how should I respond when my boss coaches me on something basic and obvious? by Alison Green on February 26, 2020 A reader writes: I’m not infallible, but I am a high performer, and my manager has always marked me as exceptional during performance reviews with an above average raise. My question: I have been working under the same manager for just over 10 years and yesterday I was coached via email on something so basic […] Read the full article →
my boss has violent tantrums and punches holes in walls by Alison Green on February 26, 2020 A reader writes: I’ve recently started in a new company. It was a particularly exciting job to get because my division superintendent (think great-great-grandboss) is known industry-wise to be a genius, and being part of his team, even with such separation, makes a big difference in a resumé. Well, I started working two months ago, […] Read the full article →
I’m still not doing the job I was hired for two years ago by Alison Green on February 13, 2020 A reader writes: I’ve been at my current job for two years, and have been doing … okay. No big issues, but in previous reviews my boss has talked about me in terms of good, not great. I’m definitely struggling with efficiency, and am generally bored and disengaged. The problem is, I’m struggling because the […] Read the full article →
my klutzy, unpolished boss is like a bull in a china shop by Alison Green on January 29, 2020 A reader writes: I work closely with my boss of 2.5 years, who is a smart, capable woman in her mid-50s. If we’re talking strictly substance and the merits of her ideas, she is an excellent team lead and representative of our department in the broader context of the organization (healthcare). With this said, she […] Read the full article →
what’s our responsibility for fixing a coworker’s poor work? by Alison Green on January 28, 2020 A reader writes: Several years ago I was hired by a small nonprofit that specializes in technical, skilled work and has a strong reputation of producing very high quality products for a cause that I am very passionate about. I like the work and the general vibe of the place. The problem is one long-time […] Read the full article →
my abusive boss was fired after I complained about her — what do I say to coworkers? by Alison Green on January 16, 2020 A reader writes: Earlier this year, I took a dream job that quickly proved to be a nightmare. My manager, Hedra, has a track record of abusing and driving out her reports. From the start, she didn’t even bother to hide her dislike for me. She set shifting, arbitrary goals and put up barriers to […] Read the full article →
is my boss trying to tell me he’s unhappy with my work? by Alison Green on January 14, 2020 A reader writes: I started at a new job about five months ago after leaving a pretty toxic work situation, and I am happy to report that I love my new job. No work environment is perfect, but when you’re able to do work you love, it makes any environment a lot better. I work […] Read the full article →
my boss expects me to share my personal health/diet/spirituality/fitness goals every week by Alison Green on January 13, 2020 A reader writes: I report weekly to my boss (the company owner, who I’ll call Dan) for a one-on-one meeting where we discuss workplace goals pertaining to my role. According to Dan, I perform beyond expectations, and he tells me constantly how lucky and happy he is to have me on his team. That said, […] Read the full article →
how do I get my rich boss to pay me back for lunch? by Alison Green on January 7, 2020 A reader writes: I work in a small office (about five people) and probably once or twice a week, we will do a group order of delivery/take-out for lunch. I’m the most junior at the company, and often I end up asked to place the lunch order, so I put it on my personal card […] Read the full article →
my needy boss wants me to “adopt” her by Alison Green on January 7, 2020 A reader writes: My manager, Wanda, is a director about five years younger than I am (I’m 63, also a woman). She has been with our employer for over 20 years, is extremely good at what she does, is fiercely loyal to her staff, and possesses a wealth of knowledge and insight about our specific […] Read the full article →