how much socializing at work is too much? by Alison Green on July 2, 2019 A reader writes: I am a low level manager at an office of 35 employees and we’re fairly autonomous in managing our workload. We have flex time, people work different hours, and as long as your work is done in a timely and quality way, then management usually leaves you to your own devices. We’re […] Read the full article →
my employee asked me to stop giving him feedback by Alison Green on July 1, 2019 A reader asks: I’m a relatively new manager and trying to do my best to tailor my style for each of my team members. This week I asked my team members what they’d like to me to do differently in our one-on-ones. I got some great feedback from most of my folks, but one has […] Read the full article →
I run a business and I feel exhausted and exploited by employees by Alison Green on July 1, 2019 A reader writes: I currently lead a manufacturing business that I co-founded. Because a previous related business failed in the recession, we have been in the trenches, at the coal face, behind the plough — whatever metaphor you prefer — for over a decade now. The current venture turned its first profit recently, but all […] Read the full article →
what should I say to an employee who’s requesting too much time off? by Alison Green on June 26, 2019 A reader writes: I have a question about an employee who is requesting a lot of time off. This employee is considered auxiliary (works less than 20 hours per week), and her shifts are working evenings and weekends in healthcare. She typically works a regular schedule of Friday, Saturday, Sunday and a mix of evening […] Read the full article →
my employee keeps commenting on my looks by Alison Green on June 26, 2019 A reader writes: How can I best discipline/provide feedback to an employee of mine about his frequent inappropriate comments about my body/attractiveness? I’m worried about inadvertently devolving into “you think I’m hot” territory or drawing even more attention to my body, which makes me very, very uncomfortable. Some recent comments/actions include: * “You’re bringing sexy […] Read the full article →
how do I tell an employee he doesn’t have what it takes to do the job he wants? by Alison Green on June 25, 2019 A reader writes: I’m in a tricky spot with a long-time employee of mine, “Bob,” and I need advice on how to deliver a potentially devastating piece of feedback: “You just don’t have what it takes to succeed in this role.” Back story: Bob is interested in growing from his current position (let’s say teapot […] Read the full article →
how much should I tell a team whose boss is on a performance plan? by Alison Green on June 20, 2019 A reader writes: Six months ago, I was promoted to lead a group of three assistant managers who each lead around 20 people. “Howard,” one of the assistant managers, had been hired two months before by my predecessor, but it was immediately obvious to me that his work was not up to par. I did […] Read the full article →
how much should I hand-hold a disorganized employee? by Alison Green on June 10, 2019 A reader writes: I am a new manager struggling with how the handle one of my direct reports who is struggling a bit himself. He is a smart guy but super disorganized. For example, he is in charge of ensuring all internal audits in our company have been set up, executed, etc We discuss this […] Read the full article →
my employee tells me “good job” when I correct his work by Alison Green on June 5, 2019 A reader writes: My direct report, who is fresh out of college, is often not very thorough or good at his job. He’ll submit work that clearly lacked any attention to detail. And 90% of the time, there are errors that I end up pointing out or discussing with him. I am fair, factual, and […] Read the full article →
I don’t want my employees to wear headphones by Alison Green on May 22, 2019 A reader writes: I have two I.T. employees who like to wear headphones, not earbuds, at their desks during business hours. It’s awkward when someone approaches them for support and there’s a brief waiting period for the employee to remove the headphones and acknowledge the person. I find this unnerving when I approach either of […] Read the full article →