updates: the nerves, the self-help cult, and more December 31, 2019 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. I’m so nervous at work that it’s holding me back I’m coming up on a year at my new job […]
I have a crush on my boss and he’s being standoffish October 7, 2019 A reader writes: A few months ago, I started working at what’s basically the perfect company for me (introvert, diagnosed autism, possible undiagnosed ADHD). It’s a very small company. I enjoy the work, I’m good at what I do, I get my own space and lots of alone time, and there’s no customer interaction. Thing […]
update: my coworker feels entitled to my time, expertise, car, and house September 19, 2019 Remember last week’s letter from the PhD student whose colleague invited herself to move in, tried to take credit for her work, and was complaining to their department head that the letter-writer wasn’t collaborating enough with her? Here’s the update. Here’s the update. Since the semester has just started and the students are back, things […]
should I tell my boss about a screw-up that turned out okay, drinking at work events, and more August 26, 2019 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Should I tell my boss about a big screw-up that turned out okay? I am not a perfect, rock-star employee, in large part because of ADHD that I didn’t get diagnosed until recently, but I am generally responsible and conscientious and always trying to humbly […]
can I ask my boss to check on me more regularly so I’ll get more done? July 9, 2019 A reader writes: I have a lot of qualities that should serve me well in the workforce: excellent pattern recognition, creativity, a desire to help others. But I struggle massively with organization, discipline, and focus. (I do have ADHD and am medicating for it.) Right now, given monthly check-ins with my supervisor, I feel like […]
employee does needlepoint in meetings, company won’t let me say goodbye to clients, and more May 28, 2019 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. My employee does needlepoint in meetings I have an engineer who is doing an excellent job during the first six months in her new role on my team. All feedback has been positive, and I already have other engineering managers asking when she can apply […]
transcript of “my employee lied about a reference” April 2, 2019 This is a transcription of the Ask a Manager podcast episode “my employee lied about a reference.“ Alison: Hi, and welcome to the show! If you listened all the way to the end of last week’s episode, you heard me say that this week’s show will be the final episode of the Ask a Manager podcast. […]
I replied-all with an adversarial email, my boss and I dress alike, and more March 20, 2019 It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. I sent an adversarial email — and replied-all I’ve seen plenty of articles about how to respond to someone who is unprofessional, but what do I do if I was the one who was unprofessional? I am a supervisor who often interfaces with management and […]
transcript of “I saw an email I wasn’t supposed to see” March 12, 2019 This is a transcription of the Ask a Manager podcast episode “I saw an email I wasn’t supposed to see.” Alison: Hi, and welcome to the show! Today I’m going to answer a bunch of shorter questions from people. The first question today is from someone who found an email she wasn’t supposed to see. Caller 1: Hi […]
ask the readers: how to succeed at work when you’re not neurotypical March 7, 2019 It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: Longtime reader here and you’ve answered a question of mine in the past. I’ve noticed a lot of people who, like me, have ADHD in comment threads, which is SUCH a helpful community for me to crowdsource coping strategies. I’m wondering if you might do […]