Ask a Manager

Are you good at something and willing to share that expertise with others here? We did this six years ago and it was a great success, so we’re doing it again. Here’s how it works: 1. In the comment section below, name something you’re really good at that you’d be willing to answer questions about. […]

Let’s talk parking wars! Has a war over parking divided your workplace? Did HR steal your coveted parking space? Did a client hit your parked car and then zoom off? Is a parking shortage forcing you to park a mile away? Did a coworker get angry that they weren’t allowed to have an enormous sign […]

Last week, we talked about sacred office supplies — supplies and equipment in your office that people hoard or that are as untouchable as holy relics. Here are 12 of my favorite stories you shared. 1. A hole punch named Sue We had a two-hole punch that sat by the copier for 16 years. It […]

Thanks to a reader for this idea: “What supplies or equipment at your office are as untouchable as a holy relic, despite having no discernible function in the 21st century? What supplies do people inexplicably hoard, or somehow lead to epic battles for control?” Let’s discuss in the comment section.

Last week we talked about kindness at work. Here are 15 of my favorites of the stories you shared. 1. The teachers I’m a teacher. Ive been at schools where our faculty has arranged housing and supplies for families after devestating fires. Currently, we’re gathering money to support one teacher (medical bills, heating issues) and […]

Inspired by last month’s update from the person who covered her coworker’s vet bill: We talk a lot about bad behavior at work, so let’s talk about kindness this time. What’s a time you saw a colleague go out of their way to be especially nice to you or to someone else? Please share in […]

Last week, I asked about Machiavellian things you’ve seen or done at work. Here’s part two of my favorites. (Part one was Monday.) 1. The voicemail Had a sales guy at my first job in the late 90s who used to take ALL his calls and listen to ALL his voicemail on speaker. LOUDLY. We […]

Last week, I asked about Machiavellian things you’ve seen or done at work. There were so many amazing stories shared that I couldn’t fit my favorites in one post. Here’s part one, and part two is coming later this week. 1. The store credit I worked in a specialty retail industry for many years. It’s […]

A few years back, we talked about Machiavellian things we’ve seen done at work — self-serving schemes or manipulation that you watched being carried out (or carried out yourself!). The stories were amazing, including someone who pretended to be Canadian for months in order to get a day off for Canadian Thanksgiving, someone who submitted […]