Anyone who’s ever been in charge knows one thing – management is stressful. And it doesn’t matter whether you’re managing a project, a property, or a team of people. The experience of being responsible for the success of a project or a team can induce a fair amount of stress.
But you need a clear and level head to get the job done. You need to keep focus. And feeling stressed out makes keeping focus a whole lot harder. Don’t worry – there are some things you can do to reduce your stress level and make your job a little bit easier.
Keep reading for the five things managers can do to cut back on stress!
#1 Practice Your Listening Skills
This may sound like a pretty simple idea, but one of the best things you can do as a manager is to listen to the people around you.
Now that doesn’t mean you should let them steamroll your project or try to lead the team. It just means that it’s important to understand how your employees or customers are feeling and factor that into how you approach something.
It also shows people that you care. Demonstrating good listening skills is a sign of respect. The success of most projects is based on teamwork and coordination, so it’s crucial that you respect your team and they respect you.
And that shared respect will reflect in your work. By listening to what others are saying you may be able to incorporate some new ideas that you hadn’t thought of before. At the very least you can open up a dialogue where people can be open and honest. If you can become a good listener your job will be much easier.
#2 Trust the People Around You
Lots of managers have the same issue – they feel as though they need to have complete control over every aspect of each project. People talk a lot about micro-managing, and if that’s what you intend to do, you’re only going to have a lot of unnecessary stress in your life (not to mention the lives of the people you manage, too).
It’s essential that you have trust for the people that work on your team. Yes, you may have to keep a close eye on new employees or those who are still learning the ins and outs of the job. But for those who have been performing in their role, you have to ease up.
Delegate tasks to the people you can trust to handle them. As time goes on, it will become evident what people’s strengths and weaknesses are. It’s important to pay close attention to each employee’s skills so you know who you can trust with what. This will be better for them – and it will also be a lot better for you.
When you feel confident that you can put your trust into the people around you, you can focus on the more significant issues. As a manager, you are still in control, but it’s better to focus on your to-do list, rather than concerning yourself with your team member’s work.
#3 Ask for Input from Other People
As a manager, it may seem that you should have all the answers – and for the most part, you should. But it is okay to ask for input from other people on your team.
The truth is, if something goes wrong, you are going to be the one held responsible. That’s why it’s essential to ask trusted members of your team for their input. By asking employees for their ideas, it will not only give you valuable insight, but it can strengthen the morale of your team. It also gives you the chance to see things from someone else’s perspective.
Ultimately, having additional input can help you consider solutions you hadn’t thought of before. And you never know – someone else might have a solution or an idea that can spark an even better plan.
#4 Utilize Software
An easy way to simplify your job as a manager is to use a management application. There are tons of software available that can help you manage any property, project, or team.
For property managers, finding the best property management software will help make your job easier and works to improve your manager-tenant relationships. The right property management software provides landlords and property managers with an easy way to organize employees and tasks. For team managers, there are dozens of software solutions to help you organize, assign, and track the progress of various projects.
The right software program can make it easier to keep track of a project rather than keeping lists in a notebook (or in your head). It also allows your employees to work more efficiently and keep track of their progress on specified tasks.
#5 Sometimes You Just Have to Take a Break
This may seem like a straightforward solution – and that’s because it is. The best way to alleviate stress is to take a break when you need one!
Managers often think they have to work 24/7. It’s easy to get wrapped up in minute details and feel the need to be in control of every aspect of your job and your team. But the truth is, working that much isn’t healthy. And neither is constant stress.
Regardless of how much work you have on your plate, make sure you take some time for yourself every week. You can take a daily walk, enjoy a workout at the gym, or relax and read a book. If your family is your main focus, spend some time with your significant other or with your kids.
It doesn’t matter what you do to unwind – it just matters that you do. Stepping away from work, even for a few hours, lets you destress, recharge your battery, and ultimately become a better manager.
Final Thoughts
Stress is harmful to your health and detrimental to your overall productivity. As a manager, it’s easy to feel stressed out, but you have to do whatever you can to keep your stress level to a minimum.
Listen to what your team is telling you. Trust the people around you and know who you can rely on to handle different tasks. Ask for input from trusted team members and utilize software applications that can make the job easier.
And last but not least, take a break when you need one. Life can’t be all work, work, work. Find that balance and spend some time doing something you enjoy so that when you are working, you’ll be at your best.
The Manager’s Plateau Series
All the tips you need to overcome challenges in property management.
- The Manager’s Plateau- Part One: 7 Things Every Property Manager Should Do Before Accepting Tenants
- The Manager’s Plateau- Part Two: 3 Reasons Why You Should Screen Every Tenant
- The Manager’s Plateau- Part Three: 5 Things Property Managers Can Do to Eliminate Stress