Bosses, Stressed? Not at all!
3 December 2012
Read by 1966 persons
An American study shows that the higher an employee climbs the corporate ladder, the lower their stress levels.
This result may rightly surprise, as it contradicts the image our superiors project: some are overwhelmed by a colossal pile of files, others are always on the alert, moving frantically at top speed. Yet, according to an American study published by the University of California, the reality is radically different and goes beyond clichés.
According to the study, stress exposure decreases as the degree of leadership increases. In other words, the more senior a position an employee holds, the less stressed they are. The researchers explain this trend: "Leaders have lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and show less anxiety."
For Dr. Jean-Claude Delgènes, a specialist in workplace stress management, "this trend is even more visible when one enters the upper echelons of management. Top managers are much calmer than middle managers." The very origin of stress - which often results from the obligation to respect rules - is also quite revealing. "The higher one's leadership level, the fewer constraints and rules there are. This therefore implies a decrease in stress," he explains.
High-level managers trained for leadership
Christophe Massin, a psychiatrist specializing in stress, recalls an essential element. "Middle or frontline managers undergo a delegation process from their superiors, who relieve themselves of their responsibilities... They therefore find themselves managing teams and performing additional production tasks imposed by their superiors."
If these top managers are not subject to stress, it is of course due to their autonomy and great freedom within the company, but also because they are "trained" for positions of responsibility. Jean-Claude Delgènes points out that, "very often, top managers have a particular lifestyle, are very balanced individuals. When one reaches the optimum of leadership, it is because one knows how to control oneself and has a perfect self-knowledge. This last detail increases serenity and further distances stress."
For Jean-Claude Delgènes, management, "is like in a galley." There are those who have to row, and the one who has to set the pace. And it is the latter who is under the most pressure. He must both ensure the obedience and performance of the rowers and satisfy the ultimate superior.
Quentin Périnel.
Lefigaro.fr
Posted online December 3, 2012.
This result may rightly surprise, as it contradicts the image our superiors project: some are overwhelmed by a colossal pile of files, others are always on the alert, moving frantically at top speed. Yet, according to an American study published by the University of California, the reality is radically different and goes beyond clichés.
According to the study, stress exposure decreases as the degree of leadership increases. In other words, the more senior a position an employee holds, the less stressed they are. The researchers explain this trend: "Leaders have lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and show less anxiety."
For Dr. Jean-Claude Delgènes, a specialist in workplace stress management, "this trend is even more visible when one enters the upper echelons of management. Top managers are much calmer than middle managers." The very origin of stress - which often results from the obligation to respect rules - is also quite revealing. "The higher one's leadership level, the fewer constraints and rules there are. This therefore implies a decrease in stress," he explains.
High-level managers trained for leadership
Christophe Massin, a psychiatrist specializing in stress, recalls an essential element. "Middle or frontline managers undergo a delegation process from their superiors, who relieve themselves of their responsibilities... They therefore find themselves managing teams and performing additional production tasks imposed by their superiors."
If these top managers are not subject to stress, it is of course due to their autonomy and great freedom within the company, but also because they are "trained" for positions of responsibility. Jean-Claude Delgènes points out that, "very often, top managers have a particular lifestyle, are very balanced individuals. When one reaches the optimum of leadership, it is because one knows how to control oneself and has a perfect self-knowledge. This last detail increases serenity and further distances stress."
For Jean-Claude Delgènes, management, "is like in a galley." There are those who have to row, and the one who has to set the pace. And it is the latter who is under the most pressure. He must both ensure the obedience and performance of the rowers and satisfy the ultimate superior.
Quentin Périnel.
Lefigaro.fr
Posted online December 3, 2012.
