Question: “We have a co-worker who is nearing 80 years old. Her performance is starting to slip, and we’re too busy to cover for her when she creates more work than she accomplishes. Is there an alternative to termination? We’d like to help her depart with dignity, but there are no indications toward that end.” — Caroline
Question: “Our office manager constantly takes aim at minorities and older employees. After we sent an anonymous letter to the human resources manager about this woman’s prejudiced behavior, he posted a notice saying only signed complaints will be investigated. If we sign our names, we know the manager will retaliate. She has a history of firing people who protest her heavy-handed tactics, and her boss wholeheartedly supports her. If human resources won’t consider our complaint, what can we do?” — No Way Out
Question: “I’d like to update my Microsoft Office skills. If I have limited staff development funds, but would like to get some advanced training, which program would be the most beneficial to me and the company? In other words, what’s the best bang for the buck?” — Anonymous
Question: “One of my co-workers is jealous of me. I am young but very valuable to this company, and I get along with everyone but her. Lately, she’s been snooping around my desk, even though there is no reason for her to be at my desk. Any suggestions as to how I should handle this nosy and annoying co-worker?” — Anonymous
Question: “I suffer from adult attention deficit disorder (ADD). After a recent mishap at work, I mentioned this to my boss. She said she knew nothing about ADD but was glad I told her. Since then, I have noticed that she treats me differently. My co-workers talk about me behind my back and seem to think I’m not very bright, which is so far from the truth. What advice do you have for someone in this situation?" — D.F.
Question: “What would be a few good agenda items to discuss at our next administrative professionals meeting? No one really wants to say anything, and therefore, the individual departments do not share any new ideas or updates on their activities. Do you have any sample agendas to share?” — Victoria
Question: “I have hard copy files labeled under “Dr.” Do I file first under “D” or do I file under the doctor’s name?” — Anonymous
Your boss is having trouble generating ideas, because employees won’t speak up. Here’s one surefire approach: Offer them $1 million for their thoughts. Before the next brainstorming meeting, buy 10 lottery tickets and tape them to a flip chart. After the appropriate introduction, let the discussion begin. Give out one ticket for each good idea […]
Question: “I’m not sure whether to trust one of my co-workers. ‘Amy’ is helpful and considerate to me. She provides useful information and makes friendly, encouraging comments. However, some co-workers say Amy stabs people in the back because she wants to climb the corporate ladder. If Amy really is a skillful manipulator, how do I avoid being hurt by her tactics, especially when management thinks so highly of her?”
Heard about the “tipping point” or the “long tail”? If you want to know what ideas shape the minds of your company’s leaders, pick up the following books. And the next time someone talks about a tipping point, you’ll know exactly what she means.