December 2020

updates: firing someone in a pandemic, hiring an ex, and more

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Here are four updates from past letter-writers. 1. Can you fire someone in the midst of a pandemic? I wanted to give you an update about my situation […]

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update: my coworker told me I smell

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Remember the letter-writer whose coworker told her she smelled? Here’s the update. I ended up going to the doctor and getting a prescription for an antiperspirant. In addition […]

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my employee didn’t check email for months

A reader writes: I am two years into taking the top job at a somewhat dysfunctional local government agency. I have an employee who has been here for 17 years and is mediocre in his performance. He does his job and does okay, but isn’t always a part of the team or as polite to […]

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update: someone filled the office freezer with 30+ cuts of meat

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Remember the letter-writer whose office freezer had been mysteriously filled with 30+ cuts of meat? Here’s the update. I wrote in January about the day I went into […]

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updates: the nail clipping, the uninvited cockroach, and more

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Here are four updates from past letter-writers. 1. My coworkers clip their nails at their desks Here’s an update on the nail-clipping-in-the-office debate: Thanks for your advice to […]

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