Did you know that the average working adult feels distressed for over a third of their working day?

Sound familiar?

I’m proud to say that on most days I’ve worked to keep it under that, but it’s not always easy. On my low CQ days, I might blame my phone for the endless pings from emails, Teams messages, and WhatsApps. Or perhaps it's the Lime bike running out of battery while I’m still 30 minutes away from my next back-to-back set of meetings.

But distress rarely comes from just one or two things. It builds up from many sources. Constant pressure, growing workloads, tighter deadlines, poor communication, and last-minute cancellations, like a babysitter or dog walker. All of these leave us feeling one thing: out of control.

This is exactly why I developed CQ (Communication Quotient™) training. High CQ gives us tools to regain control, helping us turn stress into focused productivity rather than letting it spiral into frustration. With High CQ, we shift from reactive to proactive, and from overwhelmed to clear-headed.

A Harvard Business Review study shows that 84% of workers experience burnout, with stress being the leading factor. That’s why mastering High CQ is essential for today’s workforce. It equips us to handle pressure with grace and communicate with clarity even under challenging circumstances. Why should we master High CQ?
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• Increased productivity: Stress management can boost workplace performance by up to 33% (American Psychological Association).
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• Better decision-making: Studies show that mindful communication enhances cognitive function, leading to clearer thinking and 20% fewer errors on high-stakes tasks (Journal of Applied Psychology).
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• Healthier work environment: Companies with effective stress management programs see 41% lower absenteeism rates and 62% higher employee retention (Gallup).

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What’s the common thread? Control.


High CQ enables us to regain that control. It helps us pause, recalibrate, and communicate with composure, even when work feels overwhelming. Without these skills, our stress can escalate - like when I’m firefighting at work and hit with one too many passive-aggressive emojis in Teams (yes, I’ve been tempted to scream in a meeting pod too).

Distress isn’t just unpleasant. It impacts our performance, collaboration, and well-being. Understanding and applying High CQ tactics can help you release the pressure and regain mental clarity. It transforms how we react, making us less likely to let stress build up into bigger problems.