FaithRalston.com

Dear Dr. Faith,

I'm a single mother and struggling to keep up with the demands of my job. Our company recently laid off half the people in my department. There are only five employees left the do the work of ten. I'm stressed to the max. Customers are calling and complaining and there's no way I can address all their concerns. I spend my time just putting fires. I don't feel good about my work or myself because it's all too much! Where do I go from here?

Dear ‘Stressed and Overworked,'

You're certainly are not alone. Even though you're pressed on every side, find a way to give yourself some breathing room and do a little planning. At the beginning of each day write down three key things you want to accomplish by the end of the day. Find a way to get these things done. Even though you don't feel you have the time - go to lunch or take a walk. Research reveals the best performers take breaks. And great performers take naps! Realize that life is short. Embrace imperfection and delight in the simply things you can achieve.

Dear Dr. Faith,

I work for a tyrant. Seriously I do! He steam rolls over my ideas, delays my projects and attacks me in front of other people. I walk on eggshells whenever he stops by to visit. I want to quit but I need this job. What can I do?

Dear ‘Feeling Steamrolled,'

To stop a tyrant, you've got to take a stand. Otherwise she/he won't respect you. Start holding your ground and expressing your views. When you disagree with what's being said say; "It's obvious we don't agree on the course of action to take. Here's a solution I recommend." Look the tyrant in the eye and don't back down! Practice with a friend ahead of time. Remember the tyrant will tyrannize as long as you tolerate it. Keep your cool and honor your right to be treated with respect.

Dear Dr. Faith,

Dear ‘Left in the Lurch,'

Research tells us that 50% percent of the time, when people leave an organization it's because of conflicts. Here are five simple actions you can take to build trust and repair differences.

1. Get agreement to talk.
2. Get the issues on the table.
3. Get specific about what's needed.
4. Get commitment to new behavior.
5. Get ‘over it' and move on.

Don't let problems linger. Nip them in the bud.