Stress Test
Physical Stress
Several weeks ago I had my annual physical. This time it included a stress test because I hadn’t had one in over five years.The purpose of the stress test was basically to determine my general physical condition and the strength of my heart.To do this, they hooked me up to a machine via electrodes connected to various points on my chest and legs.They measured my heart rate, pulse and blood pressure while lying down, then put me on a treadmill.Over a period of 10 minutes, they increased the pace and the incline of the treadmill to measure my heart’s ability to withstand physical exertion or stress, taking measurements periodically during that time.By the end, I was gasping for breath and begging them to stop, but I passed with flying colors. That means my heart muscle is strong, blood is flowing through it normally, and I have little chance of having a heart attack in the near future.
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Fiscal Stress
In a different environment, the European Banking Authority (EBA) recently administered a stress test to 90 banks across 21 countries to determine if they had the necessary capital to sustain an intense two year downturn.According to an article in the BusinessBanking Review, leading up to the test, the EBA permitted the banks to prepare for it by raising their capital positions. Ultimately however, eight banks failed, representing a total shortfall of 2.5B euros (over $3.5B).Sixteen more banks are reportedly on the brink of failure, and another 20 banks would have failed the test had it been conducted at the end of 2010, representing a shortfall of 26.8B euros ($38.5B).These results provide information to investors on the strength of the European Union banks, so that they can make informed investment and financial decisions.
Organizational Stress
Now the premise of a stress test is to determine the health of an individual or organization by simulating extreme pressure similar to that which could be experienced in real life. The results should be used to determine what needs to change to improve the ability to withstand the threats and pressures that exist. For instance, had I failed my stress test, the doctor would have given me specific instructions (dietary, exercise, etc.) on how to strengthen my heart muscle, might have prescribed drugs, and would have made sure that my coronary circulation was clear. The EBA in turn issued recommendations to the banks which failed its stress test regarding steps necessary to boost their capital position, and consequently avert failure or lack of funding.
As a leader, it’s important that you ensure your organization or team can withstand high stress situations. Stress may come in the form of crisis projects, absence or loss of key team members, leadership changes, quality spills, material supply shortages, or public relations dilemmas. To successfully survive these crises the team needs strong communication skills, broad understanding of everyone’s roles, knowledge of available resources, mutual trust and respect, strong decision-making capabilities, deep leadership talent, and a vision for the future.
Jesus prepared His leadership team for the stress that they would encounter as they ministered to others before and after His death. One moment people were praising Him as He rode by on a donkey, throwing their clothes on the ground along with palm branches, and saying “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matt. 21:9 NKJV). Then within a few days, they saw Him snatched out of their midst and wrongly accused and mocked as the King of the Jews. One betrayed Him. Another denied Him. Others watched helplessly as they saw their leader brutally and horrifically beaten and crucified.Yet their organization didn’t fall apart. Jesus arose from the dead and commissioned them to go forward and continue His work. They boldly preached the gospel, risking and giving their lives to share it with others.
Jesus’ disciples passed their stress test. They survived the crisis, continued the work, exhibited strong leadership skills, and started the early church. He had prepared them for the work and showed them how to tap into the power of the Holy Spirit.
Are you prepared for your stress test? When crisis comes, and it will, can you remain focused to pursue God’s plan for your life? Will you continue to follow His commandments? Will you consistently display the love of God to others? Build your spiritual muscles now by digging into God’s Word daily, follow the instructions He provides, and build a storehouse of energy for Him.
Copyright 2011 Priscilla Archangel
