my manager gave me critical feedback but refused to give specifics by Alison Green on February 12, 2015 A reader writes: I work for a large retailer and have had several roles there. I was having a difficult conversation with my boss regarding career development when she interjected that someone on another team that I work with, she couldn’t say who, said that “I wasn’t working with enough urgency.” I asked for clarification […] Read the full article →
bringing luggage to an interview, Monday morning meetings, and more by Alison Green on February 12, 2015 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. New manager keeps scheduling meetings for Monday mornings Employee morale is at an all-time low at our organization for many reasons. Our new CEO isn’t helping with the matter. He schedules meetings on Monday mornings. Sometimes these meetings are conference calls, sometimes they’re day-long, in-person, […] Read the full article →
will taking a part-time job impact my future career prospects? by Alison Green on February 11, 2015 A reader writes: I am finishing up a PhD in the life sciences and have more or less decided not to pursue traditional academic jobs. My time in grad school was like a real job in that I was making and saving money, working a lot, and making meaningful contributions to my field, but it […] Read the full article →
how to handle chronic complainers on your staff by Alison Green on February 11, 2015 A reader writes: I was hired to manage a team of fairly experienced salespeople. I originally was a manager of a different line and left for a better opportunity, and returned for a promotion as sales coordinator. I had known the team already and had a respect built with them. But now that I am […] Read the full article →
my coworker won’t stop caressing me — or the kids we work with by Alison Green on February 11, 2015 A reader writes: I work part-time for an organization that deals with recreational programming for all ages. I’ve been there for about 7 years. I work with children in the 6-11-year-old age range. I have a new-ish coworker, Kim, who is very touchy-feely. She’s like this with everyone. She will get inside your personal bubble […] Read the full article →
being told to sleep on a couch on a business trip, unsolicited sales pitches, and more by Alison Green on February 11, 2015 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Being made to sleep on a couch on a business trip My husband is on a business trip at the moment. He told me they are having him sleep on a couch for this trip. He works 12-hour shifts, at night, and is expected to […] Read the full article →
since I gave notice at work, my boss has tripled my workload by Alison Green on February 10, 2015 A reader writes: At the beginning of the year, I gave notice at my current position. The decision was necessary due to severe burnout issues (to the point where I have been having anxiety attacks) and a terrible boss who, despite 6+ months of repeated, documented conversations about my burnout levels, only continued to increase […] Read the full article →
can introverts and extroverts work together happily? by Alison Green on February 10, 2015 Introverts: How often are you annoyed by too much noise and talking from extroverts at work? Extroverts: Do introverted coworkers come across as chilly or aloof to you? I know none of you have strong opinions on this (cough). Most work groups will have a mix of introverts and extroverts in them, and their differing work […] Read the full article →
my coworker writes a mean blog about me by Alison Green on February 10, 2015 A reader writes: I have a work colleague we’ll call J. J and I sit next to each other and have been friendly the entire time we worked together. She has told me about things in her personal life (recent loss of a beloved pet, for instance) and I’ve shared the same type of stuff […] Read the full article →
should I warn my staff about a drug’s mood-altering side effects, getting paid for freelance work that wasn’t completed, and more by Alison Green on February 10, 2015 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Should I warn my staff about a medication’s mood-altering side effects? I manage a small department of 3, all of whom work very well together and with me. Whenever I’m in a cranky mood or just stressed out, I do my best to keep it […] Read the full article →