People do not usually respond well to uncertainty and overwhelm. Issues happening all over the world with Coronavirus are is creating stress. This is impacting everyone because currently there is more uncertainty, overwhelm and stress than ever.
Eliz Greene is the author of the new book, “Stress-proof Your Heart” and a leading expert on leadership in times of uncertainty and overwhelm. She joins the conversation on episode 543 of Cool Things Entrepreneurs Do to talk about how business leaders can manage their stress and that of their employees and customers.
Business owners, entrepreneurs, leaders, and others are all having to make decisions quickly that are impacting their business and personal lives. Everyone is facing the stress. Our brains do not like uncertainty. Our brains like predictability.
Uncertainty is perceived as unsafe and potentially painful. Whether the situation is predictably positive or predictably negative, your brain prefers something familiar to something unfamiliar. Under stress, our brains depend on instinct rather than rational thought because the part of the brain responsible for critical thinking is busy dealing with the psychological reaction to stress. This reaction not only impedes productivity, but it can also create a paralyzing loop of anxiety.
You can’t just grit your teeth through unrelenting uncertainty. Don’t beat yourself up for having a natural reaction; you aren’t a bad person, a lousy time manager, or lazy—you are stressed. Notice your stress reaction, and decide to take steps to address it.
The information we are getting about Coronavirus is changing by the hour. We are experiencing unprecedented uncertainty. We need to think creatively, but our brains are not getting there.
How can you stay relevant to your customers? You have to be open and communicate. Can your provide other services, or just thank your customers for their business. We need to be personal and not just email blast our lists with Coronavirus branded newsletters. Mass emails are not reducing stress. It is adding to overwhelm.
This episode is a must-hear and one you should share with others.
About Eliz Greene
Eliz Greene is ridiculously excited about stress. She not only finds the chemical reaction in the body caused by stress fascinating, but stress is also her favorite topic to speak about, write about, or discuss in line at the grocery store.
With a surgically repaired heart, Eliz also knows stress management isn’t a ‘nice-to-have,’ but rather an essential survival skill. Surviving a heart attack at age 35 while seven months pregnant with twins propelled Eliz on a mission to share her story to inspire other busy people to pay attention to their health. Just days after her heart stopped and she endured open heart surgery and a cesarean section delivery, Eliz held both her daughters together for the first time.
Amazingly, despite the pain and uncertainty, what she felt most strongly was contentment. Her priorities were crystal clear. She knew she’d been given a second chance at life and a unique perspective for a reason.
Recognizing stress as an essential and often under-addressed risk factor, Eliz conducted a research study on job stress. Her research uncovered the secrets of how purpose-driven organizations create corporate cultures immune to overwhelm and uncertainty.
She writes a Top Health and Wellness Blog. She was named as a Top Online Influencer on Stress and Heart Health. She’s been seen on CNN, PBS, Lifetime, TNT, and many national and local news programs. A national spokesperson and advocate for the American Heart Association, Eliz received the Heart Hero Award in 2010. More recently, she has partnered on the Take Cholesterol To Heart campaign.
About Thom Singer
Thom Singer is a keynote speaker and professional master of ceremonies / EmCee. He is the host of two podcasts and the author of 12 books.