The December holidays are over, and we have survived January. But just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water ... here comes February. The emotionally intelligent manager plans ahead and is prepared. Semper paratus!
The beginning of February brings together a conflux of negatives - after-holiday blues, debts, SAD, depression, bad weather, allergens, broken resolutions, and the highest number of most romantic breakups making Valentine's Day a really sore spot for many. Don't be taken by surprise if there is more than the usual turmoil in your office, as emotions splatter around like water from a broken lawn sprinkler.
1. It's the peak of SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Review the symptoms of SAD -
http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/27.cfm . Do what you can to bring more light into the office. Attend to your own needs. Remind others of theirs.
2. Valentine's Day and spiking emotions. As has been said, Valentine's Day (which lasts about a month) is hard for those who are alone...or wish they were. The polls which ask "Do you hate Valentine's Day" should give you a clue. Love, lust, hate, anger, disappointment, envy and jealousy, like a Danielle Steel novel. How will you handle the bouquets and balloons arriving at your office? And the distraction and disequilibrium it brings? And it comes on the back of the month that has the highest number of breakups.
3. Black History Month. Designed to celebrate diversity, it also emphasizes diversity. Do you have a plan?
4. Distraction. With Valentine's day approaching, expect more shopping online, more "visiting," more phone calls, more daydreaming, less focus.
5. In the southern climes, expect the stirrings of spring. In some parts of the US, the first balmy weather comes late in February and "In the spring a young man's fancy turns to...," well not work! There's a general restlessness, desire to get out and about, less focus. Also playing hooky.
6. Allergens. Winter rains clear the air, but also cause trees and grasses to bloom. In some areas of the country, the pollens start increasing in February. Dampness also brings more molds. It brings sneezes sniffles and itchy noses, and "seasonal allergic conjuncivitis," which can be very disabling. Check out the symptoms and the cures here. -
http://www.aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/0201/default.stm . All allergies have a component of irritation, stress and fatigue. Our bodies are working overtime. 7. How allergies affect behavior Remember that behavioral reactions to allergies vary from lethargy, dizziness and fatigue, to hyperactivity, aggression and acting out. This is not optimal for office productivity or well-being. Is your office environment as allergy-friendly as possible? Do your homework here (
http://www.aaaai.org/patients/topicofthemonth/0201/default.stm ) and take action.
Does this sound like a formula for latent mobbing and bullying to rear its ugly head? (
http://www.webstrategies.cc/mobbing.htm )
Check out the condition in your town at
www.pollen.com. 8. Varying local conditions that exacerbate underlying condition.
Right now San Antonio and Dallas are leading the nation in allergens, plus the entire state is under a "fire watch." Think people aren't on edge? They even argue whether "it" (sneezing, coughing, aching, exhaustion) is from a cold, allergies, or the flu. A recent article on BBC alleging bullying, harassment and discrimination in the UK, in the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister David Prescott is making headlines.
What's going on in your neck of the woods?
9. The best laid plans ... By February 1st, many will have broken their New Year's Resolutions which is disheartening. This is nothing new for the manager, who is always creating a culture of emotional intelligence, and working on attitude, motivation, and resilience. What happens when you fail? You try again!
10. Time Off, Holidays Absenteeism and presenteeism. Presidents Day. Chinese New Year just over. Ground Hog Day. Valentine's Day. Then Ash Wednesday on March 1st. Are you staffed? Have you set your policies? Are they in your policies and procedures manual, in writing?
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