On Careers

The Scariest Part of Work

By Michael S. Wade

Posted: June 12, 2009

If the scale is the most frightening element in the doctor’s office, what is its equivalent in the workplace?

Some nominees:

  1. The weekly staff meeting
  2. The annual performance evaluation
  3. The CEO reading a best seller on management
  4. Clearing things with Legal
  5. 360 degree feedback
  6. The cafeteria’s contribution to Diversity Day
  7. Waking up in a strange room the morning after the office party
  8. Reorganizations
  9. Lean and hungry interns
  10. The "Reply All" button
  11. The boss’s spouse
  12. The boss’s secretary
  13. Government audits
  14. Being assigned to Siberia
  15. Unhinged coworkers
  16. Weasels
  17. Consultants with an undisclosed agenda
  18. Motivational retreats
  19. Six Sigma
  20. Supervising peers
  21. Meetings in which everyone pretends they know what is going on.
Michael Wade writes Execupundit.com, an eclectic combination of management advice, observations, and links. A partner with the Phoenix firm of Sanders Wade Rodarte Consulting Inc., he has advised private and public-sector organizations for more than 30 years.
Wait a second!

Since when is the scale the scariest thing in the doctor's office? The scale isn't scarier than a needle. It might not even be scarier than the doctor depending on who you have.

RP of GA @ Jun 24, 2009 14:27:58 PM

The problem is ...

... that it isn't just one (or even two) of those things on the list that are the scariest. It's almost ALL of them ganging up on us together!

dsb of IN @ Jun 13, 2009 10:43:08 AM

Great list

Makes for fun reading on a Friday!

Seattle Interview Coach of WA @ Jun 13, 2009 00:19:57 AM

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