Motivation, Stress, and Communication Job

Motivation, Stress, And Communication

Job Description

In the words of Armstrong (2012), "a job description defines what job holders are required to do in terms of activities, duties or tasks." It is therefore an overview of the various tasks as well as responsibilities of a given job. In that regard, a job description should ideally take into consideration all the aspects of the job on offer. In this section, I develop a job description for the aforementioned position.

Job Title: Professor

Location: Morrisville, North Carolina

Job Summary

In addition to conducting research in the relevant field, the holder of this position will be expected to perform a wide range of academic duties including but not limited to teaching and providing academic leadership. The holder of the position will also be expected to play a prominent role in the development of the institution's teaching as well as research strategy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Assume a leading role in the design as well as development of curriculum and program materials.

Ensure that best practice is reflected in teaching

Utilize a variety of teaching and learning avenues and systems including but not limited to electronic library information systems to influence and enhance learning.

Conduct and/or coordinate appropriate teaching activities such as demonstrations, workshops and lectures.

Evaluate the performance of students.

Supervise student projects

Advance the institution's research plans and objectives.

Initiate appropriate research undertakings and activities.

Mentor and provide the relevant support to the Faculty staff.

Contribute in the Faculty's policy development

Establish mutually beneficial partnerships with other worthy institutions.

Make significant contributions towards the creation and further development of a culture of professionalism and accountability within the Faculty and University.

Further advance competence and expertise in the relevant area by participating in the appropriate conferences, seminars, etc.

Provide the appropriate support to members of the Faculty.

Perform other related duties as directed.

Education and Experience

A first class (or equivalent) Ph.D. In the relevant branch

An excellent academic track record

15 years research/teaching experience

Using Goal Setting to Motivate My Performance

The relevance of goal setting when it comes to the improvement of performance cannot be overstated. In basic terms, motivation has got to do with having needs and the desire as well as drive to meet those needs. Goals provide us with a definite direction. They clearly define that which is to be accomplished within a specified period. Over time, I have come to the realization that goals not only increase persistence but they also enhance effort.

On filling the aforementioned position, goal setting will become a major source of motivation on my part. This is more so the case given that working towards the set goals will further keep me motivated to actually achieve the said goals. My approach in this case is largely informed by my understanding of the goal-setting theory of motivation by Edwin Locke. According to this particular theory, goal setting and task performance are interlinked. As Brain (2002) points out, the said theory is founded on three primary principles. The very first principle according to the author is that higher performance is mostly associated with difficult goals. In the words of the author, "if we find something too easy, we are not particularly motivated to do it again" (Brain, 2002). Towards that end, on filling the said position, I will seek to set challenging goals for myself. This way, the achievement of the set goals will in my case be the final payoff. This will in my opinion motivate me to work much harder.

The next basic principle in regard to the goal-setting theory according to Brain (2002) is the need for specific goals. Indeed, in this particular case, the relevance of specific goals cannot be overstated when it comes to the enhancement of performance. As the author points out, goals that happen to be broad and general have a very small chance of motivating or encouraging performance. In addition to enhancing their clarity, I will also ensure that my goals are measurable. In that regard, I will amongst other things ensure that all my goals have definite or well-defined completion times. This will in my opinion motivate my performance as I will be certain of the actual goals I need to accomplish within a given time period.

The third principle according to Brain (2002) has got to do with the relevance of feedback. According to the author, feedback on performance is regarded essential especially when seeking to achieve challenging goals. As Brian (2002) further points out, with feedback, people are "able to appreciate how much they have done and how effective it is." Feedback in this case will enable me to judge my own progress. Further, I will be able to embrace the appropriate corrective measures whenever the actual progress is not in line with the planned rate of progress. Smooth progress will be a source of further motivation.

Stress Management

From time to time, we all find ourselves stressed up by one issue or another. In the past, I have found myself facing challenges that seem insurmountable at first instance. These challenges have almost always been accompanied by varying levels of stress.

If stress is not properly managed, it could lead to negative consequences. Burnout according to Sims (2002) is one of the consequences of stress. According to the author, "burnout is a feeling of physical and mental exhaustion…" (Sims, 2002). As the author further points out, those who are burned out may in addition to feeling tired and drained also lose total interest in their jobs. It is also important to note that some diseases are either directly or indirectly related to stress. As Sims (2002) notes, some of the diseases that have a stress component include but they are not limited to back problems, ulcers, heart disease, etc. Stress could also lead to decreased productivity. This in the opinion of Sims (2002) can largely be attributed to impediments of a physical or physiological nature that impair top performance. Taking the above consequences of stress into consideration, there exists a need for individuals to embrace stress management strategies.

Personally, I do not cope well with stress. When stressed, I tend to lose focus and thus easily become distracted. I also become aggressive and disoriented. It is important to note that my new position is rather demanding. As a Professor at Strayer University, I will be expected to perform a wide range of duties especially in regard to teaching and research. I will therefore be required to take deliberate steps in an attempt to manage the pressure associated with the job. To begin with, I intend to ensure that I approach challenges from an optimistic point-of-view. In my opinion, a negative mindset only ends up clouding our vision in regard to our ability to succeed. This in the long run could increase our stress levels. Similarly, I will also attempt to enhance or improve my coping skills. These skills according to Sims (2002) enable us to overcome stress immediately we perceive it. In this particular case, I could seek to view stress as a "passing cloud" as opposed to a permanent occurrence.

I also intend to ensure that I join a fitness club in an attempt to remain in good physical shape. It is important to note that our ability to handle stressful situations is enhanced when our bodies are operating at optimum. Further, I have come to the realization that when anxious or worried, physical exertion provides an avenue for tension release. Keeping fit will hence enhance my ability to tolerate anxiety.

Proper rest also plays a key role in stress management. Our bodies are designed to work for definite periods of time after which they should be allowed to "cool." Without rest, we become more prone to stress. For instance, lack of sleep for extended periods of time could lead to fatigue and depression. The impact of stress is most serious amongst those who are run down. With that in mind, I intend to ensure that I rest adequately at the appropriate time.

I also intend to ensure that I do not bite more than I could possibly chew in terms of workload. In this case, prioritization and proper time management will come in handy. Over time, I have come to the realization that we end up overwhelming ourselves whenever we fail to prioritize tasks by order of their importance. A huge workload could be a source of stress.

In an attempt to avoid stress, I will also seek to be more accepting of the various realities of life. For instance, as human beings, we have our own limitations. Understanding these limitations could help us cope with stressful situations. Personally, I sometimes try too hard to influence the outcome of events. However, it is an indisputable fact that not every outcome can be controlled. Sometimes, other external factors at play effectively limit our ability to influence outcomes. This is a fact that I should embrace as I seek to assume my new position. For instance, in the academic setting, it could prove quite difficult to control the ability of some students to grasp issues. Embracing the limits of my control will enable me to deal with stress appropriately.