Definition
Effectively
handle highly stressful or adverse situations, making good
decisions, working calmly and accurately, and helping to
calm others.
Maintaining stable performance under pressure or opposition
(such as time pressure or job ambiguity); handling stress in
a manner that is acceptable to others and to the
organization.
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Behavioral Descriptions
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Proficiency Level 5
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Does not let emotion affect judgment; relies on
facts and data to form and carry out appropriate
responses in stressful situations.
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Stays focused on issues and facts when under stress.
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Consistently remains calm in face of added stress.
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Takes an active role in eliminating stress in the
workplace.
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Effectively adapts to stress; alters response based
on situation.
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Consistently performs well under the most rigorous
and changing of conditions.
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Responds appropriately to opposition; uses
aggressive response only in the context of acceptable
behavior within policies and procedures.
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Is able to think on one’s feet; able to evaluate
situation and possible responses quickly and accurately.
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Demeanor and character diffuses situations; those
dealing with stressful situations feel calmed by this
employee becoming involved.
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Effectively diffuses hostile situations.
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Proficiency Level 4
- Content Under Development.
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Proficiency Level 3
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Stays
focused on issues and facts when under stress.
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Adapts to stress; alters response based on situation.
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Steady performer; performance does not suffer when
exposed to stress.
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Does
not collapse under pressure.
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Presents a positive disposition and maintains
constructive interpersonal relationships when under
stress.
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Works
well under pressure.
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Is
courteous to others in high stress/pressure situations
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Proficiency Level 2
- Content Under Development
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Proficiency Level 1
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Is unable to work well under pressure.
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Does not stay focused during times of stress.
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Loses temper and is outwardly angry or aggressive under
stress.
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Needs to frequently remove oneself from stressful
situations.
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Does not present a positive disposition; does not
maintain constructive interpersonal relationships when
under stress.
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Does not develop appropriate strategies needed to alter
conditions that create stress and sustain physical and
mental health.
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Uses unacceptable actions, gestures, or words in
stressful situations.
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Suggested Activities for Development
Stress Management Techniques for the Body
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Along with improving your ability to relax, you must
assess diet and other strains on your body.
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Aerobic exercise can reduce anxiety up to 50%.
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Good
nutrition (a well balanced diet) will improve your
ability to appropriately respond to stress.
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Get
an adequate amount of rest each night.
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Reducing caffeine intake will help you manage your
anxiety (2 ½ cups of coffee doubles the epinephrine
level).
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Smoking cessation is important, as nicotine is also a
stimulant.
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Biofeedback techniques can help up to 80% of migraine
sufferers.
Stress Management Techniques for the Mind
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If you have multiple
stressors (deadlines, increased responsibilities), you
must prioritize your time.
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Initiating a time
management schedule remains a positive way to reduce
stress and anxiety.
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Break large demands
into small, manageable parts. Work through one task at a
time.
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Do what needs to be
done first, leaving other things for tomorrow.
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Identify your goals
and work toward them.
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Take direct action
when stress arises- identify your needs and articulate
them; Be intentional about what you can do.
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Acknowledge your
thoughts and feelings concerning the stressors in your
life.
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Develop a support
network to rely on in times of need.
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Remember to be kind
to yourself and not dwell on the "shoulds".
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Recommended Courses
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Additional Resource
Websites
Books
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Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and
It’s All Small Stuff New York, NY: Hyperion, 1997.
Carlson, R.
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The Relaxation and Stress
Reduction Workbook Oakland,
CA: New Harbinger, 1988. Davis, M., Eshelman, E., &
McCay, M.
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Behavioral-Based Interviewing Questions
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