It’s not just me! I checked with my mentoring group last night. When you are stressed and need all your good health strategies more than ever, is when you’re most likely to let them slip.
It’s cold, mid-winter, here in Australia. My usual strategy is to take a short holiday somewhere warm, to re-energize my sun-loving soul but I’m not this year. I usually get up early to walk. Instead, I’m up early to work. The exercise equipment lies unused and my usual healthy, all-things-in-moderation, squeeze-my-own-juice style of eating has given way to coffee and comfort food. Meditation and yoga? No time!
This is not just a personal phenomenon. We live in a stressful world. Individuals, organizations and society are dealing with massive, global, financial and environmental challenges. However, unhealthy reaction, rather than strategic response, will ultimately make the system unsustainable.
The reaction of stressed organizations is often to cut investment in people and development. This quick-fix tactic may serve the financial bottom line in the short-term but it is an unhealthy reaction. It is false economy because it causes more stress on people and reduces productivity. Strategic use of available resources produces better outcomes.
It doesn’t have to be hugely expensive to nurture an organization’s talent. Mentoring is a cost-effective strategy for attracting, retaining and developing people. Strong, positive relationships are the best antidote to stress. Mentoring helps people learn from the past, cope with the present and plan for the future. Training individuals in mentoring skills builds the capability of the organization and a sustainable system.
It’s time for me to stop my unhealthy reactions and get strategic again. How about you? I’m off for a walk and fresh juice. Thanks to my mentoring, I have energy and resolve. That’s how mentoring works!
About Ann Rolfe
- Ann Rolfe
- Ann Rolfe is internationally recognised as Australia's leading specialist in mentoring, and is available for speaking, training and consulting. Here Ann shares her knowledge and allows you to ask your most pressing questions about mentoring.
2 comments:
during Melbourne's cold winter I change my walk routine from mornings to lunchtimes or afternoons. Whilst I am lucky to be self-employed and have the flexibility to do this, I would suggest more work places encourage their employees to get out during the middle of the day for a walk. I'll bet they notice more productive afternoons!
Good idea! I sometimes walk in the afternoon. It's glorious and you're right, I come back invigorated and enthused!
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