what tools help you focus on work when you’re in a loud or distracting environment? by Alison Green on June 13, 2019 A reader writes: Since so many of us are stuck in cubicle farms, what would you think about having readers share things that have helped them focus and get work done? For instance, I use Bose wireless noise-cancelling headphones and I LOVE them. I play music or white noise (or combine them!) when I need […] Read the full article →
what’s the worst case of helicopter parenting you’ve seen at work? by Alison Green on June 6, 2019 In response to last week’s post about the father who got on the phone with questions during his daughter’s job offer, some readers asked to hear more about parents trying to interfere with their adult children’s careers. So, what’s the worst case of helicopter parenting you’ve seen at work? Share in the comments … Read the full article →
how do I stop speaking without thinking in professional situations? by Alison Green on May 30, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’ve just got back from a work event where I made a indiscreet and critical comment about one of our sponsor companies. The moment I said it, I knew I had messed up. Nobody really reacted and it’s highly probable nothing will ever come of […] Read the full article →
I’m polyamorous — should I be out at work? by Alison Green on May 23, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’ve been going back and forth with a pretty weird problem, and someone suggested your blog as a good place to go for advice (I’m so happy I discovered it, by the way!). Here’s what’s going on…. I am a woman in my late 20s […] Read the full article →
the stolen toilet paper, the fake committee, and other petty moments at work by Alison Green on May 16, 2019 Last week I asked you to share stories of petty moments at work — your own or other people’s. Here are some of the stand-outs. 1. “At one of my early jobs one of my coworkers was a, shall we say, interesting character. She was called out about something in a meeting and was fuming […] Read the full article →
should I give feedback to people who haven’t asked for it during a collaborative writing project? by Alison Green on May 16, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: I’m not fully sure that this fits within the scope of AAM — it’s not work-related, but I feel that there is a great deal of overlap. I am the head administrator in an online writing group, where members frequently come together to collaborate on […] Read the full article →
what’s the pettiest thing you’ve done at work (or seen done)? by Alison Green on May 9, 2019 One thing that’s funny about work is that people can really, really worked up about things that they’d be far better off just letting go — think, for example, of 12-paragraph rants about office supplies or the person who threw away a coworker’s mug as an act of revenge over work assignments. I want to […] Read the full article →
what conversation starters can I use at industry events? by Alison Green on May 2, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: My industry requires me to go to a lot of events, especially when travelling. I work in sales so it is expected that I’ll use my time to mingle with people and build relationships. The trouble is that I have NO IDEA TO WHAT TO […] Read the full article →
what cultural things do you need to know to succeed when you’re new to white collar work? by Alison Green on April 25, 2019 Way back in 2012, someone wrote this to me: Thank you for writing this amazing blog. Its a great resource for learning all the things that are and aren’t acceptable at work that I don’t think I could have learned anywhere else. Thank you especially for the post about how having or not having professional parents influences your […] Read the full article →
what’s the most embarrassing thing that’s happened to you at work? by Alison Green on April 18, 2019 The comments on last week’s letter from the person who had wet her pants at work were full of hundreds of stories from people who’d had similar things happen to them. I had no idea that stories of people crapping their pants could be so heart-warming, but they were. So, I pose you this question: […] Read the full article →