Q&A (3) : How can I be authentic when work gets stressful?

Dear Sarah,

I have a question about leading authentically.

I manage three services within children's services, although my job description states I'm only employed to manage one. This is the result of pressures of a culture in which more for less is the norm.  I'm committed to doing a safe, thorough job, but feel increasingly resentful at the pressures placed on me.

I would love to know your thoughts on how to lead authentically, whilst managing staff and picking up issues that are stressful to manage?

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10 ways to connect authentically at work

Whether your work relationships are good, bad, or downright ugly, there’s always room for improvement.

Most of us spend more of our time relating to people at work than with anyone else in our lives including our loved ones.  Healthy, inspiring and strong relationships with our colleagues can make even the most tedious job seem more interesting. On the other hand, difficult, draining and tricky relationships can cause us to dread going to work even when we have a dream job.

So, whether you are the boss or a team member how can you make sure that your work relationships are as good as they can be?

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Q&A (2) : How can I disconnect to connect?

Dear Sarah,

I work for myself and I have to regularly keep on top of emails and my social media so that I don’t miss anything and can react quickly. I have a husband and a seven-year old daughter and I am aware that they don’t always get the best of me in the evenings as I have one-eye on my various devices especially when I hear a ping. This week my daughter asked why I am always on the phone and sulked when I put off playing a game with her. Maybe she had a point but how can I find a better balance whilst still keeping my business going?

Yours,
Kate.


Dear Kate
I relate to your scenario. It is hard. People, whether friends or clients, can often expect us to be available to them 24/7 and yet our loved ones also need our focused attention, certainly at least some of the time! The problem I find, and it sounds like you find it too, is that if you try to be everything to everybody, it just doesn’t work and no one is satisfied.

So what is the answer?

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