March 2010

boss is a non-communicative micromanager

A reader writes: My boss is intermittently non-communicative and micromanaging, neither of which I can tolerate. We will go weeks without meeting to discuss a project and then at the last minute she will fling across very unclear direction to me to execute (usually in the same day). She typically talks to me about a […]

Read the full article →

addressing a disability in an interview

A reader writes: I am legally blind, but it rarely hinders my ability to do most things (except for more dynamic things like driving and playing basketball). For most other things, I can use common tools like the “Zoom” options on most computer programs and simple handheld reading magnifiers, and I’ll be just fine. Ideally, […]

Read the full article →

should we reimburse employee meals for same-day travel?

A reader writes: Our office has a number of staff that travel to our various satellite offices — most of the travel is same day (home to office back to home)(no overnight stays). There are a few staff members that feel like they need to be reimbursed for breakfast and lunch and sometimes even dinner […]

Read the full article →

my company throws A List and B List parties for employees

A reader writes: I am a “peak period employee” of a large company. Although I have worked 1000+ hours per year for them every year for the last decade, employees of my status are not invited to the annual holiday party. This is reserved for full-time permanent employees, and is usually a very splashy affair: […]

Read the full article →

why you should take the time to debrief after a project

Did you know that Harvard Business School researchers found that among a group of surgeons learning a new operating technique, those who discussed each case in detail and debriefed with team members after procedures managed to halve their operating time — while those who didn’t discuss and debrief hardly improved their time at all? People […]

Read the full article →

my manager complains about me online

A reader writes: I’m having a problem with my manager. I work at a convenience store to help put me through college. She’s hated me from the start, most people say it’s out of jealousy, I learned to ignore it. Now she is discussing my work performance online with a coworker who is not even […]

Read the full article →

should I color my gray hair while job-searching?

It’s physical appearance week here at Ask a Manager! A reader writes: I am a 43-year-old woman getting back into the job market after nearly 10 years away raising kids. This is not the best time to be hunting, but it is what it is. My question seems rather superficial in comparison to others asked […]

Read the full article →

can I ask why my predecessor was fired?

A reader writes: I’ve recently started in a new role with a company I’ve admired for years. I’m excited about the job and before I started I felt inspired by the confidence shown in me by my new manager. Now that I’ve started, I’ve found that the reason the big cheeses were so keen for […]

Read the full article →

should I address my weight gain in an interview?

I’m back! The week without posts was because I moved, and I’m so exhausted that I can barely move my fingers to type this. However… A reader writes: I had a phone interview last week for a position that seems like the perfect job for me. I’m supposed to hear from the interviewer to arrange […]

Read the full article →

how to manage a problem employee

A reader writes: As you hail from the non-profit sector just as I, you can probably lead me down the right path with this one. I’m a new HR rep for this mid size organization, and have inherited this situation: We have two employees who work in our fundraising department. They both work full time, […]

Read the full article →