Recognition
Promotion panicWhat could possibly be more stressful than getting a divorce? Being promoted. |
|
 [ 2007-05-30 ] |
© 2007 Jupiterimages Corporation
Climbing up the corporate ladder was cited most frequently as life's most difficult event -- beating out calling it quits with a spouse, adjusting to a relocation or even grieving a death -- by nearly 20% of business leaders in a recent survey.
While usually cause for a slap on the back, promotions also force us to deal with more office politics, greater job complexity and increased reliance on others, said Matt Paese of Development Dimensions International, which conducted the study.
Despite the hand-wringing promotions can provoke, almost half of those surveyed said a move into a leadership position positively affected their personal life.
The online survey was conducted in late 2006 among nearly 800 U.S. and foreign business leaders.
PRESENTATION EXASPERATION
If you want to drive your co-workers crazy at a business meeting, interrupt someone, answer your cellphone or fall asleep.
If you really want them to curse your name, drag them into a meeting and blather away -- absent any planning or sense of direction.
Disorganized, rambling presentations are workers' greatest source of frustration at meetings, a new survey reports.
"If you're going to ask someone for time, make sure you're using their time like you would use your time," said Jeff Resnick of Opinion Research USA, which conducted the survey.
Domineering colleagues, cellphone interruptions and co-workers who fall asleep were runners-up on the list.
Pet peeves differed between generations, with workers over 55 complaining about long meetings with no bathroom break, while the 18-24 set wanted food and drinks in exchange for their attention, Resnick said.
Only 4% of people complained about meetings starting late, so take heed presenters: better to be late than long-winded.
The survey was conducted over the phone of approximately 1,000 people.
Does your employer subsidize your commute to work?