Category: Career

You can’t please everyone all the time—which means you’d better learn how to turn down requests from employees, peers, and business associates. Refuse graciously by following these guidelines.

Q: “Our office keeps several over-the-counter medications on hand if someone in the office should have a headache, indigestion, etc. But now I’m wondering if this is a good idea because of possible liability issues. Can you tell me if we’re safe in keeping a drawer of these meds if someone should ask for them?” – Linda, Oregon

Question: Unlike most people in my office, I’m really skittish about coming to work in snowy or icy weather. I’d feel inadequate and judged if I ever called out when others have not, but I get a pit in my stomach when I see the streets becoming slippery and dangerous. What should I do?

Keep a junk email address … Ease hand and wrist tightening … Before you choose a cleaning company …  Take a closer look at signature lines … Some like it hot (and healthy) … Remember the penny loafer?

Meetings shouldn’t be battlegrounds, but that doesn’t mean you should never disagree with anyone for the sake of harmony. The trick is to make your point with tact. Here’s how to disagree without getting disagreeable.