Last month we talked about the Tension Challenge as presented by John Maxwell in 360 Degree Leadership.  Recognizing the reality of the Tension Challenge is the most important place for us to start for it is through this recognition process that we are able better to support ourselves when stress comes up - because it will.  This month our focus is on how to relieve the Tension Challenge and Maxwell has 5 steps to share with us. 

1. Become Comfortable with the Middle - "Comfort is really a function of expectations.  The wider the gap between what you imagine to be and reality, the more disappointed you are likely to be."  It is important to have absolute clarity about what's expected of you and what's normal within your organization.  The more you are in alignment, the more comfortable you will be.

2.  Know What to "Own" and What to Let Go - "Nothing frees a person from tension like clear lines of responsibility."  Leaders will often become gap fillers because ultimately we want things to run smoothly and we want success for the organizations we serve.  However, this "gap filling" can lead to over-extending, getting into situations that are not ours, poor performance, and can really STRESS US OUT.  So, do what I do - ask yourself frequently, "Is this really mind to do."  If it isn't - let it go.

3.  Find Quick Access to Answers when Caught in the Middle - I find having regular meetings with my leader and the people whom I lead allows me to quickly identify the places where I am caught in the middle and to get quick resolution.  Without good communication, this is hard to achieve.  But the more you practice the easier it will be.

4.   Never Violate Your Position or the Trust of the Leader - This most frequently happens when we overstep our bounds or abuse (sometimes unknowingly) the power and trust that has been placed on us.  Always remember that when you are empowered with authority the actions you take are on behalf of those you represent.

5.  Find a Way to Relieve Stress - Although we probably won't ever completely eliminate stress, I believe we can relieve it.  How we relieve it is not a "one size fits all" because we all handle stress in different ways.  Nature of any sort is a natural decompression chamber for me.  So is knitting and spending time with my dog Jake on my lap - both of which usually don't happen very well at the same time.  The point is - you need to find what works for you.  What do you need to include in your daily routine that allows you to breathe deeply, drop your shoulders, feel into your heart space, and let the concerns and stress of the day fade away?

I want to close with a quote from John Maxwell who says "Nobody said becoming a 360-Degree Leader would be easy.  Leading from the middle of an organization is stressful, but so is being the top leader.  And so is being a worker who has no say in how his job should be done.  The key to succeeding is to learn to deal with the tension of whatever position you are in, overcome its obstacles, and make the most of its advantages and opportunities.  If you do that, you can succeed from anywhere in the organization."

2011 Prayer Chaplain Trainers Workshops - Only 3 Workshops Remaining in 2011