Prolonged PC Use Poses Health Concerns 

A three-year study of more than 25,000 people has found that those who sat in front of computer screens are more likely to experience physical pain such as eye and shoulder strain, and to suffer from motivational symptoms such as lethargy.

Even after adjusting for other factors that could influence the results, researchers report that "In our study, we found a significant relationship between duration of daily VDT [video display terminal] use and physical symptoms."

Researchers go on to write, "This result suggested that the effect of duration of daily VDT use on these scores has a threshold effect, and the prevention of mental disorder and sleep disorder requires the restriction of VDT use to less than 5 hours per day."

Source:  American Journal of Industrial Medicine 2002; 42:421-426

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Although teams vary in size, structure, style and function, they share some of the same barriers to effectiveness.  Some common barriers to team success include:

A Team in Name Only¾ Simply calling a group of people a team doesn't work.  A team must have shared vision, values and measures of success.

Ineffective, Unnecessary Meetings¾ What creates a high performing team is action.  Use meetings wisely and sparingly.

Lack of Empowerment¾ Teams are most effective when they can act with authority.

Poorly Linked Skills¾ Without the ability to respond, teams fail and become discouraged.  Link skills to team responsibilities.

Lack of Management Commitment¾ Teams need support beyond the launch phase.  Management must demonstrate its committed to the team process or teams will falter.

No Strategic or Policy Connection¾ Teams must be aligned to corporate direction and polices.  Without this connection teams lose effectiveness and can even become counterproductive.

Lack of Belief in Teams¾ Beliefs change over time as the result of personal experience.  To change beliefs, actions speak louder than words.  Promote a clear vision, demonstrate unwavering commitment, and get results.

Here are four things that will help you maintain composure when dealing with a tough situation:

Stick to the facts—Facts contribute to clarity and keep the focus on what's essential.  Facts establish and maintain useful boundaries.  Facts provide a basis for meaningful dialogue.

Stay in the moment—Intense emotions can make it difficult to figure out what's really going on.  Don't let the intensity of your emotions keep you from seeing the truth.  Don't let emotions from similar situations or experiences transfer to the current situation.  Concentrate on what is happening now.

Keep it real—Don’t play games. Know your true motives. Take ownership for your thoughts and feelings. Keep in mind that there are legitimate differences between people about what is really happening in a given situation.

Be courageous, but wise—Accept what you cannot change.  Change what you can.  Know the difference.

If you follow the above, you'll maintain your composure and stand a better chance of getting through a tough situation.