Guest Post by Marny Lifshen – How are you managing professional stress?
Our workplaces can be a stressful place, especially with recent political, economic and
social upheaval. Many professionals are worrying about how these pressures will affect
their companies, industries and communities and are concerned about potential layoffs.
It is challenging to manage stress and uncertainty, but there are things you can do.
Talk to Leadership: Meet with your supervisor or boss and let them know about your
concerns. They may be able to share their plans for handling these issues and reassure
you. If not, it is still helpful for them to know employees are worrying about their future
and that can lead to more consistent communication from the top.
Meet with Your Mentors: Hopefully you have mentors inside and outside your
company. If you are concerned about job security, mentors can help you form a plan to
proactively look for other opportunities. They can also give you practical advice on how
to effectively handle the stress in your current position, while still effectively doing your
job.
Make Networking a Priority: Networking is one of those things we always mean to do
but rarely follow through with. Attend industry or professional events, such as the
Austin Technology Council breakfast roundtables and happy hours. Meet one-on-one
with colleagues and reconnect with former co-workers. Set time in your schedule each
week for coffees, lunches or happy hour with friends and colleagues to gather
information about what is happening in your community, and to raise your own profile.
Be sure to offer to help to your network, rather than focusing exclusively on your needs.
Be Active on Social Media: Building your brand and connections on social media
platforms such as LinkedIn is crucial, especially in uncertain times. You don’t have to
post every day, but stay consistently engaged by reading posts from your connections
and commenting, and sharing those posts when appropriate. Follow industry
organizations such as the Austin Technology Council and add your voice to their posts.
Social media will also lead you to people in your network you haven’t connected with in
a while – reach out!
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Marny Lifshen is an author, speaker, and consultant with over 30 years experience. She helps professionals and companies gain clarity and improve skills on networking , professional relationships, communications, and personal brands.
The Austin Technology Council is a 33 year old legacy organization that celebrates the past, is present in the NOW, and looks to the future of the Austin Technology Ecosystem. Make sure that your company is supporting the efforts of ATC and that you regularly read the blog, listen to the podcast, attend events, and subscribe to the newsletter. The future of Austin tech depends on YOU… real leaders show up.