American Express platinum card and Centurion members can now travel in style when flying American Airlines, with access to the carrier’s Admiral Club lounges, including the one at Denver International Airport on Concourse C. American Express and American Airlines announced their partnership last week as an expansion of American Express’ airport-club access program, which also includes access to Continental, Delta and Northwest airlines’ clubs.
Ritter’s energy employees can play own soundtrack
Among many other talents, Colorado Department of Natural Resources chief Harris Sherman carries a reputation as a middling violin player.
In remarks last week to the Rocky Mountain Natural Gas Strategy Conference in Denver, Sherman said the energy industry may soon get a custom performance, accompanied by banjo player Tom Plant, who moonlights as director of the Governor’s Energy Office.
Why the potential industry serenade? Gov. Bill Ritter’s revamping of the state Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is highly controversial in oil and gas circles, and much depends on what regulations are developed in the coming year.
“If we finish the rules and regulations we’re expected to finalize,” Sherman said, “I’ll bring Tom Plant with me and we’ll have a hoedown till we drop.”
Survey by Business Week proves “CEO ego” exists
Believe you’re among the top performers in your office? You’re not alone.
According to a new survey, an impossible 90 percent of managers think they’re among the top 10 percent of performers at their workplace. The number is highest among executives, 97 percent of whom consider themselves shining stars, according to a survey in the current edition of BusinessWeek magazine.
“This is what gets you out of bed and to work in the morning,” said survey editor Peter Coy. “You have to think you’re good.” The nonscientific survey, which covered a range of workplace issues, also found that the majority of workers think it will be easier for women and minorities to get ahead in business 10 years from now.
Nearly 50 percent of workers aged 35 to 54 said employees under age 35 tend to be slackers. Thirty percent of people in that oft-maligned group, those aged 25 to 34, agreed.
Another strike against the younger set: 6 percent of respondents under age 30 admitted they’ve accidentally called their boss “Mom” or “Dad.”
The online survey was conducted from June 28 to July 5 and included 2,000 Americans in middle management and above, 25 years and older.
New book offers truckload of rut-busting techniques
We all know what it feels like to be stuck in a rut at work. The hours drag by, the challenges are few and thoughts turn to greener grass on the other side of the cubicle.
Claiming responsibility for your rut, however, is the first step in digging out, according to Joe Calloway, author of “Work Like You’re Showing Off!”
First, change your attitude. If you’re hanging out with negative co-workers, find a new social circle. Ask people you respect what opportunities or advantages you’ve overlooked.
If that doesn’t work, change your situation. Ask to transfer to another department or volunteer for a new project. Sign up for training or tell your boss you’re unhappy. Try asking for a promotion – even if you don’t get it, you’ve at least sparked a discussion with your superiors.
Two types of job searchers, two types of end results
Think back to your last job search. Did you apply for dozens of jobs in search of the ideal position? Or did you send out a few applications and accept the first offer you received?
If you relate to the former, you’re a “maximizer,” according to research by Columbia Business School professor Sheena Iyengar. You take your time making decisions in hopes of homing in on the very best option.
If you recognize yourself in the latter, you’re a “satisficer.” You end your search after finding a result that meets your basic requirements.
Iyengar’s research on a group of job-hunting seniors at 11 U.S. colleges and universities found that maximizers received more offers and had higher starting salaries. They were less satisfied with their jobs, however, and more likely to seek another job within a year.
So who’s better off? “That brings up an ethical question,” Iyengar said in the Spring 2007 issue of “Columbia Ideas at Work.” “What should we seek to maximize – people’s material welfare or their psychological welfare?”
FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
