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It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on anything work-related that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to talk to other readers. * MORE
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. My coworker’s work was given to me, and I feel awkward about it. I was promoted from a subject matter expert to a senior position in my org. MORE
A reader writes: I’m on my department’s leadership team, with three business functions under my umbrella. One of the VP-level leaders on my team had a position open up in his organization, in a function I’ve previously worked in and am hoping to return to. MORE
It’s five answers to five questions, plus a bonus. Here we go…. Interviewer asked what I’d do with a live elephant in the parking lot. I had an interview today that involved a very odd question: What would I do if a client dropped off a live elephant in our parking lot? MORE
A reader writes: OK, this is a ridiculous situation, but it’s also serious and spiralled out of control (we think?) and my coworker and I dug ourselves into a hole by staying silent. Our grandboss is, let’s say, frosty. MORE
We have so many updates this year that I’m going to be posting six to seven times a day this week — so keep checking back throughout the entire day. It’s “where are you now?” MORE
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. Internal candidate is threatening to withdraw if he has to interview for the job. We are hiring for a senior manager role in my organization for the second time in a year. MORE
A reader writes: I am the director of a pretty independent division in my company. I founded the area and we have grown to 13 employees in the past few years. I do most of the supervision but last year had my assistant director, Mark, take on more supervision tasks as a growth area. MORE
It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: Most of my company has been working from home due to the pandemic, like everyone. The only people in the office consistently right now are me, our VP, and occasionally the president. MORE
A reader writes: I’m a man who manages a team of eight. We are all remote since COVID started. It’s become noticeable in the last few months that a woman on the team, let’s call her Samantha, is not wearing a bra during zoom calls. She isn’t dressing provocatively or sexy. MORE
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. Is this resume writer’s price worth it? I am currently looking for a job and have been posting my resume on job recommendations I find on LinkedIn. I received a response from one of those professional resume writing places. MORE
A reader writes: I’ve been working from home for five years. I know that some people currently work from home due to the pandemic hate it, but many love it and will want to continue after the pandemic ends. Their companies or managers wouldn’t allow it in the past. MORE
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. Taking a better paying job would destroy my current company. I’m currently working in a small private practice as an optician. MORE
A reader writes: Is a job being posted for a long time a red flag about the business hiring? There is an organization I would like to work for and they’ve had a position they have been trying to fill for over a year. MORE
I am very happy to be starting 2021 with a letter about witchcraft. A reader writes: I am an employee at a gas station. We have been hiring new people to fill a few positions, and I have been asked to train our new members of the team. MORE
Last year, someone shared what I consider to be the best holiday date story of all time, and it must be shared here again. Enjoy: When I was fresh out of college, a dude in my social circle invited me to his fancy work Christmas party. MORE
I’ve long been an admirer of Laurie Ruettimann , since her days running Punk Rock HR, a hilarious blog where she called out the BS of HR. The blog is no more, but she now has a podcast of the same name.) MORE
A reader writes: I have been pumping breast milk for over a year and today came across an issue at work. A coworker stopped me before I went in to pump to make a request: she would like me to keep my pump parts and breast milk bottles in a sealed bag. MORE
Here are the posts that interested people the most this year, via two lists: the most read posts and the most commented on posts. Most read posts of 2020: 10. Our boss told us to camp in tents when we travel for business. The Leap Day employee finally gets her birthday off this year. MORE
A reader writes: I work in a large furniture warehouse in the UK, employing around 200 people. Despite several national and local COVID-19 lockdowns, we’ve kept operating through the entire pandemic and we are all designated as “key workers.” MORE
It’s your Friday good news, with more accounts of success even in this weird time. About two years ago, my worklife was becoming untenable – it’s one of those “family” places that was not quite toxic, but toed the line. Then I saw a posting for my dream job. MORE
Last week, I asked about Machiavellian things you’ve seen or done at work. It turns out … there were a lot of stories. So many that I couldn’t fit my favorites in one post. Here’s part one, and part two is coming tomorrow. The job hunting assistance. MORE
A reader writes: I’m working remotely but I had to go in for a once-a-year task that can only be done from the office and is legally required to be completed. While I was there, I ran into my division head (my manager’s manager). She said she was asked to quickly pick something by her manager. MORE
Here are my favorite posts of 2020, in no particular order: 1. I messed up at work and I’m so ashamed. Because so many people deal with this, and fixing it can bring you so much peace. Update: my coworker is blackmailing me not to take time off for my honeymoon. Because this was epic. MORE
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. My boss sits outside my house in her car for hours. Due to health reasons, I have been working remotely during the pandemic. I’m grateful to have the type of job where this is possible, and I appreciate my boss’s flexibility. MORE
A reader writes: Years ago, my husband owned a small computer business with a few employees. I occasionally helped him with it. One of the employees was an insulin-dependent middle-aged woman who lived alone. MORE
Earlier this month, I asked you to share the worst and weirdest office holiday gift debacles you’ve seen. Here are eight of my favorites. Not all are safe for work!). MORE
Over the years, readers have submitted a tremendous number of amusing stories about holidays at work. In lieu of any more posts today since it’s Thanksgiving, here are some of my favorites from the last 13 years. The duet. MORE
It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Remember the letter-writer whose coworkers complained that the look of her breasts after her mastectomy was making them uncomfortable ? MORE
It’s the launch of this year’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager! Every day this month, I’ll be running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. To kick us off…. Remember the letter-writer whose employee kept getting deadnamed by a coworker ? MORE
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. Everyone has ideas, but no one wants to do the work. I belong to an all-volunteer organization that does a lot of good in our community. However, most of the work is done by a small core group of volunteers. MORE
A reader writes: Am I a jerk for “being inflexible” and not wanting to do non-work stuff during work hours? I’m a librarian and work part-time at two different libraries. Both are closed to the public. MORE
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. My boss bought new clothes for me. I work at a furniture store and just had an odd meeting with my store manager and am not sure what to think. My sales have been low this last month so we had to do a touch base to find areas to improve. MORE
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 4, 2021
I am very happy to be starting 2021 with a letter about witchcraft. A reader writes: I am an employee at a gas station. We have been hiring new people to fill a few positions, and I have been asked to train our new members of the team.
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 14, 2021
I’ve long been an admirer of Laurie Ruettimann , since her days running Punk Rock HR, a hilarious blog where she called out the BS of HR. The blog is no more, but she now has a podcast of the same name.)
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Ask a Manager
JANUARY 5, 2021
A reader writes: OK, this is a ridiculous situation, but it’s also serious and spiralled out of control (we think?) and my coworker and I dug ourselves into a hole by staying silent. Our grandboss is, let’s say, frosty.
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 13, 2021
A reader writes: I’m working remotely but I had to go in for a once-a-year task that can only be done from the office and is legally required to be completed. While I was there, I ran into my division head (my manager’s manager). She said she was asked to quickly pick something by her manager.
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Ask a Manager
JANUARY 14, 2021
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. Taking a better paying job would destroy my current company. I’m currently working in a small private practice as an optician.
Ask a Manager
DECEMBER 15, 2020
Last year, someone shared what I consider to be the best holiday date story of all time, and it must be shared here again. Enjoy: When I was fresh out of college, a dude in my social circle invited me to his fancy work Christmas party.
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 11, 2021
A reader writes: I work in a large furniture warehouse in the UK, employing around 200 people. Despite several national and local COVID-19 lockdowns, we’ve kept operating through the entire pandemic and we are all designated as “key workers.”
Ask a Manager
DECEMBER 1, 2020
It’s the launch of this year’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager! Every day this month, I’ll be running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. To kick us off…. Remember the letter-writer whose employee kept getting deadnamed by a coworker ?
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 11, 2021
A reader writes: I have been pumping breast milk for over a year and today came across an issue at work. A coworker stopped me before I went in to pump to make a request: she would like me to keep my pump parts and breast milk bottles in a sealed bag.
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Ask a Manager
JANUARY 13, 2021
A reader writes: I am the director of a pretty independent division in my company. I founded the area and we have grown to 13 employees in the past few years. I do most of the supervision but last year had my assistant director, Mark, take on more supervision tasks as a growth area.
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 7, 2021
It’s the Thursday “ask the readers” question. A reader writes: Most of my company has been working from home due to the pandemic, like everyone. The only people in the office consistently right now are me, our VP, and occasionally the president.
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 12, 2021
A reader writes: I’m on my department’s leadership team, with three business functions under my umbrella. One of the VP-level leaders on my team had a position open up in his organization, in a function I’ve previously worked in and am hoping to return to.
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 12, 2021
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. My coworker’s work was given to me, and I feel awkward about it. I was promoted from a subject matter expert to a senior position in my org.
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Ask a Manager
NOVEMBER 30, 2020
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 6, 2021
A reader writes: Am I a jerk for “being inflexible” and not wanting to do non-work stuff during work hours? I’m a librarian and work part-time at two different libraries. Both are closed to the public.
Ask a Manager
DECEMBER 23, 2020
It’s five answers to five questions, plus a bonus. Here we go…. Interviewer asked what I’d do with a live elephant in the parking lot. I had an interview today that involved a very odd question: What would I do if a client dropped off a live elephant in our parking lot?
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 4, 2021
A reader writes: Years ago, my husband owned a small computer business with a few employees. I occasionally helped him with it. One of the employees was an insulin-dependent middle-aged woman who lived alone.
Advertiser: Vettery
Hours spent sourcing. Constantly checking different recruiting channels. Sifting through a sea of resumes. There’s no denying that the current hiring landscape is fragmented, complex, and full of frustrations. As you plan for 2021, take a moment to reflect on your current strategies and evaluate how you can work smarter, not harder in the new year. Download our guide where we break down different stages of the recruitment journey—and share several potential paths to hiring success.
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 13, 2021
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. My boss sits outside my house in her car for hours. Due to health reasons, I have been working remotely during the pandemic. I’m grateful to have the type of job where this is possible, and I appreciate my boss’s flexibility.
Ask a Manager
NOVEMBER 2, 2020
Last week, I asked about Machiavellian things you’ve seen or done at work. It turns out … there were a lot of stories. So many that I couldn’t fit my favorites in one post. Here’s part one, and part two is coming tomorrow. The job hunting assistance.
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 15, 2021
It’s your Friday good news, with more accounts of success even in this weird time. About two years ago, my worklife was becoming untenable – it’s one of those “family” places that was not quite toxic, but toed the line. Then I saw a posting for my dream job.
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 14, 2021
A reader writes: Is a job being posted for a long time a red flag about the business hiring? There is an organization I would like to work for and they’ve had a position they have been trying to fill for over a year.
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Ask a Manager
DECEMBER 24, 2020
Earlier this month, I asked you to share the worst and weirdest office holiday gift debacles you’ve seen. Here are eight of my favorites. Not all are safe for work!).
Ask a Manager
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. Everyone has ideas, but no one wants to do the work. I belong to an all-volunteer organization that does a lot of good in our community. However, most of the work is done by a small core group of volunteers.
Ask a Manager
DECEMBER 31, 2020
Here are the posts that interested people the most this year, via two lists: the most read posts and the most commented on posts. Most read posts of 2020: 10. Our boss told us to camp in tents when we travel for business. The Leap Day employee finally gets her birthday off this year.
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 5, 2021
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. My boss bought new clothes for me. I work at a furniture store and just had an odd meeting with my store manager and am not sure what to think. My sales have been low this last month so we had to do a touch base to find areas to improve.
Speaker: Stacey Harris, Chief Research Officer & Managing Partner at Sapient Insights Group
As we look to tomorrow, it is time to ask ourselves what lessons have we learned and how do we create flexible organizations that can survive what the future holds. Stacey Harris, Chief Research Officer for Sapient Insights Group, will share insights, data, and tools that are helping organizations adapt and even thrive in this difficult environment. She’ll discuss the emerging trends in the Learning technology market, and how these exciting new approaches to creating micro, adaptive, and personalized content is changing the face of workforce development while creating strong connections to business outcomes.
Ask a Manager
NOVEMBER 26, 2020
Over the years, readers have submitted a tremendous number of amusing stories about holidays at work. In lieu of any more posts today since it’s Thanksgiving, here are some of my favorites from the last 13 years. The duet.
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 10, 2021
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. Is this resume writer’s price worth it? I am currently looking for a job and have been posting my resume on job recommendations I find on LinkedIn. I received a response from one of those professional resume writing places.
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 7, 2021
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. Internal candidate is threatening to withdraw if he has to interview for the job. We are hiring for a senior manager role in my organization for the second time in a year.
Ask a Manager
DECEMBER 22, 2020
Here are my favorite posts of 2020, in no particular order: 1. I messed up at work and I’m so ashamed. Because so many people deal with this, and fixing it can bring you so much peace. Update: my coworker is blackmailing me not to take time off for my honeymoon. Because this was epic.
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Ask a Manager
NOVEMBER 4, 2020
A reader writes: I’m a man who manages a team of eight. We are all remote since COVID started. It’s become noticeable in the last few months that a woman on the team, let’s call her Samantha, is not wearing a bra during zoom calls. She isn’t dressing provocatively or sexy.
Ask a Manager
DECEMBER 16, 2020
We have so many updates this year that I’m going to be posting six to seven times a day this week — so keep checking back throughout the entire day. It’s “where are you now?”
Ask a Manager
DECEMBER 23, 2020
It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. Remember the letter-writer whose coworkers complained that the look of her breasts after her mastectomy was making them uncomfortable ?
Ask a Manager
JANUARY 15, 2021
It’s the Friday open thread! The comment section on this post is open for discussion with other readers on anything work-related that you want to talk about (that includes school). If you want an answer from me, emailing me is still your best bet*, but this is a chance to talk to other readers. *
Speaker: David Secunda, CEO, WorkBright
Are you struggling with virtual onboarding? Whether you are making the switch to remote work or biding your time until you can get back to the office – you need a solution that works. Check out our webinar on November 12th at 1 PM E.T. for more information.
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