1. Listen intently.

Hear what your colleagues and direct reports are voicing as their stress, and listen carefully to them-a gift that will lower their stress. One of Stephen Covey's 7 habits is 'seek to understand before being understood.'

2. Reach out.

Very often it takes only a little time to help others in a way that is significant and reaps great rewards for the relationship. Helping others will also help you keep the proper perspective on what is really important in life.

3. Give affirmation.

The best gift you can give is for a person to hear their value and worth from your lips, or from the written word.

4. Assume nothing.

Ask those you work with what their expectations are, what their understanding is, and communicate the plan clearly so people feel informed.

5. Stay flexible.

Don't be a rigid boss, ordering people around. Instead slow the pace, gather consensus, and give options so that you create an environment of connecting and sharing.  

For more tips on living your leadership.... our "Leadership Success Circle" may be the missing piece to "living your leadership."

Leadership training opportunities are offered in many ways to meet your organization's specific needs and budget. Take a look at our different training approaches, including these On-Demand traning courses:

• Supervisor 101
• Bringing Out the Best in You and Others
• Managing Staff in Stressful Times: Celebrations and Challenges of Leading Multiple Generations
• Dealing With Difficult People
• Creating a Culture of Customer Service Excellence
• The Healthy Leader: Learning to Lead Yourself