haven't won the lottery, so we're having to get by this Christmas on 'hard-worked-for' financial resources.
In fact, there is a tightening of financial belts in the Bradshaw household. We've 'had to' buy new carpets (Mrs B insisted - it has nothing to do with me nearly throwing up in disgust every time I enter the living room) and a new computer. Oh, and a DVD. Mind you that was only 35 quid. And I nearly forgot; we're off to Spain to visit my parents in January.
So a 'frugal' Christmas it must be - at least in terms of spending on presents. It's quite liberating in a way. There's a great pressure to spend more and more on Christmas, and I confess I've been 'sucked in' by this in the past. The sin I most associate with Christmas is guilt, never mind sloth and gluttony. I have to say I'm particularly well adapted to all three. This year, when I broached the subject of spending less, a look of relief, even joy, spread over my wife's face.
Hopefully we'll have a great time, we usually do. Sadly, many people don't, they feel pressured into spending money they don't have then suffer the consequences for months and years to come. It's so easy to get into a spiral of debt these days. Just look at the ads on telly and in magazines. What is the most frequently advertised product? Answer: loans. It's very worrying. People are struggling as it is to manage their stretched finances. Goodness knows what will happen if there is a major downturn in the economy or interest rate rise.
For a less stressful Christmas this year, talk to your loved ones about spending less. Take a stand against the dark forces of finance that would love you to increase your debt because debt is extremely profitable.
Christmas is short term. Debt is long term and can seriously mess up relationships. Love is also long term. Therefore, spend less, love more this Christmas.
Alan Bradshaw
6. Web Resources: The Ecologist Online
Many thanks to Tom Daly from the Refugee Council who suggested the website of the Ecologist for this section. Many health and environment topics are first published here. At the time of writing there are articles on the site entitled:
- 2005's Hidden Heroes
- What Price White Teeth
- Hangover Free - 8 of the best Organic Wines
If you know of any resources on the internet that you think may be of interest to our readers, please click here to email us. We can accept no responsibility for the content of sites referred to in this section.
7. Your Thoughts
Many thanks to the reader who gave a response to the article by Lynne Walton "Bullying or Firm Management" in In Equilibrium 21 (see below).
We are keen to hear of any other comments this article provokes, or indeed, any comments on other articles points you have read about in this newsletter. Do you have a comment on the expert opinion about the HSE Management Standards on our website? We want to hear your thoughts!
Who is the victim of bullying?
It is entirely right that junior staff should not be at the mercy of senior colleagues, and that systems are in place whereby staff suffering bullying or harassment can seek protection. However, there is another group of staff who also need support and protection, and who can be placed in untenable positions – the accused manager.
Some time ago I appointed a deputy to work with me in my small department. She was mature, had an excellent CV and interviewed very well; she seemed to have all the skills and attributes I required. But almost from day one I found myself in a nightmare situation.
I had particularly wanted someone who could work autonomously and on their own initiative, and she showed immediately that she could do neither of those things. She consistently failed to deliver on whatever task I set her, and when challenged, would tell me that I had given her insufficient information. The fact that all the resources she needed were freely available in our shared office, or that she had been with me when I had discussed all the issues with other people, seemed to escape her. If I asked why she had not sought more information, again it was always my fault – I was unapproachable, I was critical. (In my job, people contact me all the time for advice and guidance.) And yet she was always happy to ask for her chosen leave dates, or to attend training opportunities, and was never refused.
Time and again I asked her to think through the tasks I gave her, ask me if there were problems, and demonstrate the skills and knowledge she purported to have brought to the role. Time and again I was handed a result more suited to a junior secretary than a well paid deputy. I went to HR for advice and I arranged a quiet session with her to air the difficulties. We agreed a plan of action – and nothing changed. I warned her in accordance with our organisational procedures that I was unhappy with her work, but continued to try to encourage her to improve.
When I discovered one day that three straightforward tasks I had given her had either not been done or hopelessly muddled, I was at the end of my tether. Next thing, she went off sick and accused me of bullying and harassment. I faced months of investigations, based on her record of events which I remembered very differently. I was short staffed, unable to speak freely to my PA, who was a potential witness, and having to defend myself against accusations under a system that did not seem to require her to produce any real proof. She had twisted and edited everything I had said or done, and conveniently ‘forgotten’ anything positive I had tried to do for her.
I faced serious consequences had I been found guilty – thankfully I was not. But she seemed to face no consequences at all. Had she not chosen to retire, I could have been forced to work with her again, knowing she was not competent, and also knowing that any attempt I made to manage her could start the whole process again. I dreaded that so much that I considered leaving a job I love.
It was a terrible time for me, and I shall never know if she really perceived herself to be the victim of bullying or, knowing her competency was in question, she cynically chose to make the accusations, spend six months off work on full pay, and then retire. I now know from colleagues who have been through similar ordeals that they have suffered as I have, nervous with staff, unsure how your words and actions will be interpreted, and with your confidence shattered.
Contributed by a reader
8. Stress Technique:
Stress Prevention for Christmas the New Year and for 2005
Christmas and the New Year Holiday are meant to be a time for relaxation and good cheer. That is the theory, but in reality it can at times be quite stressful. The arranging of major meals, entertaining and family relationships do not always run smoothly, and some people can feel quite isolated or even depressed over the holiday season.
If you are catering for the whole family at Christmas use your delegation skills to spread the workload. For example, one friend I know handed out aprons in advance of Christmas day!
If there are people who really don't get on in your family don't be tempted to force them together just because its Christmas.
Others can feel isolated, especially the bereaved or those with recent broken relationships. If you are going to be alone consider what is happening around you or even look for a charity you can help.
Try and leave some time for yourself with time to relax and live in the present moment. We all need space, even at Christmas. Appreciate what you have whilst also planning positive and realistic goals for 2005.
We live in a culture where many work long hours with increasing work load and inadequate resources. A foreign doctor friend described us as becoming human doings rather than human beings! Make a decision to really learn how to pace and make time for yourself, to improve your prioritisation skills and how best to do the important ongoing things as well as dealing with all the interruptions and fire-fighting we encounter.
Learn proper relaxation skills, consider starting an exercise programme even if it is only regular walking, look at your diet, and for those who have been on the Lifestyle Workshop review the Taking Control of Your Life and the Work Habits Review Exercises every month.
All the very best for Christmas and for 2005 - David Mason Brown.
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