Who will listen to the listener?

Oct 3 2008 by Mike Beale, president of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce

I GUESS there is sufficient evidence to show that levels of stress increase significantly in times of economic strain. Business owners and managers often carry the burden themselves for a variety of reasons.

There is the fear of disclosing confidential information to potential competitors.

There is a fear of losing a competitive edge if confidence is undermined.

There is a natural reluctance to discuss matters of concern, many people preferring to turn in on themselves rather than sharing problems.

The Credit Crunch, rising energy prices and rising raw material costs are ample pointers to increasing costs of fixed overheads and therefore an increase in the potential for strain.

Everyone needs an outlet; preferably a non judgemental outlet. ie no matter what is shared, there should be no blame attached. This is not an easy relationship to establish, but is one that can bear enormous benefit in ‘sharing’ worries and concerns. That person may be a Chairman, a mentor, someone from a professional association or simply a trusted ally.

Many people who occupy the seat where the buck stops spend huge amounts of time managing other people. They themselves, equally sometimes need to have the listening ear. It may be good invested time if at this point we all look around us and see if there may be someone we know well who would benefit from that listening ear!