INSTRUCTION:
Human Resources
Facilitator's Guide

Below is an excerpt from a 63 page 
Facilitator's Guide, part of a turnkey program
for institutional or corporate use.  The Guide, 
along with participant workbook and
video program "Less Stress in 5 Easy Steps"
constitute an award winning program
in successful use for over a decade by major
corporations and by the U.S. government.

PROCEDURES

 A. PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

            1. Introduce the program as one that will help participants recognize and utilize the 
                stresses of life in a more positive and rewarding way.

                Explain that practicing the techniques has a cumulative effect.  New response patterns 
                with positive values will gradually replace old, unrewarding patterns of reacting to stress 
                situations.  By gradually eliminating "distress", participants will enhance their ability 
                to achieve career and/or personal goals and skills.  Let the group know that the
                program is fun and challenging to do, and that they can expect to enjoy the meetings.

            2. Give a synopsis of the goals of this videotape segment and unit

            3. Pass out the colored pencils and/or markers, and provide each participant with a 
               copy of the Participant's Guide.  Explain that this Guide will stay with them and is
               for their personal use.  Encourage them to use the Guide in whatever way meets their needs.

            4. Emphasize that these sessions are concerned with how people feel  about things 
               rather than how they think about them.  So in answering questions, participating in exercises, 
               or filling out charts, one should try to tune into feelings rather than intellectualize, and to be as
               emotionally honest as possible.

            5. Explain the following points about stress to the participants:

                        *  Stress is a normal part of everyday life

                        *  Stress can keep you alert, i.e. when you are in traffic, or need to push through 
                           a job on deadline

                        *  Stress can come from pleasant highs, as well: i.e. you win the lottery, get married, 
                           buy a new car. This is called "eustress".

            *  Stress is meant to be a signal, but if you get stuck inb a state of  distress, stress 
                           loses its signal aspects and becomes a way of life.  This is "distress".  
                           This program will help alleviate "distress".

6. Have the participants turn to the page in their Guide headed,

    "EUSTRESS/SIGNAL STRESS/DISTRESS', and ask them to answer  the questions.  
                 Allow five minutes to complete this exercise. Then initiate a discussion of typical kinds 
                 of each of the three experiences, and emphasize the commonality of human experience.

B. PERSONAL SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE

            1. Have the participants turn to the 'PERSONAL SURVEY'  QUESTIONNAIRE' in their 
                            Guides and answer all of the questions.  Explain that they will refer to the answers 
                            during another session.  Allow time for all participants to complete the questionnaire.
                            (A copy of the Questionnaire appears on the next page)

            2. When everyone has completed the Questionnaire, explain the following:

                        * There is no rating scale for the Questionnaire

                        * There are no right or wrong answers

                        * The Questionnaire will serve as a yardstick from which to measure incremental 
                                      change as we progress through the 5 steps.

                        * As changes do occur and are noticed, each person will draw his own
                                       conclusions about what they signify.

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