Read Online Heart of Steel by Jennifer Probst - Free Book Online Page A
Authors: Jennifer Probst
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care of ourselves and our needs. This encompasses not only dealing with stress, but also being aware of our diet, personal habits, and bodies. We’ll talk about nutrition, exercise, stress, and awareness. I’ll show you some easy breathing techniques and stretches to loosen some of the tension.”
She lowered herself to one of the mats and sat in a comfortable, cross-legged position. “I’ve been involved in the corporate culture,” she continued easily, “so I know first hand the pressures involved on a day to day basis. It seems easier to keep continuing to skip meals, drink more coffee, and close one more deal. But if we continue the behavior, all of us are going to burn out. Then we’ll be nowhere, except maybe a hospital.
“What does this have to do with your current job? Let’s say you’re in an important meeting and the client is ready to close the deal. You’ve been up all night poring over the contracts and you’re tired. There’s been no time for breakfast so you gulp down some coffee to get started. You’ve done all the research, wined and dined the client over lunch or dinner, and it’s time to sign them on the dotted line.” She paused. “Let’s say the client balks. Asks for more time. Wants a better deal.”
A combined groan rose from her group.
“What are you going to do? If you’ve been up all night on a diet of caffeine, stressed to the limit, couldn’t your temper snap? Or what if you’re not thinking clearly, so you offer him what he wants, no matter what the price?” A burst of laughter rang out as Logan frowned and shook his head.
Chandler smiled. “At that moment, anything can happen because you’ve lost control of your mind and body. In a stressful situation, our adrenaline takes over and we act on instinct. In a business meeting you only want to rely on your wits. So, if you’ve been taking care of yourself and the client balks, you can clearly see options. You can catalogue his weaknesses and strengths; decide whether to bluff or walk away from the deal; make a judgment if he needs more finessing or his mind is made up.
“That’s what we want to learn. This class may not cause miracles to happen, but it will teach you to become aware, and with awareness comes control. Mr. Grant hopes this seminar will give you a fuller, healthier lifestyle which will be reflected in your work and keep you here for years to come.”
Chandler knew she had their interest. The women nodded as if in agreement, and the men looked less skeptical about the entire program. Even Logan seemed to watch her with approval. She ignored the warm rush of pleasure and decided not to probe her feelings too deeply. “I’m going to teach you some breathing techniques and then we’ll discuss various causes of stress. I’d like everyone to get comfortable with me at this point.”
The rest of the time flew by. From the corner of her eye, she noticed one of the women inch her way toward Logan. She’d never seen a breathing pattern that made a woman’s breasts lift so high, nor strain against the material of a t-shirt so tightly—all in perfect view of Logan’s eyes.
When the class ended Chandler noticed them laughing together quite intimately. The woman touched his shoulder in a familiar gesture. Chandler determinedly ignored them as she went about folding mats and chatting with the employees on their way out. It was no business of hers that the boss was on such friendly terms with his workers.
“Do you need some help?”
She turned to face Richard Thorne. “Thank you. Let’s put them over there in the corner.” They finished clearing the mats and stacked them on top of one another. “It’s good to see you in class. What did you think?”
He smiled. “I loved it. My days are so stressful, I find if I don’t do something
She lowered herself to one of the mats and sat in a comfortable, cross-legged position. “I’ve been involved in the corporate culture,” she continued easily, “so I know first hand the pressures involved on a day to day basis. It seems easier to keep continuing to skip meals, drink more coffee, and close one more deal. But if we continue the behavior, all of us are going to burn out. Then we’ll be nowhere, except maybe a hospital.
“What does this have to do with your current job? Let’s say you’re in an important meeting and the client is ready to close the deal. You’ve been up all night poring over the contracts and you’re tired. There’s been no time for breakfast so you gulp down some coffee to get started. You’ve done all the research, wined and dined the client over lunch or dinner, and it’s time to sign them on the dotted line.” She paused. “Let’s say the client balks. Asks for more time. Wants a better deal.”
A combined groan rose from her group.
“What are you going to do? If you’ve been up all night on a diet of caffeine, stressed to the limit, couldn’t your temper snap? Or what if you’re not thinking clearly, so you offer him what he wants, no matter what the price?” A burst of laughter rang out as Logan frowned and shook his head.
Chandler smiled. “At that moment, anything can happen because you’ve lost control of your mind and body. In a stressful situation, our adrenaline takes over and we act on instinct. In a business meeting you only want to rely on your wits. So, if you’ve been taking care of yourself and the client balks, you can clearly see options. You can catalogue his weaknesses and strengths; decide whether to bluff or walk away from the deal; make a judgment if he needs more finessing or his mind is made up.
“That’s what we want to learn. This class may not cause miracles to happen, but it will teach you to become aware, and with awareness comes control. Mr. Grant hopes this seminar will give you a fuller, healthier lifestyle which will be reflected in your work and keep you here for years to come.”
Chandler knew she had their interest. The women nodded as if in agreement, and the men looked less skeptical about the entire program. Even Logan seemed to watch her with approval. She ignored the warm rush of pleasure and decided not to probe her feelings too deeply. “I’m going to teach you some breathing techniques and then we’ll discuss various causes of stress. I’d like everyone to get comfortable with me at this point.”
The rest of the time flew by. From the corner of her eye, she noticed one of the women inch her way toward Logan. She’d never seen a breathing pattern that made a woman’s breasts lift so high, nor strain against the material of a t-shirt so tightly—all in perfect view of Logan’s eyes.
When the class ended Chandler noticed them laughing together quite intimately. The woman touched his shoulder in a familiar gesture. Chandler determinedly ignored them as she went about folding mats and chatting with the employees on their way out. It was no business of hers that the boss was on such friendly terms with his workers.
“Do you need some help?”
She turned to face Richard Thorne. “Thank you. Let’s put them over there in the corner.” They finished clearing the mats and stacked them on top of one another. “It’s good to see you in class. What did you think?”
He smiled. “I loved it. My days are so stressful, I find if I don’t do something
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