Management anxiety

Working in a management position and taking responsibility for the performance of your team is guaranteed to result in a measure of work based anxiety. Many managers relish the adrenaline their anxiety stimulates because it keeps them on their toes.  However the level of anxiety that makes us flourish and that which makes us flounder differs from person to person. Some people thrive in a highly competitive cut and thrust environment, or come alive when sailing close to the wind.  However, when anxiety causes distress it can have a negative effect on health and well-being and lead to dysfunctional behaviour. 

When managers’ anxiety gets out of their control, it leads to negativity which in turn affects their moods and communication skills.  As a result the impact on the team will be a downturn in the motivation and productivity of their teams. An essential personal development area, in which all managers need to gain a high level of competence, is the development of strategies to effectively manage their anxiety.