What are you stressing about?

Please view Stress: Portrait of a Killer (also on Netflix) and consider the following questions for discussion. As critical thinkers, you may find gaps and strengths in his methodology and interpretation of findings, not to mention implications and generalizations of his work; however, this video also captures some simple principles and unavoidable truths that we experience in organizational culture and our daily lives. Enjoy learning about these principles through this entertaining documentary. Given this context, consider the following questions for discussion:

• What can we learn from this study in the context of human social systems, organizational life, climate, culture, role of hardiness for leadership etc.?
• One of the findings in the study indicated that the amount of control is directly related to where you are at in the hierarchy. What is the prescription for individuals not at the top?
• What is your role in contributing to a work setting that allows for human flourishing from the context of this film and other readings? Discuss struggles and successes and weave in hardiness principles, coping & self-care.
• Anything else?

  

Are you 'unconquerable' or 'undefeated'?

Please view this film scene to listen to the poem Invictus (William Ernest Henley) recited by Morgan Freeman; read the poem slowly several times...study and reflect on each line...perhaps pause...and read again. The INVICTUS Poem.doc  took on a different meaning for me the more I studied hardiness in post conflict societies, and even after visiting Robben Island and hearing personal stories from one of the inmates. Many of you may have seen the film Invictus, know about the history of Apartheid, the ongoing sanctions against South Africa, the oppression, racism & classicism that is still very vivid and visceral  throughout the townships, yet the country and its youth embody hardiness principles towards healing, forgiveness, transformation, reconciliation, and resilience. I was greatly humbled and learned much during my research in Cape Town, SA. Knowing what you know about existentialism and hardiness, I encourage you to study and critically evaluate each word, every line and every stanza through the lens of hardiness. Take notes, highlight and comment in the margins on the words, lines, & sections that are meaningful to you. Next, please post a response to our blog expressing what the poem and/or specific stanzas mean to you now that you are studying hardiness? How does your initial face value impression change, enrich, deepen, shift when looking at this poem from a hardiness perspective? Discuss & engage with colleagues as you feel inspired.