Download Situational Stress Reactions

Situational Stress Reactions
Helping your co-workers and
the employees you supervise
cope with their emotions in a
crisis situation.
Our Formula for Success is:
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Breathe
Be Calm
Focus
Identify Best Outcome
Visualize Goal
Take Calculated Steps
Leading the Way
• According to Ben Sherwood in his
book The Survivor’s Club due to
inexperience and not being prepared
“…Most people panic and wait to be
told what to do” in a crisis.
The Survivor’s Club by Ben Sherwood
“Above all, I wanted to learn
the secrets of who survives…
The Key to Survival is attitude…
If you lose the will to live, odds are you
aren’t going to make it.”
Your Thoughts Matter!
• The Law of Attraction states:
– Like attracts like, so when you think a
thought you are also attracting like thoughts to
you.
– Your current thoughts are creating your future.
– What you think about the most, or focus on
the most, will appear.
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Your Attitude is Everything!
Glass Half-Full
versus
Glass Half-Empty
Optimism versus Pessimism
The Survivor’s Club Quiz
What is your Survival Type?
Take the Survivor’s IQ Test
Type “Survivor IQ” into
Google Search
options will appear
According to Ben Sherwood the
author of The Survivor’s Club
• We all have survivor qualities
• There are Five Types of Survivors:
– Thinker
– Believer
– Realist
– Fighter
– Connector
You’re distracted at a shopping mall and
suddenly realize that your child is gone.
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Panic
Get Help Immediately
Start yelling her name
Look for signs from God to find him/her
Calmly walk to the place where I last saw
him/her
Excerpt from: The Survivor’s IQ Quiz
The Survivor’s Club
According to Sherwood:
Everyone has these survivor qualities
within them, but most people don’t get the
opportunity to use and develop them.
People Can Be Difficult
Especially in a Crisis!
“Fight or Flight” Response
Human primitive response is
“Fight or Flight”
Brain/Body Response to assist us in
standing and fighting
or
running for our lives.
Coping with Intense Emotions
Communication
Speak
– Speak slowly & clearly at a volume no
louder than necessary to be heard.
– Speak to the person with Respect.
– Acknowledge the person’s feelings.
Coping with Intense Emotions
Communication
Listen
– Active Empathetic Listening, Reflecting back
to them their concerns and fears.
– Working to establish best outcome for the
person in distress as well as for yourself and
the others involved.
Coping with Intense Emotions
Communication
Focus/Attention
– Focus your attention on the upset person to
let them know you are interested in what they
have to say.
– Maintain a relaxed, yet attentive posture.
Coping with Intense Emotions
Communication
Suggestions:
• Ask for small specific favors such as asking
the upset person(s) to move to a quieter
area.
• Use delaying tactics.
• Be reassuring and point out choices.
• Accept criticism in a positive way.
Coping with Intense Emotions
Communication
If the Person Becomes Agitated,
and Challenges, or Questions Your Authority:
• Answer the question calmly.
• Repeat your statement calmly, until accepted.
• Move on with your plan to reach your best
outcome.
Coping with Intense Emotions
Communication
If the person Becomes Agitated
or Refuses to Follow Directions:
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Do not assert control (No Power Struggles)
Let the person gain control of themselves.
Remain professional
Give the person time to think
Coping with Intense Emotions
Communication
If someone becomes threatening:
– Seek the assistance of other people in the
group to help redirect and calm this person
– Give them time and space
– Move on toward your Best Outcome
Keep Your Eye on the Ball!
• Have Your Best Outcome in Mind.
• Focus on the steps to Your Best Outcome.
• Remember, be flexible. You may have to
deviate from your original plan to
accomplish the goal.
Again, Your Thoughts Matter!
– Panic happens due to what you are
thinking (or Saying to Yourself).
– Focus on your desired Outcome!
Your Breathing Matters!
– Short shallow breaths intensify
anxiety and feelings of panic.
– Deeper breaths can relieve anxiety
and panic.
Principle for Managing
Worry & Fear
By Dale Carnegie
– Say to Yourself: “What is the Worst thing that
can happen?”
– “What is the Best thing that can Happen?”
– “What can I do to create the best outcome?”
Scenario Work Groups
& Discussion