Show Stress Who’s Boss!

What was it like?

A superb practical book which is an accessible guide to understanding stress and self-management of taking control and applying techniques to reduce pressure. If you are unsure what stress is or the impact it can have on your staff and colleagues this book is definitely for you.  The book uses 4 clear steps, Spotting the Symptoms; Gauging the Reaction; Getting to Grips; and Regaining Control; which take the reader through recognising stress and ways to cope with it including the cause and effect and impact on daily life.

The book is truly engaging and can be used as a reference book although once you start reading it you might find it very difficult to put down.  The author has great style in tackling complex issues and enhancing knowledge and understanding in a very practical way.

The support areas including changing behaviour, assertiveness, work-life balance, what to say and not say and changing your mindset are all very useful for team building and motivating colleagues.

The root cause analysis of identifying work related stress would be most useful for both individual and organisational analysis of recognising, coping and dealing with stress factors and behaviours.

What were the highlights?

The strategies and tools within this book are excellent.  It provides great “how to” tools and examples with case scenarios, exercises, measurement/progress scales and ways to toughen the mind and body.  There is great use of quotes, Cartoons, diagrams and easy to apply and relate to examples. 

Strengths and weaknesses?

Real life practical examples which are evidenced based and simply written to allow clear recognition and understanding.  The self-management, support and team based strategies provide a good approach for tackling individual and work based stress using effective techniques and controls.

Who should read it?

As a healthcare/senior manager and HR professional I see a very wide readership for this book and would highly recommend it.  It would be really useful for all healthcare and HR professionals, senior managers and executive teams, patients and families suffering from or living with stress related conditions.