It seems like just the slightest thing sets him off these days. Without too much trouble, we were able to identify the 37 things George was personally responsible for and the lack of time that he had to get them all done, while so many other senior managers were increasing the pressure on him to get them all done at the same time. More and more often, business managers are voicing their frustration over their seeming inability to manage the overwhelm they feel in their work. Not only do we have to try to address this frustration at work, but most of us today are also wrestling with competing priorities between business, our families, and our health.
People deal with the stress of overwhelm in many different ways.
Some feel personally responsible for not being able to get it all done, or feel a sense of failure if it does not. Others will find short cuts. Still others will look to their colleagues and associates to get the work done. Some are now even refusing additional responsibilities. There is no silver bullet.