Stress is overwhelmingly present in our lives. Although we need stress to survive, many of us experience too much of it, which contributes to a loss of engagement at work, compromises our immune system, and limits our cognitive functioning. Although extensive research has focused on the causes and consequences of stress, little research has taken a comprehensive look at the experiences that may ameliorate it and allow our bodies and minds to renew and help us thrive. One of the reasons for the relative silence in research is the lack of an easy way to assess a wide spectrum of everyday renewal versus stress experiences. Based on medical and psychological research, the Personal Sustainability Index (PSI) was developed to compare the relative impact of a person's everyday renewal and stress experiences. This paper reports a validation of this new measure, both in terms of frequency and variety of experiences. The PSI could facilitate studies on renewal. In practice, it offers a more holistic approach to stress management. Because stress inhibits learning and dramatically reduces retention of coaching, training, or education, this measure can guide practices and prepare clients and students for more effective learning and change. What's It Mean? Implications for Consulting PsychologyCumulative stress contributes to a loss of engagement and cognitive functioning, and it reduces learning from coaching, training, or education. The only antidote is renewal in terms Richard E.

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PurposeThe ideal self has had a place in management literature in recent years with reference to identity and role change. However, except for a JMD article in 2006, there has been little theorizing on the ideal self, which is often treated as a static construct. The purpose of this article is to update and refine the concept and explain the dynamic nature of the construct.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper is based on a review of the recent management and psychology literature related to the ideal self and its components.FindingsThe authors propose a dynamic theory of the emerging ideal self and delineate how its components evolve over time.Research limitations/implicationsThe ideal self, or one's personal vision, is a major motivator of learning and change and the sustainability of such efforts. The time dynamic theory would encourage and guide longitudinal research using better variables and measures as well as help in conceptualizing the role of socialization, social identity and life/career stages.Practical implicationsWith a better theory of the ideal self, trainers, consultants, coaches and teachers can help people update their deep sense of purpose and the sustaining driver of learning and change the ideal self. It could help people and organizations address a major determinant of engagement.Originality/valueThis theory offers a temporal understanding of how the ideal self can motivate learning and change at different life and career eras, which can help in designing future research on identity-related transitions.

This paper presents the results of a longitudinal survey of 100 owner-managed new and small ventures. The survey was designed to explore the strategic orientations of new ventures and their performance implications. Results of the analytical study based on the application of factor analysis and cluster analysis indicate the existence of multiple strategies adopted by new ventures in order to remain competitive. The multiple regression models and cluster-wise performance analysis further indicate that a venture's competitive strategy significantly influences its performance. On the other hand, a complete lack of strategic orientation in a new venture may lead to negative performance and subsequently may even threaten its very survival.

Research about stress management has traditionally focused on reducing possible stressors. However, more recent studies have highlighted the importance of renewal as an antidote to stress. The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical explanation of how renewal activities can invoke a psycho-physiological response that enhances personal sustainability. By drawing upon recent evidence from the fields of medicine, psychology, and management, we developed a conceptual understanding of how renewal activities are characterized by the movement of the individual from a negative to a positive psycho-physiological state. Such a transition happens over a tipping point, which people can enact in themselves and in others through emotional and social intelligence competencies. We illustrate this proposition with the specific case of ideal self-based coaching in the workplace that can enhance personal sustainability among both leaders and their team members.