Rule 58. Recognize When You’re Stressed

The good manager stays well ahead of the stress game. And why? Because stress is counterproductive—it isn’t profitable. The old image of the stressed executive popping pills, with high blood pressure but still pulling off fantastic deals is just that—old. The modern executive is laid back, unhurried, charming, thoughtful, careful, on top of their job. You don’t need stress. You really, really don’t. Yes, you need excitement, challenge, enthusiasm, exhilaration, and stimulation, but you do not need stress.

Stress is just excitement and fun that has gone wrong. Instead of loving your job, you start to fear it. Instead of being excited, you experience fear. Instead of challenge, it’s confrontation.