You May Be Suffering From Stereotype Stress And Not Even Know It

By Brian Maynor

 

Everyone knows the usual pitfalls of stereotypes, but did you know they could be the source of stress, especially at work?

New research is documenting the effects stereotypes have on executives and professionals and it’s pretty universal no matter what group you’re stereotyping.  Women tend to have higher stress rates than men, but gender is only one classification examined.  Race, ethnicity and even socioeconomic status have all been studied in an attempt to understand this phenomenon and the fallout it causes.

Here’s a breakdown of what do you need to know about stereotype stress and how to deal with it so you aren’t a victim of its endless cycle:

1.    Understanding it.  Stereotype stress is self-induced stress that comes from knowing you are part of a stereotyped class that is at a disadvantage.  Most often it is subconscious, but the effects are tangible.

2.    What it does.  Stereotype stress decreases our mental focus and acuity impairing concentration and increasing anxiety.  This means your working memory, the ability to remember and use relevant information in the middle of an activity, is spent on disproving the stereotype than performing the actual task and working memory is one of the strongest parallels to general intelligence.

3.    How to handle it.  Unfortunately avoidance is not an option.  Trying to avoid or even denying the existence of stereotypes and their effects will only cost you valuable work memory, thus creating the same depletion and underperformance.

One trick that has been proven effective is maintaining a strong sense of humor.  The ability to maintain a positive attitude and laugh at yourself, even internally, diminishes the impact of the stress while offering the opportunity to bring perspective back to the situation.  The sense of humor needed here is more about poking fun at the absurdity of the stereotype than laughing out loud.

While it is impossible to avoid, negate or preempt stereotyping people, or being stereotyped, it is possible to manage how it affects you.

 

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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.