Wade HarshmanScrum Master| GDITIndianapolis, In, United States
I've met a number of project managers who seem to constantly operate under a high degree of stress. Others project managers act relaxed; some remain calm even when guiding their project through turmoil.
Why is this? Do the demands of some projects and organizations generate this stress, or do project managers tend to bring their personalities with them to the job?
Restated, does the profession attract people who prefer to operate in stressful environments, or is anxiety a natural byproduct of a career which balances urgent and important tasks against the variables of uncertainty and timelines?
Another consideration: is there a purpose in the mere portrayal of stress? Do some project managers merely create the illusion of overload? Does it affect your perception of a project manager's ability when that person is either typically stressed or typically calm?
*Note: I like to discuss PM topics for fun. Please don't let this discussion create stress. Saving Changes...
Ryan LanciDirector of Pharmacovigilance Project Management and Operations| ADC TherapeuticsWake Forest, NC, United States
Some people operate best under stress, and some people let stress operate them.
Prior to project management, I was a an Emergency Room Nurse at a busy Level 1 Trauma center, and before that worked for EMS. I can tell you that when I am in a "stressful" situation like a mass casualty incident, I become more calm because I let my knowledge, skills, and experience take over instead of worry or over think. That is because of extensive practice and training, the response becomes automatic.
I consider my response to projects to be the same now, after a lot of experience and stress, I have reached a maturity level where I can remain calm and pilot the ship confidently. That in turn sets a calm and focused mood in the project team, regardless of the project status.
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1 reply by Teleri Beaty
Sep 30, 2016 2:14 PM
Teleri Beaty
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@Ryan, I love what you said: "Some people operate best under stress, and some people let stress operate them."
I'll have to remember this.
Saving Changes...
Jeremy LunsfordManager| ONEOK, Inc.Collinsville, Ok, United States
Project Management is stressful! I have had similar issues with negative stress that stems from lack of Emotional Intelligence. I have spent the last two years studying the subject of controlling emotion. A few books that have been helpful: QBQ! by John Miller; Act Like a Leader, Think Like A Leader by Herminia Ibarra; Daring Greatly by Brene Brown.
I found that these books and practicing there teachings has changed my life and taught me to respond in a manner which controls the stress. Good Luck! Saving Changes...
Teleri BeatyBusiness Unit Deputy| TrellisWare Technologies, Inc.San Diego, Ca, United States
Sep 30, 2016 9:30 AM
Replying to Ryan Lanci
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Some people operate best under stress, and some people let stress operate them.
Prior to project management, I was a an Emergency Room Nurse at a busy Level 1 Trauma center, and before that worked for EMS. I can tell you that when I am in a "stressful" situation like a mass casualty incident, I become more calm because I let my knowledge, skills, and experience take over instead of worry or over think. That is because of extensive practice and training, the response becomes automatic.
I consider my response to projects to be the same now, after a lot of experience and stress, I have reached a maturity level where I can remain calm and pilot the ship confidently. That in turn sets a calm and focused mood in the project team, regardless of the project status.
@Ryan, I love what you said: "Some people operate best under stress, and some people let stress operate them."
I'll have to remember this. Saving Changes...
Tobe PhelpsDirector of Digital Experience| Central New Mexico Community CollegeAlbuquerque, Nm, United States
I think this is part of the PMs character. Some of us have gotten to the point in our careers that we understand that there will be hard times and conflict. Keeping a steady pace and a calm outlook helps to influence the tone for the project team. Saving Changes...
