Technological progress is changing the face of organisations but despite these widespread advances, the corporate world is still made up of very real people, who through their talents, training, experience and especially their personalities make up the true capabilities of their companies.
People are still the most valuable asset for any corporation.
Technological and economic challenges both enable and demand agility and mobility of both individuals and groups. Modern leaders are required to steer complex projects within matrix style organisational structures and task force teams, in which hierarchy plays only a minor role. To meet the challenges of the modern market place work groups are formed and dissolved at a rapidly increasing rate. Time in which to establish contact and become familiar with people has become very short. Inspiring others, giving meaning, uniting a team to capitalise on the strengths of its members and managing tensions in the workplace are all necessary abilities required of the modern manager.
Whilst managers and their employees may be aware of the risks of stress, they are not all equally competent in dealing with it or better resisting pressure. Self-knowledge, self-management, understanding others and better relationship management will inevitably relieve much of this pressure; especially if everyone, whether a manager or not, were able to contribute by having their skills enhanced in these important and vital areas.
Being able to effectively approach an interpersonal relationship challenge and to ask for or offer help if needed is an indicator of strength, though sadly many managers and employees do not see things this way. Top athletes know how to regulate the intensity of their effort; then to recuperate to prepare for the next challenge when in individual competition; or the importance by being an effective part of the group, when taking part in team activities. So employees and managers in the twenty-first century need to know how to bring their performance to a peak, both as individual and team players.
What business can afford to go without these skills today?