Dealing with Stress at the Computer Pt.V

One prominent item on the A-list of computer-related stressors is finding
yourself in a sticky situation with other Net users. Heated arguments seem to
start much easier online than offline, no doubt because of the relative
anonymity of the Internet. Unless you are lucky enough to have a job that
involves only a two-way conversation between you and your computer, you will be
dealing with other people on a regular basis and must therefore learn as best
you can to extricate yourself from many of the interpersonal conflicts that
tend to arise online.

If you believe yourself to be one of the reasons that anger-management classes
exist, it is vital to your success that you work on gaining control of your
temper. Being able to defuse a tense situation with other people will eliminate
plenty of needless stress and wasted time. Anger clouds judgment and leads you
to say and do things that you may later regret, not only as a result of shame
and guilt but also as a result of lost productivity and profits.

There have been many authors over the last century who have realized the key
role that highly refined interpersonal skills play in both business and
personal success.

The author who stands out from the crowd in this scene would have to be Dale
Carnegie. Carnegie wrote several classic books on communication and
stress-management that have all stood the test of time. His most popular book,
How to Win Friends and Influence People, has always been the self-help book of
self-help books. In it, Carnegie revealed plenty of intuitive, yet often
overlooked, ways to build a solid foundation in interpersonal relations and
influence. Other classic books that Carnegie wrote include Public Speaking and
Influencing Men in Business and the king of stress-management books, How to
Stop Worrying and Start Living. All three books are highly recommended reading
for the individual who often finds himself or herself caught up in the tangles
of interpersonal conflict. The advice contained in these three books is still
relevant for the all-day computer worker.

Another author who has made valuable contributions to this area is Stephen
Covey. Covey is best known for his seminal work The Seven Habits of Highly
Effective People, but he has written numerous sequels that expound a similar
theme. For Covey, developing a strong character ethic and a principled mindset
is the basis from which excellent communication skills and quality
relationships flow naturally. His advice stands in stark contrast to many of
the quick-fix solutions offered by other authors on the market today.

A popular author who practices what he preaches is Anthony (Tony) Robbins.
Robbins is famous for his highly dynamic seminars and life-changing ideas about
how best to reach the pinnacle of personal success. He taps into a void that
has been left by many other authors who have written about the secrets of
personal excellence, and he offers plenty of practical strategies for gaining
an edge in an increasingly competitive and stress-filled world. Robbins has a
whole slew of books and audio resources available, and the hardest thing about
enjoying his work may be deciding where to begin. If you are unfamiliar with
what Tony can do for your life and your interpersonal relationships, pick up a
copy of his book Unlimited Power, and follow that up with his book Awakening
the Giant Within. You will find refreshing and valuable insights into the
principles of effective living and stress-management.