is my friend being blackballed? by Alison Green on May 24, 2012 A reader writes: A couple years back, my best friend applied to a position at a very well-known, global company. This is a company that people from all over the world want to work for, and it’s always been her “dream company.” Without getting too far into the backstory, she got the offer and must […] Read the full article →
how can I get faster responses from my coworkers and manager? by Alison Green on May 23, 2012 A reader writes: How should I approach it when I need to chase down my fellow colleagues and manager about matters that require their prompt assistance and attention? For instance, my senior colleague, who is based in another state, usually emails me to follow-up on certain issues that require clearance on my end, that is, […] Read the full article →
7 ways bosses annoy employees by Alison Green on May 23, 2012 Even good managers frustrate their employees now and then – while bad managers, of course, do it regularly. Here are seven of the most common complaints about things bosses often do without even realizing it. 1. Making social events unofficially required. Employers frequently assume that employees will view office social events, like staff happy hours or […] Read the full article →
terse answer Tuesday: bad manager edition by Alison Green on May 22, 2012 It’s terse answer Tuesday — seven short answers to seven short questions. And we have two particularly bad horror stories about managers today — including one threatening a former employee’s life. Here we go… 1. Listing volunteer work without any proof I used to work as the Executive Editor (volunteer) for a website. Although it […] Read the full article →
bereavement leave in a very competitive workplace by Alison Green on May 21, 2012 A reader writes: Nearly 3 months ago, my husband and I experienced the loss of our only child. It happened suddenly and I haven’t returned to work since. I have kept in contact with my supervisor from time to time just to check in. The standard bereavement leave is three days but they made an […] Read the full article →
I don’t want my coworkers to know about my boob job by Alison Green on May 21, 2012 A reader writes: In a few weeks, I’ll be taking 2 weeks off work to have plastic surgery. After returning to work, I’ll be on a few work restrictions for 2-3 weeks. My immediate supervisor and manager know the reason, but I really don’t want to tell my co-workers that the reason I can’t shift […] Read the full article →
how to juggle a job offer when you’re waiting on another by Alison Green on May 21, 2012 A job offer is usually welcome news — unless it comes while you’re waiting to hear about a different job you really want with another employer. While to many job-seekers, this is the definition of a good problem to have, it’s a tough spot to be in and most job-seekers aren’t sure how to navigate […] Read the full article →
connect with other Ask a Manager readers on LinkedIn by Alison Green on May 21, 2012 If want to connect with other Ask a Manager readers on LinkedIn — to network, talk, or whatever — now you can. Our awesome commenter Jamie set up a group over there (moderated by her, not me!). To join, click here. And while I have you, here are some other things I keep meaning to […] Read the full article →
my job offer was revoked before I started — and after I quit my job by Alison Green on May 20, 2012 A reader writes: I was working with a staffing agency and received a job offer through them. I was informed by phone and email that I’d been hired, with start date and start time. So, I verbally confirmed that I accept, would be quitting my current job, and would be able to start on the […] Read the full article →
short answer Saturday: 6 short answers to 6 short questions by Alison Green on May 19, 2012 It’s short answer Saturday — six short answers to six short questions. Here we go… 1. How can I motivate this manager? I work for a small business managed by a married couple, owned by the female partner. Although this is one of healthiest environments I have ever worked in, the male partner has challenges […] Read the full article →