Microsoft way

[kgstar@most.fw.hac.com (Kelly Starks x7066 MS 10-39)]

> BURNOUT PREVENTION AND RECOVERY
>
> 1. STOP DENYING.  Listen to the wisdom of your body.  Begin to freely
> admit the stresses and pressures that have manifested physically,
> mentally, or emotionally.
>
>       MICROSOFT VIEW: Work until the physical pain forces you into
>       unconsciousness.
>
> 2. AVOID ISOLATION.  Don't do everything alone!  Develop or renew
> intimacies with friends and loved ones.  Closeness not only brings new
> insights, but also is anathema to agitation and depression.
>
>       MICROSOFT VIEW: Shut your office door (if you have one) and lock it
> from the inside so no-one will distract you. They're just trying to hurt your
> productivity.
>
> 3. CHANGE YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES.  If your job, your relationships, a
> situation, or a person is dragging you under, try to alter your
> circumstances, or if necessary, leave.
>
>       MICROSOFT VIEW: If you feel something is dragging you down, suppress
>       these thoughts. This is a weakness. Drink more coffee. (It's free.)
>
> 4. DIMINISH INTENSITY IN YOUR LIFE.  Pinpoint those areas or aspects
> that summon up the most concentrated intensity and work toward
> alleviating that pressure.
>
>       MICROSOFT VIEW: Increase intensity.  Maximum intensity = maximum
>       productivity. If you find yourself relaxed and with your mind
> wandering, you are probably having a detrimental effect on the stock price.
>
> 5. STOP OVERNURTURING.  If you routinely take on other people's
> problems and responsibilities, learn to gracefully disengage.  Try to
> get some nurturing for yourself.
>
>       MICROSOFT VIEW: Always attempt to do everything. You ARE
>       responsible for it all.  Perhaps you haven't thoroughly read your job
>       description.
>
> 6. LEARN TO SAY "NO".  You'll help diminish intensity by speaking up
> for yourself.  This means refusing additional requests or demands on
> your time or emotions.
>
>       MICROSOFT VIEW: Never say no to anything.  It shows weakness,
>       and lowers the stock price. Never put off until tomorrow what you can
>       do at midnight.
>
> 7. BEGIN TO BACK OFF AND DETACH.  Learn to delegate, not only at work,
> but also at home and with friends.  In this case, detachment means
> rescuing yourself for yourself.
>
>       MICROSOFT VIEW: Delegating is a sign of weakness.  Let someone
>       else do it (See #5).
>
> 8. REASSESS YOUR VALUES.  Try to sort out the meaningful values from
> the temporary and fleeting, the essential from the nonessential.
> You'll conserve energy and time, and begin to feel more centered.
>
>       MICROSOFT VIEW: Stop thinking about your own problems. This is
>       selfish. If your values change, we will make an announcement at the
>       company meeting. Until then, if someone calls you and questions your
>       priorities, tell them that you are unable to comment on this and give
>       them the number for Microsoft Marketing. It will be taken care of.
>
> 9. LEARN TO PACE YOURSELF.  Try to take life in moderation.  You only
> have so much energy available.  Ascertain what is wanted and needed in
> your life, then begin to balance work with love, pleasure, and
> relaxation.
>
>       MICROSOFT VIEW: A balanced life is a myth perpetuated by the Borland
>       Marketing Team.  Don't be a fool: the only thing that matters is work
>       and productivity.
>
> 10. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY.  Don't skip meals, abuse yourself with
> rigid diets, disregard your need for sleep, or break doctor's
> appointments. Take care of yourself nutritionally.
>
>       MICROSOFT VIEW: Your body serves your mind, your mind serves the
>       company.  Push the mind and the body will follow. Drink Pepsi. (it's
free.)
>
> 11. DIMINISH WORRY AND ANXIETY.  Try to keep superstitious worrying to
> a minimum -- it changes nothing.  You'll have a better grip on your
> situation if you spend less time worrying and more time taking care of
> your real needs.
>
>       MICROSOFT VIEW: If you're not worrying about work, you must not be
>       very committed to it.  We'll find someone who is.
>
> 12. KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR.  Begin to bring joy and happy moments
> into your life.  Very few people suffer burnout when they're having
> fun.
>
>       MICROSOFT VIEW: So, you think your work is funny?  We'll discuss this
>       with your manager on Friday.  At 7:00 pm.
>
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Kelly Starks                       Internet: kgstar@most.fw.hac.com
Sr. Systems Engineer
Magnavox Electronic Systems Company
(Magnavox URL: http://www.fw.hac.com/external.html)

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