Change of directions

THE WORK FRONT...

1) When the alarm goes off on a workday morning, how do you react?

a) Turn the alarm off because the thought of getting up for work provokes dread

b) Snooze for half an hour, hoping it will ease the pain of wakening

c) Instantly jump out of bed, ready for a new day and a new challenge

2) When you have a busy day ahead, what do you do?

a) Go hell for leather to try and get some work done

b) Begin with the most important job, and work through it

c) Organise and prioritise tasks to fill the day

3) What kind of relationship do you have with your boss at work?

a) The thought of meeting the boss fills me with horror, so I spend all my time avoiding him

b) I wait for the boss to approach me, treating him like a colleague, not a master

c) I'm constantly seeking out the boss to tell him things

4) If you were given five sick days from work, what would you do?

a) Use all of the days whether I was sick or not

b) Take a day or two if I feel like a break

c) Never use them, loyalty is important

5) Your working hours are nine to five, how strictly do you follow that?

a) Tend to arrive just on time, but leave a bit early

b) Punctuality is the key, never arrive late or leave early

c) Stay late even if there's no work to be done

THE WORK ASSESSMENT

IF MOST OF YOUR ANSWERS ARE As

That is a sign of negative attitudes to work and disillusionment with your job - Mr Motivated you are not.

Cary Cooper, Professor of Organisational Psychology and Health, at Lancaster University Management School is one of Britain's most influential business gurus. He says A answers signify dissatisfaction.

"People who are depressed hate getting up. If you are really dissatisfied with your job you waken up very tired. You may be under a lot of pressure and there's no job satisfaction.

"You should consider moving within the organisation, or perhaps getting a new job. Negativity indicates people aren't happy at work - change could be the key."

IF MOST OF YOUR ANSWERS ARE Bs

Your work life is fairly good, but there may be one or two issues in the workplace that need addressing.

Problems crop up at work because you may be inclined to do only what is needed to get by. Your motto is anything for a quiet life, so you ignore areas that may need change.

Professor Cooper believes pinpointing problem areas is key. He says: "You need to identify the area that affects your work, then you can change."

IF MOST OF YOUR ANSWERS ARE Cs

You're a happy worker with a well rounded attitude, and that's reflected in your attitudes to colleagues, employers and the standard of your work.

But be careful work does not dominate your life - remember all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Prof Cooper warns of dangers when you take work for granted, and that complacency may threaten progress.

He says we should try to maintain good standards already set. "Keep the good work up. You're lucky, there won't be many things to change, but remember there's always room for improvement."

YOUR SOCIAL LIFE...

1) How do you like to spend your evenings after a hard day's work?

a) Hit the sofa, and stay at home in front of the TV

b) Be active, get outside or even spend an hour at the gym

c) Socialising with friends and having a good time

2) An old friend phones you and suggests meeting for an adventure weekend, "just like it used to be". Do you?

a) Make excuses and claim to have plans just to get out of it

b) Say 'I'll think about it,' but worry and panic over what it'll be like

c) Jump at the chance, it's just what I need

3) You are discussing holiday plans for next summer and your partner suggests something new and exciting to put some magic back into the relationship. Do you:

a) Say it's a daft idea - there's enough excitement in our lives

b) Reluctantly agree to a change, even though I'd rather hit the beach as usual

c) Jump at the chance and suggest trekking in the Himalayas

4) You always feel tired after work, but know that you have to keep in touch with friends. Do you?

a) Cancel plans, saying I'm too tired

b) Make a point of seeing friends, but only when I have the energy

c) Always keep to the plans even if I'm not on top form

5) Your partner suggests you take up a hobby to occupy your spare time. Do you?

a) Dismiss it out of hand because I'm happy doing nothing

b) Take up a rather menial challenge just to please him/her

c) Say 'That's a great idea,' and start planning

THE SOCIAL VERDICT...

IF MOST OF YOUR ANSWERS ARE As

It's time to take stock because you're stuck in a rut. You're the original Mr or Ms Negative - at home and probably at work as well.

Prof Cooper says: "It reveals an unwillingness to change or resistance to it. Try having a more positive attitude - be creative.

"Often these people are insecure. You stick with what you know."

IF MOST OF YOUR ANSWERS ARE Bs

You need to address relationships. On one hand you realise the need for maintaining close friendships, but at the same time you fail to do enough to make them work.

Prof Cooper says: "You might be very tired after work, but you feel that you should be maintaining close relationships. So make a point of seeing friends - that's important."

IF MOST OF YOUR ANSWERS ARE Cs

You're open and willing to new ideas and like a challenge. Your energy and reliability is the key to your success, so don't waste it.

There's not much you need to learn, just keep up the good work.