Question: “I was recently hired as a manager in a small family-owned business. I’m having problems with another manager who happens to be the son of our CEO. Last week, I gave the CEO some constructive criticism about her son’s performance, but she made it clear that critiquing him was a big mistake. I quickly got the message that her son can do no wrong and any discussion of his performance is off-limits. Now I feel that I can’t say anything about him, even though he’s my co-worker. How can I deal with these frustrating family dynamics? — Not a Relative
Too often, people express themselves negatively without even realizing it. If your writing contains a lot of “no’s” and “not’s,” it’s a signal of negative writing. Using positive, self-assured, optimistic language is a better way to promote your ideas. Here are examples of negative sentences turned positive:
Question: "I realize this sounds like a Jerry Springer episode, but … My husband and I work in the same office. A new co-worker has been openly flirting with him. She hugs him, rubs his shoulders and is constantly touching him. And she frequently does this in my presence! I know it’s silly, but her behavior really bothers me. What should I do?" — Worried Wife
Question: “I oversee the contract janitorial crew. How do companies deal with the problems of keeping the lunchroom and refrigerators clean during the day? I struggle with the time between the daily cleanings. Anyone have any suggestions?”—Rachel
Question: “I’m wondering how other companies handle this situation: A worker is out on vacation leave (paid) and she gets sick during some of the vacation. Do companies allow employees to exchange those vacation days for sick days and let the worker take the vacation days another time?” — Belinda
Question: “I’m not getting any decent salary offers during my search for a new job, so I need to figure out whether my expectations are reasonable. I do know that I’m being underpaid in my current position. I served in the military for several years and currently work for the federal government. Next year, I will complete my business administration degree. Do you think I receive low offers because I have not yet obtained my degree or because I’m not marketing myself well?” — Worth More Money
Question: “I need help communicating with a younger boss. As I am over age 50, most of our managers are younger and think they know everything. They tend to listen to the younger, fresh-out-of-college administrators. I don’t have gray hair, I dress appropriately for my age and always act professionally. Any other ‘experienced’ administrators with the same issue?” — Anonymous
Question: “I am a female executive assistant who works for a female boss. When I answer her telephone line, the callers often mistake me for her. I have been answering the phone, ‘Dianne Smith’s office, this is Mary Lynn speaking.’ Does anyone have a better suggestion?” — Mary Lynn Burrows
Question: “I feel that I am being ignored because of my age. I am a young employee who recently attained a position in which I have to interact with top-level managers. When I request information from them, I find it difficult to get responses. I believe they are not taking me seriously. How should I handle this?” — Young & Frustrated