As a music manager of award-winning talent, Yandy Smith has to manage stress while getting results. (Photo: VH1)

Working in entertainment can be very rewarding. In this industry, we work hard to play hard. The rewarding part for me, as a talent manager and business owner, is watching my work come alive and seeing the fruits of my labor come to fruition. But, the stress level is almost always at an all-time high. More often than not, things don’t always work out as one would plan. It’s not always smooth sailing, but when it is I’m so grateful.

Working well under pressure is a skill many employers value and one in which you need to make your specialty. You should be able to tackle anything thrown at you. Take when I had to put together an entire video shoot for my former client Jim Jones in only five days. I had to find a location, a director and handle a whole bunch of other intricate details that go into the production of a video. Talk about stressful! But, I got it done, my client was happy and the video was hot!

I’m going to give you five steps on how ‘Make it happen, captain’ while holding it all together:

Breathe: Don’t get overwhelmed. It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and start stressing over things you have no control of. Instead, take control of your actions. Take a deep breath and prepare to tackle the job at hand.

Evaluate the situation: Ask yourself, what is it that I need to do to make this happen? Who do I need to get this done? You need to know who, what, when, and how before jumping into action.

Prioritize: This is the MOST important part of the process! In order to successfully handle any stressful situation, you need to create a to-do list. This list will help keep you on track and moving towards the finish line.

Delegate: If you have the luxury to do so, solicit the help of an assistant or co-worker. I often call on the help of my assistant or an intern to move things along. Delegating duties from your to-do list is a great way to get the job done quickly. Remember, teamwork makes the dream work!

Spring into action: Now, you’re equipped with all you need to accomplish the task.

Working under pressure is unavoidable and difficult. But, knowing the steps to take helps to decrease stress and improve productivity. Now, you’re prepared to make it happen by any means.

(Image: Thinkstock)

In today’s economic climate, where the jobless rate is 8.1% overall and 13% for African Americans, many employed Americans are grateful to have jobs— even if they hate doing them. This can breed an environment where many are underemployed, unfulfilled and downright bitter, leading to less productivity and worse — workplace crimes and company sabotage.

In a tough job market, disgruntled workers can be highly detrimental to a company’s bottom line, which is never good in an economic climate that is already challenging. “Disgruntled employees can cause irreversible damage to your brand, alienate your most valuable clients, and create ‘expensive-to-fix’ mistakes. Plus, they give your happier rivals the competitive edge,” says Kathleen Brush, a global management consultant who has worked as the “Turnaround Executive” for companies both domestic and international.

BlackEnterprise.com talked with Brush about how unhappy employees ruin their own brands as well as ruin the companies they work for, and how to avoid problems before they manifest in loss of profits, expensive prevention tactics and brand depreciation.

BlackEnterprise.com: Let’s talk about disgruntled workers. What type of damage can they do to companies?

Kathleen Brush: They can do a lot of damage. There are different types of disgruntled workers. They can be dissatisfied or not motivated, and they can unwittingly do damage to your brand, such as providing bad service to customers. There are also those who are really dissatisfied, and as a result, company can run the risk of having to deal with thefts, tardiness, slander on the Internet and missed deadlines.

Why is it important to boost morale with incentives, even in a challenging economy?

One of the things I see is that you’ll find talk about theft prevention and how to monitor employees. What they don’t talk about is that the biggest reason workers are dissatisfied: bad boss behaviors. A nasty boss or a boss who can’t control their temper can do enormous damage. And the boss has all the cards [in terms of a power position]. Some bosses first response to a disgruntled employee is ‘Oh, just get rid of him.’ But wait, that could be an excellent performer who is simply unhappy with bad boss behaviors and other factors at the job.

Oftentimes incentives can mean salary increases or extra perks that can cost extra money some employers simply don’t have. How can employers boost morale in other ways?

A lot of incentives are no cost. In the case of bosses who are kind, compassionate, inspirational and even tempered, the employees like to work for them so they wouldn’t be inclined to be against the company. Being someone employees respect has no cost. For the most part, money is not a sole motivator when it comes to job satisfaction. There are so many other things that can happen that can demotivate an employee that have nothing to do with salary or incentives.

Even for a person focused on career growth, incentives don’t necessarily have to be tangible. You could have intangible benefits of mentorship or a sponsor who employees like, who they have a great relationship with, and who’s likability is high. People like to work hard for people they like working with or for.

What are some ways to turn around a work environment that seems to breed disgruntlement?

Supervisors, CEOs and managers:  Recognize importance of good boss behaviors. It’s not okay to have boss who speaks unkindly to employees. It’s not okay for boss to be disorganized and arrogant. Employees don’t respond well to bosses that exhibit those behaviors. Getting management training or an understanding of awareness of those behaviors might help in eliminating them.

Another big company-wide demotivator is when a company is not operating with a good strategic plan. Employees come to work and are not sure of what they are to achieve. Keeping employees in the know about the goals and values of the company for which they work is key, and be explicit. Let them know the bigger picture.

Also, the small gesture of gratitude or ‘Good job’ goes a long way. Let employees know when they’re doing well and thank them for their hard work from time to time.

(Image: Thinkstock)

The Monday Blues can put quite the damper on starting the week. You want to be productive and have an awesome day, but that first day can be quite a drag for some. It can be difficult to shake off those feelings of tiredness and regret that the weekend is over but it is possible.

AOL Jobs offers five sure-fire— and scientifically proven— ways you can find happiness for your day while at work.

Balance where you spend your mental time. Maintaining happiness requires that you not spend too much time walking down Memory Lane or focused on planning for the future. And while “living in the moment” is promoted by many personal-happiness gurus, workers also shouldn’t focus too much on “the now,” according to a new study from researchers at San Francisco State University (via LiveScience). “If you are too extreme or rely too much on any one of these perspectives, it becomes detrimental, and you can get into very destructive types of behaviors,” says lead researcher Ryan Howell. “It is best to be balanced in your time perspectives.”

Read more at AOL Jobs…

Nestled among depressing updates

In a new study published in the big-deal American Journal of Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill professor and researcher Wizdom Powell Hammond, Ph.D. found that brothers who openly discuss their everyday struggles with racial discrimination are less likely to suffer depression than those who keep their feelings inside.

This is no small thing given that suicide is the third most common cause of death for Black boys and men ages 15 to 24 and that Black men are five times more likely to kill themselves than Black women. And note that these stats don’t include less dramatic forms of self-destruction like skipping preventative health screenings.

To get into the minds of Black men, Hammond and her team surveyed nearly 700 Black men ages 18 and up, mostly at high-traffic barbershops in four regions throughout the country. To ensure full and attentive participation, survey-takers received a $25 gift certificate toward a free cut. Genius.

Here, Hammond, who is also a White House Fellow, explains why her study deals with everyday racism, how fantasies of the strong silent type can be soul-killing for Black men, and what Black women can do to help our brothers and lovers fend off depression.—Written for Ebony.com by Akiba Solomon

Continue reading at Ebony.com

(Image: ThinkStock)

Day in and day out, prepping to go into work, involves a routine that can include hitting the snooze button one too many times or barely having a moment for the little things like breakfast and a deep breath. But it’s never a good idea to be in the dreaded rat race, constantly feeling like there’s not enough time in the day and starting the day in a frenzy.

There are several key things a professional should do to ensure continued daily success and lesson the possibility of burnout.

MadameNoire offers seven vital things one thinks they don’t have time to do in the morning before work, but should do.

Morning Exercise: Exercise is a very important factor in everyone’s overall health, short and long term. No matter if it is in the mornings, afternoons or evenings, exercise is a vital component to living a healthy and stable life. Now, you don’t have to do a full workout routine and break a sweat, but a little exercise of the body goes a long way in the morning. If you are not the dedicated, physical type who can hit the gym at six in the morning and pump out a few, try calming, peaceful exercises in your own home like yoga or meditation to get your day started.

Read more at Madame Noire …

Soul Train founder Don Cornelius Sept. 27, 1936-Feb. 1, 2012

When news broke that Don Cornelius, the iconic founder of Soul Train, committed suicide on Feb. 1, the nation reacted with shock and an outpouring of grief. Spontaneous Soul Train Lines broke out in New York’s Times Square and condolences flooded social media platforms as his legacy was celebrated. Still, the manner in which Cornelius died is a painful reminder that despite public perception being the opposite, suicide is a mental health issue that is pertinent to the African American community.

“The discussion of Don Cornelius is an opportunity to talk about suicide in the Black community and access to mental health services,” says Sean Joe, the Associate Professor of Social Work and Associate Director of the Program for Research of Black Americans at the University of Michigan.

According to a 2009 study by the American Association of Suicidology, an average of 100 people commit suicide everyday in America. In 2009, 2,084 African Americans committed suicide. More startling is that men account for nearly 80 percent of all suicides. “Males die from suicide at four times the rate as women. For African Americans that can jump up to six times,” Joe reveals. “Males are less likely to seek psychiatric services. The idea of not being strong enough challenges all males. There are gender differences [in regards to suicide].”

Data indicates that young Black males are at the highest risk for suicide, followed by men over 55 years old. According to Joe, “Younger Blacks are more likely to internalize their experiences and suffer from depression and anxiety.” Increased access to firearms among young Blacks contributes to this rate spike as firearms are the most common method of suicide. “This is a public heath issue,” Joe continues. “The challenge with people of colors is there are very few treatments. It’s a tough thing to address and our research into developing intervention is lacking.”

Part of suicide prevention is for loved ones to recognize potential signs of suicide. While most depressed people don’t walk around announcing their emotional state, Joe does say there are warning signs. “There’s often an increased sense of isolation and loneliness,” he warns. “The person may be trying to give away a lot of their things. They stop eating food, or spending time with family, and say life has no sense of purpose. They use substances to cope. It’s a combination of things you have to look at.”

Other signs include drastic mood changes, talking about suicide and reckless behavior. For older African Americans, isolation can put them at greater risk to slip into depression and experience suicidal thoughts. In the case of Cornelius, the 75-year-old was just coming off a messy divorce and was dealing with health complications.

In an interview with CBS News, Cornelius’ son, Tony, revealed that he spoke to his father shortly before the iconic businessman shot himself. “My father was extremely private and unfortunately, when you’re a private person, you keep things inside,” he said. “Obviously, me being extremely close to him, I could tell that he was uncomfortable. But our family could never know that he would—how uncomfortable he really was.”

Tony went to his father’s home shortly after the call. Tragically, it was too late.

Studies show that a person is less likely to commit suicide if there is intervention from family, friends or co-workers. The National Organization for People of Color Against Suicide reports that being involved in activities such as a work, school, and extra-curricular events, as well as having a strong belief system that offers conventional morality and ways to foster respect, can also help prevent suicides.

Faith leaders can be a source of support for people experiencing suicidal thoughts. Part of this impact hinges on the religious figure’s access to mental health resource, which varies by congregation. Ultimately, seeking the advice of a professional that’s versed in dealing with depression and mental health issues is your best course of action. If someone in your circle is exhibiting signs of suicidal tendencies, call (800) 273–TALK or contact the American Association of Suicidology.

(Image: Thinkstock)

For seven days at BlackEnterprise.com, we offer seven steps to refreshing and recharging your network — weather you’re an introvert or extrovert — so you’ll attract the right people and start building long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationships. Building a community of people who support you does takes time, but there are strategic ways you can get started expanding your professional network today!

BOSS MOVE, DAY SEVEN: Take time to rest and recharge before starting the networking journey all over again.

Even God rested on the seventh day! After attending events, perfecting your elevator pitch, organizing your contacts, cultivating your existing connections, upgrading those social networking profiles and following up with those you’ve met, it’s time to take a breather.

Why is rest important? To be healthy, a day of renewal is necessary. We must set aside time to renew our spirits, to catch our breath and to become a living being once more. You can’t properly continue making quality connections if you’re all burned out from the week, month or year before. One of my favorite quotes is from the “Master Networker” George C. Fraser: “In between the promise and the payoff is the process.” Remember, the process only works when you work it.

Relax, renew and rest. Have a spa day, do your favorite leisure activity, read a great book or take a vacation. All of these things help keep you balanced and prepped to make your next boss move.

BOSS MOVE, DAY ONE: Develop a Networking Database

BOSS MOVE, DAY TWO: Cultivate Your Current Relationships

BOSS MOVE, DAY THREE: Maximize Your Social Networks

BOSS MOVE, DAY FOUR: Put Your Elevator Pitch Into Action

BOSS MOVE, DAY FIVE: Put Your Networking Skills to the Test

BOSS MOVE, DAY SIX: Perfect the Art of the Follow-Up

Cameka Smith is a speaker, educator, social entrepreneur and founder of The BOSS Network, a community of career and entrepreneurial women who support each other through conversation, online and via event-based networking. In addition, Smith provides resources for women entrepreneurs and professionals through workshops and speaking engagements. She is also a mentor and program facilitator for Project BOSS, which matches professionals with youth.

Researchers have likened various personality traits and habits associated with psychopaths— including narcissism, manipulation and indifference to emotions—with the workplace interactions and habits of senior executives. There’s even a study that says senior managers are four times more likely to be psychopaths than other professionals.

“People tend to think of psychopaths as criminals. In fact, the majority of psychopaths aren’t criminal,” says Dr. Robert Hare, a pioneer in the study of psychopathy who developed the first diagnostic test for the mental disorder in 1980. “They don’t go out and maim, rob and rape but find other ways to satisfy themselves without doing something necessarily illegal … such as taking risks with someone else’s property or money.”

Read more at CNN.com …

(Image: Thinkstock)

In day 9, the final day in our Life Balance series, we urge high achievers — whose journey to excellence can be filled with reward, hard work, and quite a bit of stress — to development a way of Exponential Living.

Method 9: Exponential Living: Strive for excellence in all areas of your life, not just one or two.

Exponential Living is achieved through excellence in your personal, spiritual, and emotional health, and balance in all aspects of your life — with yourself and others. It is achieved by building and maintaining spirituality; loving and caring for yourself (hobbies, exercise, “me” time); spending quality time with and appreciating yourself and your family; recognizing your success; and living in your own truth. When living exponentially you are comfortable with who you are, separate from what you do. It’s when you live in a state of true contentment, being present with yourself and others while also pursuing and maintaining excellence in all aspects of your life.

Sheri Riley is founder and chief partnership strategist of GLUE Inc., a premier entertainment consulting and management agency with clients including Converse and CVS Pharmacy. Having a background working with the industry’s top achievers, Riley strives to motivate, teach and inform via her second role as creator of Exponential Living L.L.C., a concept that focuses on creating holistic life balance.

Day 1, Healthy Living Goes Beyond Watching Diet

Day 2: Seek Peace in Not Some — But All — Aspects

Day 3: Create in Yourself a Giving Heart and Spirit

Day 4: Channel Your P.O.W.E.R.

Day 5: Take a Moment to Pause and Evaluate

Day 6: Make Joy and Contentment Your Lifestyle

Day 7: Build and Nurture Healthy Self-Confidence

Day 8: Find the Courage to be Faithful

(Image: Thinkstock)

In day 7 of our Life Balance series, we urge high achievers — whose journey to excellence can be filled with reward, hard work, and quite a bit of stress — to find the courage to be faithful.

Method 8: Don’t walk in fear today. Rely on faith and the power of now.

Stepping out of your fears and into your greatness requires great courage. Sometimes we are so busy with the work of life that we don’t sit still and take the time to listen to our heart. Being courageous means not allowing life to steal, kill, or destroy your dreams, hopes, aspirations, and plans, but living in the now, the moment, the presence of your power to receive life, and the fullness of all life has to offer and even more abundantly.  It takes courage to be honest with yourself, acknowledge your personal truth, and be present in your quest to live that truth.  The easiest thing for high achievers to do is be successful.  But living in the fullness of who they are —and want to be — while also maintaining their success takes true grit.

Check us out tomorrow for our final day of our Life Balance series, Day 9: Exponential Living.

Sheri Riley is founder and chief partnership strategist of GLUE Inc., a premier entertainment consulting and management agency with clients including Converse and CVS Pharmacy. Having a background working with the industry’s top achievers, Riley strives to motivate, teach and inform via her second role as creator of Exponential Living L.L.C., a concept that focuses on creating holistic life balance.

Day 1, Healthy Living Goes Beyond Watching Diet

Day 2: Seek Peace in Not Some — But All — Aspects

Day 3: Create in Yourself a Giving Heart and Spirit

Day 4: Channel Your P.O.W.E.R.

Day 5: Take a Moment to Pause and Evaluate

Day 6: Make Joy and Contentment Your Lifestyle

Day 7: Build and Nurture Healthy Self-Confidence

Day 9: Practice Exponential Living