I may get a promotion but I am worried I might not be able to deal with the stress
My immediate superior is leaving the company in a few months’ time. A senior manager has confided to me that I will be the running for the job.I am naturally flattered and excited and it would be good for my career to move into management for the first time. I am concerned though, having seen how stressed my current manager gets. Do you think I should take the job or wait till I am more ready?
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A more human side to your company is the best driver to attracting talent
Career Guidance and Counselling
Career Advice
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Career Guide
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human side
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attracting talent
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skilled professional
For the skilled professional in Hong Kong, the employment market remains largely candidate-driven........
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Will going on maternity leave cost me my executive position?
I am one of three senior directors – the others both male – who head up a very large sales team at an insurance company and I am about to go on maternity leave for a generous amount of time upon the birth of my first child. I have heard stories before of women coming back from maternity leave and finding things have changed in the workplace, with their role being largely sidelined. I have always been a worrier and am concerned that this might happen to me as, to be honest, the environment here has always been a bit cutthroat. I am reluctant to broach the subject with the regional director for fear of giving a bad impression. What do you suggest I do? Are there any preparatory steps I can take before I go?
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Supervisors should set you up to succeed, but work for yourself to develop a career in Hong Kong
I read recently that career success relies on an employee working for their supervisor, not their company – because companies are never aware of who you are or what you do, but your supervisor is your spokesperson and benefits will come from making them look good. I understand the theory, but I have to admit that – despite being perfectly capable at my job – I do not get on very well with my direct supervisor. Part of me cringes at the thought of putting his best interests at heart over the company’s (as the two do not always match). Should I bite the bullet for the sake of potential career benefits down the line?
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Developing your emotional intelligence could improve your leadership skills
I have a problem that is holding my career back – I’m terrible with clients. I work in IT and have rapidly risen up the ranks over the last five years and am now second in command of a team. But I can’t see myself filling my manager’s shoes because I don’t deal with clients well. At meetings I feel like I say the wrong things and back at the office I find it difficult to hide my frustration in the face of clients’ constantly changing demands. In the future, I really want to be a manager who’s good at this side of the business. What can I do to improve?
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Sell hell: Dealing with the pressure of sales
Career Doctor
wracking to meet my targets
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lost this passion
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a chat with friends
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checking the job boards
I have been working in subscription sales at the same company for more than 10 years. I am finding it increasingly nerve-wracking to meet my targets as the market seems to be more and more cluttered with competitors, and I have been getting a lot of pressure from my boss. To make things worse, all my former colleagues have left for greener pastures and I am now surrounded by newcomers, who don't have the same pressures on them as they ease into the role. I have been losing sleep from the stress, with each sale seeming like a temporary lifeline. Is it time to join my ex-colleagues and move on? Sellsellsellhell
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Face-to-face talk ends office apathy
I work in IT. Recently, my company decided to update the database system, which means thousands of sales and procurement stock keep units must be realigned and updated. But the sales and procurement teams are so unhelpful. We have had meetings explaining the framework and timeline, but the salespeople don’t want to do anything, while the procurement department just keeps throwing the ball to sales. We are the support team and always get blamed for any delay from these two departments. How do I communicate with these people?
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Make the most of meetings
I am a middle-level manager in a high-intensity job that requires me to be more hands-on than some of my peers. However, I am continually told have to regularly attend meetings and provide status reports, which cut heavily into my time to actually do the work. Some of my less-engaged colleagues seem to enjoy the chance to show off at these meetings, but I find them irritating and a waste of time. Should I ask my boss to excuse me?
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Should I join my friends venture?
A former colleague with whom I have a good relationship has started up her own business in the same industry. She has invited me to join her at a lower salary, but with the incentive of being able to build the business together. I enjoy my job, but find it a bit too hierarchical. Should I take a gamble on joining my friend’s business, or stay in the secure environment of my present job?
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Don’t let study put you off changing
I am fed up with my industry and regret the study choices I made when younger. I’d love to do something more hands-on, but most of the areas I’m interested in require years of study and I have too many other commitments. Should I just plod on with what I’m doing?
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