Recently I was asked, “With all the economic uncertainty, rumors are flying around my company. It’s scary. How do I deal with all that is going on?”
Rumors are scary. And during tough times, there’s always a little group in the corner, comparing notes.
(1) Notice whether you are hearing rumors or gossip.
Gossip tends to be presented as fact about people. For example, someone says, “Frank has a drinking problem.” Gossip can be cruel and harmful but it’s not as scary as a rumor.
Rumors tend to be speculations about forthcoming events, according to Ralph Resnow, a former Temple psychology professor.
Rumors are scary because we often feel helpless and we feel we should be doing something…but what?
(2) Decide what you will do if the rumor is true and create a Plan B quietly.
After all, bad things (and good things) happen even when rumors are *not* circulating.
Avoid the temptation to speculate on whether it is true. Often there’s no wa to find out. When you ask directly, you may get a straight answer…or you may be viewed as lacking in confidence.
Ironically, those who are best prepared for a crisis tend to be safest from the worst impact. They present a strong, confident image. They maintain perspective. They stay calm so they avoid stress-related mistakes.
(3) Diversify your time and energy: the best way to maintain perspective and stay confident.
Keep active in organizations and activities that are outside your job or business. Or begin an education program that’s intellectually demanding. If at all possible, develop a second source of income: another job or a business on the side.
Many people think it’s stressful to take on new projects. But studies show that we actually experience less stress when we occupy multiple roles. I suspect that’s because when one isn’t going well, the other can compensate.
(4) Hang out with positive, upbeat, confident people.
You can’t afford to spend time with people who walk around in an aura of negative energy.
I’m a little afraid of sounding too coach-y and woo-wooish , but I speak form experience. If everyone in your world is experiencing misery, take a look at what’s happening in your own perspective.
I’ve always been fairly left-brained. Many years ago I was telling a more enlightened friend, “Everyone I know is going through a tough time.”
“I’m not hearing those stories,” she said, rather smugly. “It’s a matter of outlook.”
I dismissed her views as hopelessly naive. Facts are facts, right? But today my world view has shifted 180 degrees. And even in this economy, most of the people I meet are doing well. They’re even getting raises and bonuses. Their businesses are thriving. And mine is too.
(5) Present an appearance of calm confidence.
I encourage clients to avoid sharing fears and anxieties with colleagues in the workplace, including their own customers. You can put out cautious feelers about opportunities but I would err on the side of caution.
Hire professional resources to deal with feelings. If you just can’t get moving, hire help.
And finally, during a time of anxiety, everyone will seem like an expert. We’re all tempted to turn to friends, family, neighbors, dog-walkers and even strangers, hoping for facts that will put our worst fears to rest.
Chances are, they know less than they claim. I’ve heard too many predictions of “That will never happen…” and then the next day, it happens.
To discuss whether you’re dealing with rumor or fact , visit my services page. Sometimes just an hour of consultation can be extremely helpful and productive.
