Of all the careful attention golf course superintendents put toward the fine details around the course, little is focused on the details that can make a sizable difference in the dynamics of the workplace environment, says Wes Sime, Ph.D., a health and sports psychologist. Sime, who spoke at Bayer Environmental Science’s Stomp Out Stress seminar for superintendents at Ruth Lake Country Club in Hinsdale, Ill., last month, says many superintendents ignore signs of stress in their staff’s and even in their own lives, which can cause manageable problems to become blown out of proportion.
“Some people don’t realize they’re sliding down a hill,” Sime says. “It can be a slipping slope.”
Superintendents should be sensitive to symptoms of stress among the staff and in yourself, Sime says. They include:
- Confusion;
- Inattention;
- Making poor decisions;
- Startled response;
- Fatigue;
- Nausea;
- Increasing heart rate;
- High blood pressure; and
- Cold and sweaty hands.
Along with the staff, superintendents should stay in tune with their own well-being and not ignore these symptoms if they’re experiencing them, Sime says.
Steps can be taken to create a workplace environment that’s more supportive of employees, causing fewer symptoms of stress and depression. But sometimes, before that can happen, an immediate crisis will crop up that needs to be dealt with. In this case, take care of yourself first. Sime outlines four steps to calming down, which he calls the quieting reflex:
1. Take a deep breath. Then take another one.
2. On the third deep breath, let your shoulders and jaw fall. Let your problems go.
3. Imagine something that brings you pleasure
4. Come up with your own self statement that you can say in times like these, such as this too will pass.
“Take quick action steps to alleviate possible problems instantly,” Sime says. “Then do reality testing – ask yourself, what’s the worst possible outcome? If money can fix it, it’s no big deal. When the day is done, take time for healthy rejuvenation – do whatever relaxes you.”
After a crisis has been handled, take these steps to help ensure tensions don’t rise to those levels again. Here are Sime’s tips for experiencing less stress in the workplace:
- Be open enough with some of the staff so they’re comfortable coming to you when something isn’t right;
- List everyone’s role so there isn’t any confusion;
- Put people into job roles that best compliment their strengths;
- Provide feedback as often as possible; and
- Don’t wait around for conflict to go away.
Additionally, make it a habit to take care of yourself and encourage the staff to do the same:
- Alternate between exercise and relaxation;
- Eat well-balanced, regular meals and get plenty of rest;
- Work toward personal growth, take on a new challenge; and
- Regularly seek leisure time with your family.
A key component of fighting stress is communication, Sime says.
“Talk, talk … listen, listen,” he says. “Share what you’re feeling.”
