Stress and Work Production

So...many schools embarked on the annual rite of passage known as standardized testing today. Personally, my girls don't start until next Monday. This is a time when schools are judged by the general public...housing prices are affected by test scores, kids self-views (self-concept, self-esteem, self-efficacy) will be influenced by these tests. Most dramatically, however, the general judgment of the quality of our public school teachers will be in play. This truly is, as it is referred to, high stakes testing.
Before jumping into the deep end to look at the relationship between stress and work, let's look for a minute at educational evaluations through this lens. For one week (and change), students around the state (and the country) take a series of standardized tests that provide information about their ability in mathematics and language arts. Certain other subjects are tested but math and language arts comprise the focus of our attention. As a former public school teacher, I can attest to the tension that goes on during this week. Everybody knows that reputations are on the line. Let's take a look, for a minute, at a few other industries and see how they would relate if standardized testing were in play...and see if we can draw conclusions to the validity of the testing issue.
I am not a salesperson but have several people in my inner circle that are. When I read books about sales techniques, or search the internet for sales seminars, trainings, workshops etc... I NEVER see trainings or advice that targets the absolute critical need to have product knowledge. Sales techniques such as "opens" and "closing techniques" suggest that relationship building is primary to business. After all, it is who you know and not what you know...right?
I play golf, once in a blue moon. I know that many sales deals are closed on the golf course. I have seen sales deals closed in luxury boxes...We assume our relationships are built on product knowledge, don't we? I once spoke with a top salesperson at a major insurance company. This individual tried to persuade me to leave teaching and sell insurance packets. I have nothing against selling insurance (and this individual has a sizeable bank account) but I asked this person how I could transition...it isn't my background...The response makes sense, sort of... "they buy YOU, the product is secondary..." Hmmm...interesting...

Students nationwide embark on high stakes testing. They will be examined on the 8th grade test in California on quadratic formulas, linear equations, graphing solutions...Their scores, in many of my client schools, will prevent the schools from demonstrating Annual Yearly Progress as stipulated in No Child Left Behind. These schools will continue to fall further and further behind. They will receive additional resources to train teachers in teaching skills with the direct result expected to be INCREASED TEST SCORES. Many of our students will become well acquainted with test taking. It became so overwhelming in Los Angeles a few months ago, teachers had to protest more benchmark tests. We are testing the kids to death and this type of production is not necessarily what will put the kids in a more advantageous position for them to generate their own future...

So, what does this have to do with stress? We know that stress has the potential to have a negative influence on work productivity. But what we know is that many individuals don't understand that moderate doses of stress and anxiety are important indicators of task importance. We need to learn ways to handle and identify our stressors and learn ways to alleviate them. When you examine your work or life situation, what role does stress play? What strategies do you have to identify and tackle it? What support do you have at work to work through stressful challenges. Anxiety and stress often prevent individuals from being able to think clearly about potential solutions. One solution, find a confidant. Find a "coach" that can ask you critical questions. If you are a teacher or parent, sit your kid(s) down and have a talk about stress...
I am going to close with a quick story. My 11 year old daughter takes me for a walk every night she can. She is acutely aware of my stress levels (and I wish I was the master at controlling stress...I am better at working with others on theirs;)). We took a walk last night and she asked me why they have to take these tests. She framed this inside the conversation that she wants to go to a great university. We talked about strategies and what tests are used for and while I think she has a basic understanding, I don't think she is convinced they indicate what a diverse and wonderful child she is. That is just the way I like it...