how do I interrupt my boss in person when I need something? by Alison Green on November 6, 2023 A reader writes: I’ve found myself in several situations now where I periodically need to show up at my bosses’ office to ask them something. These are high level people at the top of the organization. Sometimes I can email or text them and get a response (but not consistently), but their offices are near […] Read the full article →
how to tell an overstepping employee to stay in their lane by Alison Green on November 6, 2023 A reader writes: I manage a large team. Their job descriptions and roles are pretty clear and specific, but one of our subject matter expects, “Jane,” is constantly questioning the work of other team members on projects she doesn’t have a stake in (and by default, my support for that work and the decisions being […] Read the full article →
HR says I have a moral obligation to tell everyone I’m autistic by Alison Green on November 6, 2023 A reader writes: I’m a senior manager in a medium-sized organization. We have, in the past, had some issues with the way that neurodivergent employees have been treated — not on my team, but due to the way that they have been managed by other members of the senior management team. We’ve twice had to […] Read the full article →
passing along dress code feedback I disagree with, I want my employee to say “we” not “I,” and more by Alison Green on November 6, 2023 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. I want my employee to say “we” not “I” We have a very productive employee who is enthusiastic about her position and enjoys working with the public. I appreciate her and most everything she brings to the table. However, when speaking with patients, she refers […] Read the full article →
weekend open thread – November 4-5, 2023 by Alison Green on November 3, 2023 This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. Here are the rules for the weekend posts. Book recommendation of the week: Mrs. Caliban, by Rachel Ingalls. A woman in an unsatisfying marriage develops a much more satisfying relationship with a seven-foot-tall sea monster. * I […] Read the full article →
it’s your Friday good news by Alison Green on November 3, 2023 It’s your Friday good news! 1. “An email I thought I’d never get to send! I’ve been reading your site for years now, ever since I was a struggling recent grad trying to navigate my first “once in a lifetime” recession. That was a sticky, underemployed wicket, but I credit both your posts and the […] Read the full article →
open thread – November 3-4, 2023 by Alison Green on November 3, 2023 It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on any work-related questions that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to take your questions to […] Read the full article →
can my parents contact my employer if they haven’t heard from me, getting out of a snacks rota, and more by Alison Green on November 3, 2023 It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go… 1. Can my parents contact my employer if they haven’t heard from me? I live far from my parents in another country (the U.S.). If my parents can’t reach me by phone for, say, two days and are worried, can they ask HR or my manager […] Read the full article →
I was fired for what I think are trivial reasons by Alison Green on November 2, 2023 A reader writes: A while ago I lost a position after just a few weeks of working there. I got really good feedback on my interview, and even got great feedback during the first days for going above and beyond what was expected of new teammembers. After a while my grandboss asked me how I […] Read the full article →
how to tell an employee there’s no room to move up by Alison Green on November 2, 2023 A reader writes: I supervise my firm’s receptionist, who has been here for just over two years. In her most recent annual self-evaluation, under the section which asks about career goals and training opportunities, she wrote that she “curious as to where I can go from a receptionist position.” This is the first time she […] Read the full article →