+ Stress Management: Reducing Tensions Stephanie Dumont, Area D Representative Phil R. Smith, At-Large Representative
+ REDUCE TENSIONS BY PREVENTING TENSIONS
+ Informal Senate Retreat
+ Befriend Administrative Staff
+ Regular One-on-One Meetings with Administrative Counterparts
+ Establish Regular Meetings with Union Counterparts
+ Try Not to Answer in Haste
+ Prepare, Prepare, Prepare for Senate Meetings
+ Keep Your Word
+ Learn to Keep Stuff in Confidence
+ Don’t GO IT ALONE
+ Form a Senate Executive Team or Council
+ Delegate tasks and projects when appropriate.
+ Find a Trusted Confidant
+ Seek out good advice
+ USE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES
+ Identify Your Preferred Communication Style
+ Avoid Strong Attachment to the Result That You Desire
+ Use Humor to Defuse Tension in Meetings
+ Treat All Speakers With Respect
+ HOW TO SURVIVE BEING A LIGHTNING ROD!
+ “I Am Just the Messenger.”
+ Operate With Integrity and Transparency
+ Try Not to Get Defensive
+ A Sincere Apology Goes a Long Way
+ SELF-CARE TO DE- STRESS
+ Remember to Prioritize Time for Yourself, Your Family, Your Friends
+ Talk to Others
+ Physical Exercise
+ Take Time to Relax