Sweaty palms, racing thoughts, and that familiar knot in your stomach—we’ve all been there. Whether you’re preparing for a major client presentation or facing ambitious sales targets, pressure is an inevitable part of any go-to-market role.
Recently, a webinar hosted by Revsity brought together industry experts Sarah Oyefeso, Head of HR at Duplo, and Oreoluwa Ajayi, Associate Director of Sales & BD at Prembly, who shared practical insights on turning pressure into performance. By sharing insights on resilience, stress management, and adaptive problem-solving, they offered practical ways to perform effectively under stress and stay agile in the face of constant change.
Listen to the entire event here👆🏿
Understanding Pressure in the Workplace
Pressure in the workplace comes from the constant demands to meet targets, deliver results, and perform at a high level. These expectations create a sense of urgency, whether it’s hitting sales quotas, managing deadlines, or handling multiple projects. While pressure can drive productivity, it often triggers stress if not managed well.
As Sarah Oyefeso, an HR expert who has implemented HR strategies across key African countries, explains: “Stress is anything that brings you to a state of worry or tension, but it’s how we respond to it that matters.” Pressure is the external demand, while stress is your internal response. If you don’t manage pressure effectively, it can escalate into stress, leading to anxiety and burnout. However, you can turn pressure into a positive force that boosts focus and productivity by learning to handle it. As Sarah reminds us, “Stress is inevitable, but you can always find ways to cope.”
The Two Sides of Pressure
Pressure can feel overwhelming for many young professionals, particularly those in high-stakes GTM roles. Oreoluwa Ajayi shared a powerful perspective: “Pressure is like a second cousin to fear and anxiety, but it’s also like love—you need to learn how to regulate it.” Her insight highlights a crucial truth that many professionals across Africa face: pressure can either make you or break you.
Oreoluwa offered some practical insights on managing pressure:
- Perspective is everything: How you view pressure determines your response to it.
- Regulation is key: Like managing intense emotions, pressure needs to be regulated.
- Cultural context matters: Living in Africa comes with its own pressures—use this resilience to your advantage.
- Turn pressure into power: With the right mindset, pressure can become a driving force.
In Africa’s competitive tech industry, these insights are not just helpful but invaluable. You might be handling multiple client accounts or launching products in new markets, but understanding how to channel pressure productively can set you apart. This is the knowledge that can make a real difference in your career.
Recognising Pressure Points
Sarah shared some common signs of pressure in the workplace that every professional should recognise:
- Loss of focus and attention to detail: When pressure mounts, quality often suffers first, with overlooked details and increased errors becoming common.
- Anxiety and constant worry: This can stem from ambitious targets or impending deadlines, often causing mental fatigue and reduced productivity.
- Isolation and withdrawal: Some people tend to retreat or become less communicative when under pressure, which can hinder collaboration and problem-solving.
- Quick resignation: The tendency to give up when things get tough or when immediate solutions aren’t clear, often derailing projects and personal growth.
Recognising these signs is the first step to managing stress effectively, allowing professionals to adopt strategies that help maintain productivity, resilience, and a positive workplace environment, even in high-pressure situations.
Master Prioritisation
We live in a world of endless tasks, and one key takeaway from the webinar was the importance of prioritisation. Sarah discussed practical steps for managing workloads: “Look at what your goals are, what tools you’re using, and how you’re tracking progress.”
Whether you’re a sales professional, a marketer, or in customer success, learning to distinguish urgent tasks from important ones is crucial.
A useful tool to help you stay on top of your workload is the Eisenhower Matrix, which categorises tasks by urgency and importance. By using this method, you can focus on what truly matters without feeling overwhelmed.
Our Revsity Slack community offers practical resources, a free prioritisation template, and tips to help you succeed under pressure. Join today!
Set Boundaries to Protect Your Well-being
As professionals, you often feel guilty for taking breaks or saying no, especially in Nigeria where “hustle culture” reigns supreme. But Sarah pointed out the need to set boundaries: “You determine your work-life balance. Nobody can do that for you.” She shared practical tips on how to communicate your boundaries at work without coming off as unprofessional.
Learning to say “no” when necessary and taking regular breaks are non-negotiables to maintain your mental health and productivity. Sarah’s advice? Communicate your availability clearly, and don’t feel guilty for stepping away when needed
Practical Strategies for Excellence Under Pressure
Both speakers emphasised several key strategies for maintaining performance under pressure:
- Manage Your Reaction
- Treat pressure like any other emotion—something that can be managed
- Break down overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable pieces
- Remember that pressure is temporary, but your reaction shapes your success
- Change Your Perspective
- View pressure as an opportunity rather than a threat
- Use pressure as motivation to bring your A-game
- Remember that pressure often precedes growth
- Build Support Systems
- Connect with mentors who’ve navigated similar challenges
- Share experiences with peers who understand your journey
- Seek professional communities that offer guidance and support
- Maintain Focus
- Stay focused on solutions rather than problems
- Keep sight of your goals even when feeling overwhelmed
- Use pressure as a catalyst for precision and excellence
Build Resilience Over Time
Mastering the art of handling pressure doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about building resilience and learning from each experience. As Oreoluwa said, “Your mindset is everything.” Pressure doesn’t have to break you. With the right tools, perspective, and support system, you can turn it into the fuel that propels you forward in your career.
Moving Forward: Embracing Pressure
As you apply these insights, remember that pressure is not your enemy. In African business environments, where challenges and opportunities often come hand in hand, your ability to perform under pressure can be your greatest asset.
Remember that pressure is often a sign that you’re pushing boundaries and growing. This perspective on pressure will help you build a stronger foundation for your career in the GTM field.
At Revsity, we’re here to help you build that resilience. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of a new role or aiming to level up your career, our community offers the guidance and resources you need to succeed under pressure.
Don’t just survive—learn to thrive.
