Calmness In The Face Of Chaos

For every individual there comes a time when he or she faces a crisis and is in need of help and guidance. Similarly, a company too goes through such a phase. However, what matters most at such a time, is how one deals with the situation. With a calm demeanor or with all guns blazing?

Of course, one’s response depends on the gravity of the situation, but I always advice my team, friends and relatives to be cool when tackling a crisis. Here’s why.

It’s The Eye of the Storm

For anyone who has been on sea and caught in a storm knows that being right in the middle of it (the eye), is the safest place to be in at that moment. Likewise, when you find yourself in an unpleasant and critical situation, rather than running away from it, deal with it. Take a few deep breaths; make a logical plan and action it.

Being an insurance company, March is always a big month with everything happening simultaneously, we were constantly functioning on a tight schedule with no respite to the team. As a leader, I am always highly concerned about the team’s overall well-being and mental capabilities. I, therefore, always take a conscious call to push non-essential projects to the following month, always look at a much-deserved comp-off and ask the team to focus on one thing at a time.

We of course continue working long hours, but I always assure them that such working conditions would last only a few days.

And the last leap to achieving our mission and common goal keeps all of us going.  Yes, it is difficult, but we always power through it, one day at a time.

Being one who practices quality over quantity, I am always worried if I will still be able to uphold this practice during time of chaos. However, I always do. Rather than neglecting the overarching problem and handling only the minute ones, I prep myself and the team for the impact and cohesively, we come out facing the sun after the rough waters.

Staying Away

While I mentioned above that it is crucial to face problems rather than run from it, there are other times when you must stay away from it. Avoid unnecessary office conflict as long as it does not concern you. Keep out of heated discussions and arguments between team members; there is no point in adding more fuel to the fire.

I have met people who narrate stories about how they take the ‘law’ into their hands and put the other person ‘in place’. This kind of behavior breeds negativity in oneself and can easily translate onto those around. This also affects one’s mental health and adds to the stress.

The workplace is not a place to look for gossip and drama. Stay in your own lane and maintain a peaceful environment at work.

Instead, focus on getting your work organized and plan ahead for the future. Have people talk positive things like your strong work ethics and planning skills. This will prove extremely beneficial for you, as you will be considered a role model in the organization.

Going Out Young

While most companies are churning out policies and benefits that help an employee in maintaining a work-life balance, the number of burnout cases are only increasing in India. In September this year, the media shed light on this in the corporate world.

It is shocking to read that 20 and 30 year olds are facing extreme cases of work depression, burnout and stress at work, resulting in their demise.

While it may be difficult for managers to identify those suffering from depression, anxiety or stress, employees must and should speak up. With professional counselling and leave benefits implemented by companies, one must avail of these. Yes, there continues to exist a stigma around mental health but for your own sake, get help before it is too late.

I wrote this piece after a talk with my son over the weekend. He told me how his class collectively managed to complete a project and had fun in doing so. All this, despite having a few broken parts after a mount board falling on it. Seeing him beam with joy as he narrated this incident made me realize that keeping calm at work is much needed in order for work to flow smoothly. It is amazing the things kids teach us, isn’t it?