Mazda Training manual — part 144

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AC13 – PROBLEM SOLVING

Split the delegates into 2 groups and allocate to each group one of the problems
identified in the discussion at the start of this section.

The groups study their problem and, using the 4-step approach, analyse and plan for
it.

The delegates swap their analyses and plans with the other group.

The groups then examine the analyses and plans they have been given, and study
them. They have to plan a role-play in which they communicate the problem, analysis
and plan to the other group, i.e. the group that designed it in the first place.

These role-plays are carried out in full group.

Finally, the group as a whole discusses the possible results of the plan being
implemented, and examine likely outcomes – good and bad.

They discuss if the plan would work and any alternatives there may have been.

The activity ends with delegates discussing the learning points.

Your Notes

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4.4

Dealing with Stress

We all feel stress at times - over one third of all absences in the workplace are attributed to
stress related illnesses.
• While some stress is unavoidable, some can be avoided.
• Low level stress can be good and help you improve your performance.

Try this stress-relieving exercise with the delegates.

AC14 – STRESS RELIEF

• Ask the group to split into pairs.
• Ask them to stand and find a space each and to decide who will be ‘A’ and who

will be ‘B’.

• Ask the ‘A’ people to lift up their right arms, straight and in front of them, then to

swing them as far behind them as possible.

• Their partner (B) stands and marks the spot where the arm reached.
• Then, in full group, and with the group staying in the same place, carry out a

breathing exercise.

• Direct them to take 3 deep breaths – each breath being in through the nose and

out through the mouth. Ask them to imagine they are breathing from deep down
in their abdomen.

• The ‘A’ group then repeats the arm-swinging exercise again. They should be able

to stretch further.

• Carry out the activity again with the B group swinging their arms.

Make the point that if we all take a few minutes out of each working day to breath
deeply, we will find we are more relaxed.

What causes stress?

Stress comes from both the inside and the outside.
• Outside stress reflects the pressure you are under from your job, family, financial

commitments and so on.

• Inside stress reflects your reaction to these and comes from your feelings, beliefs and

attitudes.

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Ask the delegates what stresses them, and why.

Some examples:

OUTSIDE SOURCES

INSIDE SOURCES

Debts

Accidents

Arguments

Divorce

Illness

Moving home

Redundancy

New job

Deaths

Marriage

Too much work – not enough time

Wanting to succeed

Wanting to be liked

Wanting to make others happy

Feeling worried

Feeling jealous

Feeling frustrated

Low self-esteem

Feeling unfulfilled

Anxiety

Panic

Feeling incompetent

What are the symptoms?

Some examples:

21 – The Symptoms of Stress

• Headaches
• Muscular tension
• High blood pressure
• Ulcers
• Skin disorders
• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety and depression.
Discuss the signs the delegates feel they show when they are stressed.

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The impact at work

Discuss what the impacts might be.

Your Notes

Poor

morale

Absenteeism

Loss of confidence

Poor performance

Poor

service

Getting stress under control

When we are faced with a stressful situation we often don’t know what we can do.

We worry and become more stressed.

Try this four-step approach:

22 – Getting Stress under Control

• Be aware of what stresses you – and how you react to it
• Recognise what you can change
• Learn to moderate your emotional and physical responses
• Build your physical reserves, and maintain your emotional reserves.
Go through each suggestion, asking delegates to consider how it will help them.
Some ideas are given in bold and italic below.

Be aware of what stresses you - and how you reaction to them

Notice your distress. Don't ignore it. Don't gloss over your problems.

How does your body respond to the stress?

Do you become nervous or physically upset? If so, in what specific ways?

Recognise what you can change

Can you change your stressors by avoiding or eliminating them completely?

Can you reduce their intensity?

Can you shorten your exposure to stress (take a break, leave the premises)?