How to Stay Calm When Working on High-Profile Projects
Work better under pressure? That’s not entirely an excuse but also a reality as studies show that high performance is a result of the higher levels of activation that come with moderate levels of stress.
Regardless if you are a developer, a designer or a project manager stress is part of your routine, especially when working on high-profile projects that most of the times are intimidating and with tight deadlines. This is when stress kicks in and there is just a sweet spot where you can make it your asset or your enemy.
What we mean by that is that extreme stress often leads to panic which is against your health and productivity. But, moderate stress that you are able to control and stay calm has proven to be a great asset among top-performing professionals and legendary leaders such as Steve Jobs.
So, how do you keep calm and focused when working on high-profile projects?
Start Planning
It might seem a basic tip but most of the times the little tasks that we’ve forgotten or did not think were important will pop up as an unpleasant surprise and cause stress. So when you get asked to estimate the time you need to complete a project try to pinpoint every little thing that needs to be done and also consider some extra time for when or if something goes wrong.
Say no
By taking on more tasks than you can handle you are not helping the team or the project. On the contrary, you are most likely slowing them down. Know your limits and that it is ok to say no and back it up with facts than failing to deliver.
Laugh
Psychologists say that laughter is the best anti-depressant. In periods of high stress, it is a great idea to fight it with a good joke or anything that will make you and your team members relax and unwind.
Get more Rest
You might praise yourself as being tireless but working non-stop on the project will have the opposite result. According to the National Sleep Foundation adults aged 26–64 should sleep for an average 7–9 hours a night. Being well-rested will help you fight stress like a pro!
Take a Break
Similarly to the laughter tip taking small and frequent breaks will help you take your mind off the project and relax. This is why it is very important to fight the need to do anything work-related during these short intervals. Ideally, you should leave your desk, get some more fresh coffee or even go outside to enjoy some fresh air.
The tips above have proven to be helpful among our agile teams. What other tips have you been using to keep your teams calm during stressful periods? Share knowledge!
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