Stress affects everyone in his/her work and everyday life. Some persons are more effective when they are under a certain level of stress, but there are limits to the amount of stress under which one can perform effectively. Competition within complex organizations today is a risk factor not often recognized by the organizations. All organizations are vulnerable to stress, not only at the executive level but, especially, at the middle-management level. Many organizations have undertaken stress management programs, involving such techniques as physical exercise, recreation, and compulsory vacations. Stress can arise from happy occasions as well as negative ones. Because one cannot avoid stress, administrators should try to manage the stressors that occur and minimize their negative effect. When one is under pressure, minor hassles--such as a family member's health, home maintenance work, or misplacing things--can become major problems. One form of stress is burnout, which happens when aspirations and expectations are thwarted and one becomes depressed and used up. Burnout can be combated by acknowledging and accepting the way the world is. Self-awareness and monitoring of oneself are also necessary to avoid burnout. Three stress checklists are attached as self-assessment instruments. (Author/RW)