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Corporate Driver: Perspective

Practical Tips: Handling Ambiguity

Most people have difficulty dealing with uncertainty. It’s normal to feel uncomfortable when there isn’t a clear picture of what’s happening. However, ambiguity can sometimes paralyze people; in an effort to reduce perceived risk, we may shut down options in order to exert control wherever possible. This rarely produces a good outcome. Challenge the assumptions …

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I apologize too much, help!

Question: I never realized it but a friend pointed out to me that I constantly apologize–even when I have no reason to. I’m concerned that this is affecting how I’m being seen at work. Ideas? J.M., New York, NY Answer: You have a very valuable friend! It’s hard for us to see our own habits. …

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Lack of Alternatives

Emotional exhaustion is much more incapacitating than physical exhaustion, and it’s prevalent among those who stay in an organization because they feel obligated to their teammates or employers. According to researchers from Concordia University and the Université de Montréal, these workers are much more likely to experience burnout and stress-related problems. The same applies when …

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Perfectionism

Perfectionism is the ultimate self-defeating behavior, and ironically is often exhibited by the most conventionally successful people in our culture. These people become slaves to success because they are constantly focused on what is not going right and are unable to enjoy their achievements. At their most extreme, perfectionists accomplish nothing and create nothing, perfectly. …

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Respond Powerfully

Grace under pressure is a critical skill for leaders. Tough situations inevitably involve questions you haven’t anticipated or would prefer not to answer. Being prepared for them will position you to respond more powerfully while reducing your stress level. Here are four good rules of thumb: Answer only what was asked. Sometimes people are fishing …

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Stress Affects Risk-Taking

You probably know that stress can affect your ability to make smart decisions. While that fact probably doesn’t surprise you, the reason it’s true might. Researchers at the University of Southern California found that stress causes you to overestimate the positive aspects of a choice and downplay the negatives. Because stress increases your dopamine levels …

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Switch Up Your Routine

While everyone likes to have some routine in their life, over time it can lead to boredom and can stifle your thinking and creativity. You’re paid to solve problems, and bored people rarely come up with innovative solutions. It’s your responsibility to keep yourself challenged. When you find yourself bored at work, ask yourself what …

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