PeopleKeys, Inc.: Stress Management for Leaders

PeopleKeys, a global leader in DISC behavioural analysis, has released a new online training course for leaders (at all levels) to aid in effective management of stress in the workplace. PeopleKeys has focused on effective leadership techniques that can be learned and applied by all employees, and even in situations outside the office. The key, according to Dr. Bradley Smith, the President and Co-founder, PeopleKeys, Inc. is that we all have a hard-wired method of dealing with stress. The ability to identify our own built-in stress management mechanism and the aptitude to observe and understand that in others, is critical. Slight changes in behaviour in ourselves and our co-workers can be used to identify higher stress levels and apply proven techniques to reduce this stress before it becomes chronic.

As a global leader in DISC-based training, the online course for leaders was developed through work with the United States Airforce Academy, as well as other organizations, needing their leadership to be adaptable enough for any situation or threat. PeopleKeys began seeing the effects of pandemic-related stress amongst clients beginning in February 2020, and this has continued to increase as the world is continuing to adapt to work transitions, new economic challenges, managing employees remotely, and even civil unrest. Many people returning to work are finding their positions have changed and new demands are now part of their daily routines. This all leads to added stress, and over 30 percent of people say this is affecting their wellbeing in a negative way.

“As leaders, we must understand ourselves first,” says Dr. Smith. “Once we understand how this affects us personally, then we can begin to quickly identify signs of distress in others. Leadership strategies are not one-size-fits-all.” Smith has worked with Microsoft, Wayfair, Lenovo, as well as many small to mid-level businesses to create successful strategies for stress management, employee motivation, and even increased retention. “People quit bosses, they don’t quit companies,” says Smith. “Given the right manager, I have seen people do incredible things beyond expectation. It happens all the time in combat. Troops will walk through fire for the right leader. Talking with most leaders today, we are fighting a ‘battle’ filled with uncertainties and daily deviations from previously established strategies and solutions.”

The training PeopleKeys offers is online and can be done at a leader’s own pace.