57
October, 2015
Ask a Manager
when an employee gives you the silent treatment after getting feedback
Ask a Manager
OCTOBER 16, 2015
A reader writes: One of the people I manage gives me the silent treatment when I correct him on something or ask him to do something differently. I don’t ever correct him in a mocking way or publicly. In In the hours that follow the correction, he will avoid eye contact with me, position his body language away from me, and only speak to me if I’m asking him a question. He’s He’s usually over it by the next day and we go back to our usual friendly working arrangement/interaction, but during the hours that the silent treatment is happening, I feel emotionally drained.
is it impostor syndrome or a bad fit, managing is stressful, and more
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OCTOBER 22, 2015
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. submitted an expense report late and now can’t get reimbursed for thousands of dollars. work for a big company that you’ve heard of — we bounce in and out of the Fortune 500 depending on various market conditions. seldom travel for work and they can’t seem to get me a travel card — the application goes through fine but then it gets sent to the office instead of to me and I just haven’t bothered to pursue it from there. have made two trips for the company and paid for them out of pocket, about $2500 each time.
is 8-6 the new 9-5?
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OCTOBER 8, 2015
A reader writes: I wanted to get a perspective from you and your readers on whether you think a majority of businesses and industries are now expecting longer workdays from their employees. Colloquially, “the 9 to 5″ has been a phrase to discribe full-time jobs conducted during normal business hours. Obviously all individual offices will vary, but based on my own experience and the experiences of people I know, it seems like “the 8 to 6″ would now be a better descriptor. These hours didn’t account for unpaid lunch time, either. For some people. hours a week.
what to say if you want to walk out of a horrible intervew
Ask a Manager
OCTOBER 20, 2015
One thing I’ve noticed in years of writing this blog is that people when find themselves in terrible, ridiculous job interviews where they’re being mistreated — or even just interviews where it’s clear really early on that this isn’t the right match — they feel obligated to stick it out until the end. You’re not obligated to stay when that happens. In fact, look at it from the employer’s side: Employers cut short interviews all the time when it becomes clear that it’s not the right match. You’re allowed to do the same thing yourself. bad interviewer behavior
Skill based learning – How it drives an organization’s performance
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how quickly should you return calls and emails about interviewing?
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OCTOBER 28, 2015
A reader writes: I am currently looking for internships and have submitted my resume and cover letter via email. asked my mom for advice, and she says to reply back as fast as possible when they email me back — that I should email them back within a few hours to show how eager I am. Being currently in college, I usually have time to check email in the morning or at night. I don’t have email on my phone. She also thinks replying within hours is part of working life. What sort of speed in replying is acceptable these days? I’d try to reply within 24 hours. job searching
massive discount on the Ask a Manager “how to get a job” bible
Ask a Manager
OCTOBER 26, 2015
Looking for a job? For the next few days only, I’m offering a discount on. my e-book, How to Get a Job: Secrets of a Hiring Manager. Use this discount code today for a massive 40% discount: newjob. If you’ve ever wished that you could look into the brain of a hiring manager to find out what you need to do to get hired, this is for you. Written ” — Kim J.
I’ve been a job-hopper — how can I start fixing my work history?
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OCTOBER 27, 2015
A reader writes: I’m a young professional who, for various reasons, has had a lot of jobs in my adult life. Since I graduated from college in December 2011, I have held 11 positions at eight different companies/organizations in four different cities (all internal changes were promotions). In my opinion, I’ve changed jobs for very good reasons. And so on. On my resume, I don’t list all of my jobs, or even my most recent ones. list “Relevant Experience” and only list a few of the “best” jobs of the mix. Ooooh. resumes
5 phrases managers should stop using
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OCTOBER 6, 2015
Managers’ words carry enormous weight with employees – usually more than most managers realize. The wrong words tossed off casually can ruin someone’s day, lower their motivation and morale, or just plain miscommunicate what’s intended. For example, think about how many people get a little panicky when their manager says please come into my office” (with no explanation of why), and how many managers have no idea that that’s happening. You can read it here. phrases managers should stop using was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. good management
Leaving performance reviews behind: Where to start [Guide]
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Is your company ready to move beyond the annual performance review? Where do you start? What are the keys to success? In this guide, you’ll gain an understanding of: the forces driving change, three foundations of success and take a deep dive into the skills gap many managers have that will sink your efforts before they start and how to address them.
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how to show leadership even when you’re not the boss
Ask a Manager
OCTOBER 8, 2015
Even if you’re not leading a team, you probably have opportunities on the reg to show leadership anyway – and doing that is a good way to build your reputation, increase your value, get better projects, and set yourself up for promotion. Oh, and money. At Intuit QuickBase’s Fast Track blog today, I talk about opportunities you probably have to demonstrate leadership even if you’re not actually leading people. You can read it here. how to show leadership even when you’re not the boss was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. work habits
when job candidates won’t share their salary expectations
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OCTOBER 7, 2015
A reader writes: I have always asked job candidates what their compensation requirements are, either before they come in to meet with me or after they have come in. Most candidates do not have any issues disclosing what they’re looking for, although some get a little uncomfortable. Recently, I had a candidate who I spoke to over the phone, and I thought he was great. He came in to meet with us, and again, we thought he was great. asked him to disclose his compensation requirements because we wanted to move forward with an offer and he didn’t want to disclose. Eeeeekkkk. hiring
my boss is furious after my coworker pranked her, the deal with “hustle,” and more
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OCTOBER 18, 2015
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My boss is furious after my coworker pranked her. Today our boss came to my desk to talk to me, in an open office area of about 40 cubicles. Her back was turned to my coworker. As she was talking to me, my coworker pulled out a fake spider and put it in my boss’s shoulder. My boss turned around, yelled, was in shock, and told her, “How dare you! I am afraid of spiders! If you do that again, I will seriously quit!” Our team sits pretty close to each other and we all just looked at each other in shock. What are your thoughts? short answers
where should you look for jobs?
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OCTOBER 30, 2015
A reader writes: I’m a PhD student (worked for a couple years before returning for grad school) and am now looking for full time employment. You mentioned in a recent post that you don’t advertise on “big job banks” because of how many unqualified candidates you get. I’m trying to find fairly specific positions, and the big job sites are pretty bare of positions that are a good match. For example, look at DICE, TechCrunch, or GitHub for I.T., What other suggestions do people have? where should you look for jobs? job searching
Innovation Buster: How Losing Your Best Employees is Killing Innovation
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should I be worried by a hiring process that’s just a single 30-minute interview?
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OCTOBER 1, 2015
A reader writes: I’m hoping for your insight on a strange job interview experience I recently had. I’m applying for an IT role at a small company with five people on staff. The position is a new one, and this will be their first hire outside of family and personal connections. Here’s how the application process has gone so far: • A recruiter I’ve been working with sent this company my resume. (No cover letter, no additional information.). They arranged for a 30-minute in-person interview with me. This seems really weird to me. This is weird, right? interviewing
I didn’t get a job offer because the employer thought the salary was too low for me
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OCTOBER 13, 2015
A reader writes: I recently was turned down for a job offer even though I was the employer’s top candidate, because my current salary was out of their salary range for the position. first had a phone interview where I disclosed my current salary and was told it was high. made it to a second, in-person interview and was told that their only concern with me was the salary. After that interview, I sent thank-you emails and mentioned that I was very interested in the position, thinking that would keep me in the running since I wasn’t scared off about the salary. Probably. salary
family members stopping by work, should I say goodbye to coworkers when I leave, and more
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OCTOBER 4, 2015
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. EAP’s gatekeeping procedures scared me off. called my company’s EAP hotline. I was hoping to make a quick, discreet inquiry about local health service providers and maybe come away with a list of network-approved counselors who might offer me a referral to a proper doctor. Yes, I’m well- insured, in case anyone was wondering, but it seems that one practically has to beg for a referral to any sort of specialist these days, at least in my experience.) The hotline staff pretty much grilled me, though. work in an office.
I want to accept the offer I just turned down, manager won’t let me quit, and more
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OCTOBER 11, 2015
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. turned down a job offer but then tried to accept it a few hours later. I’m not sure if I just committed a horrible faux pas. On Wednesday afternoon, I was offered a job. I was truly excited about the offer, but throughout the interview process I questioned whether I was the right fit for the role because it sounded like the department needed someone with more experience. After mulling things over for a day, I declined the offer via email. As soon as I hit send, I immediately regretted passing up this great opportunity. Period.
2016 Training Program Best Practices
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Can you hear the collective groan when you launch that new compliance course? Do you get complaints both public and private from trainees about the uselessness of the training courses you've launched? Is there anything that can be done about it?
interview with a prison librarian
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OCTOBER 28, 2015
Recently, a commenter, Oryx, mentioned that she used to work as a prison librarian, and I wanted to learn more. She graciously agreed to do an interview for us, and here’s the Q&A. How did you end up in the job? And how long were you there? answered an ad I found through Indeed.com, but which was originally posted on my state’s job board (even though I worked for a for-profit prison that was not managed by the state). But they ended up hiring me and I was there for 21 months. It was all-male, minimum security. Tell us a bit about what a typical day was like. Several were married.
managing a delusional employee with few skills and a really weird website
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OCTOBER 14, 2015
A reader writes: I own a small sports and recreation business. We have a young employee (let’s call him Bill) whose responsibilities include, among other things, oversight of our customer service desk and associated administrative tasks. Bill has proven excellent at customer interaction and is outgoing, friendly and helpful. However, despite a long period of training and ongoing coaching, we’ve reached the conclusion that he’s only suited for direct customer interaction and nothing requiring any administrative, organizational or problem solving skills. So what to make of this?
how to talk so that people listen to you
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OCTOBER 29, 2015
Ever feel like you’re not being heard in meetings, or that your boss never sees things your way? It might be the way you’re talking; the way you present your thoughts can have a huge impact on how much weight people give what you’re saying. In fact, fairly or not, the way you talk can sometimes carry more weight than the substance of what you’re saying. At Intuit QuickBase’s Fast Track blog today, I write about how to talk in a way that will increase the odds that you’re really heard (including the #1 way to avoid losing people’s attention). You can read it here. work habits
how to decline to be a reference for a former coworker
Ask a Manager
OCTOBER 29, 2015
A reader writes: An old coworker of mine recently got let go from her job. Back in the day, we used to be good friends. She is applying to my current employer and asked me to be a reference. I am hesitant to be one, as I know of some past work performance issues that are likely still present from when we originally worked together. Said issues may also be the reason that she was let go. To make things more complicated, I see this person often. With these, you’d want to be prepared for her to ask why. Let me know if you’d like any information about her.”. references
Ditching the formal performance review? Kineo shares 3 Elements for Success
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is it rude to start an email without “dear”?
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OCTOBER 13, 2015
A reader writes: I recently sent an email to a client with my boss and his boss cc’d to set up a training session. used the salutation “Good afternoon,” and the client responded with “Hi [my name].” ” I sent an email back saying “Hello [his name].” ” There were also messages in this emails, incidentally; we weren’t just greeting each other back and forth with other people cc’d. She stated that it was highly inappropriate to email someone you don’t personally know using the word “Hello” instead of “Dear.”
everything you need to know about quitting your job
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OCTOBER 19, 2015
Getting ready to quit your job can be weirdly nerve-wracking. Not only are people often anxious about leaving the familiar for the unknown, but actually telling your boss you’re resigning can rattle the nerves of even generally poised people. At U.S. News & World Report today, I talk about what you need to know in order to quit your job with a reasonable amount of grace — including whether you have to do it in person, what you should say if asked why you’re leaving, how to handle a boss who reacts badly, and more. You can read it here. resigning
I’m violating my job’s new tattoo policy, I’m excluded from events that male coworkers are invited to, and more
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OCTOBER 19, 2015
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Should I get coached by the person who will soon be interviewing me? I am in a situation where I know I will be contacted this week or next week by an HR representative for a job interview. I was able to get access to his contact information, because the application materials contained pertinent information that I was able to trace back to him. He advertises a service where he coaches people on doing interviews. The funny idea came in my head, what if I prompted him for interview coaching before our interview, then used his ideologies on him?
my former manager is trash-talking my new manager, knowing everyone’s salary, and more
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OCTOBER 14, 2015
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. My former manager is trash-talking my new manager. Until three months ago, I had major problems with my manager, who in my opinion bullied me. After taking the issue to her manager and to HR, I was assigned the same manager as she has, which was communicated as a reorganization. This has also meant that she has had product responsibility removed, although she is still managing a smaller team. Two more coworkers have been removed from her and now report to a different person. She would gossip about his apparent lack of competence, etc.
HR's Critical Role in Creating Productive and Meaningful Workplaces
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someone stole my phone charger, chronically late unpaid intern, and more
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OCTOBER 5, 2015
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Dealing with an unpaid intern who’s chronically late. have a couple years of work experience, and I am currently managing an intern on my team. Interns at my organization are unpaid, which I do not agree with, for the record, but this does not seem to be changing any time soon. She has very poor timekeeping and is constantly late, often by a significant amount of time. The fact that the position is unpaid is influencing the way I am dealing with this, as I feel a bit uncomfortable about being too stern as she is not being paid. What do I do?
weekend free-for-all – October 17-18, 2015
Ask a Manager
OCTOBER 17, 2015
This comment section is open for any non-work-related discussion you’d like to have with other readers, by popular demand. This one is truly no work and no school. If you have a work question, you can email it to me or post it in the work-related open thread on Fridays.). Book Recommendation of the Week: Bel Canto , by Ann Patchett. open threads
job applicants who don’t follow instructions, the company I interned for won’t hire me, and more
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OCTOBER 30, 2015
It’s four answers to four questions. Here we go…. 1. Do I have to send rejections to people who didn’t even follow the application instructions? used to manage a coffee shop where I was (sadly and frustratingly) in a constant cycle of hiring low-wage, part-time workers, so am used to the ups and down of the hiring process, but in a less “professional” setting. ”). Send the rejection to everyone; it’s not going to take any more time than only sending it to people who followed instructions. Plus, it’s the considerate thing to do. It’s just the way of the world. short answers
colleagues keep interrupting my conversations, the carpool nose picker, and more
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OCTOBER 29, 2015
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Employees keep interrupting my conversations with customers. I’m a new supervisor in a customer service environment, and my two employees have been at the company for at least five years each. One is five years older than me and the other is 15 years older than me. I’ve worked in this type of environment for many years and am familiar with best practices and procedures. However, when a customer comes up to me and asks me a question, one of my coworkers will abruptly interject. Stop hinting. Please advise. Eeuww. Stop.”. Seriously.
Learner motivation explained! Learn how to use an LMS to motivate your learners to upskill
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have you ever had a spooky experience at work?
Ask a Manager
OCTOBER 29, 2015
Did you ever work somewhere haunted? Feel the ghost of your predecessor marooned in your office? Encounter an evil spirit lurking in the copier? We’re celebrating Halloween two days early. If you’ve had spooky moments at work — or perhaps just odd unexplained occurrences — share them in the comment section. (Simply Simply being haunted by a previous terrible job does not count here!). have you ever had a spooky experience at work? was originally published by Alison Green on Ask a Manager. ask the readers
employee wants to retract his resignation, stolen break room supplies, and more
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OCTOBER 25, 2015
It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go…. 1. Employee wants to retract his resignation — but we don’t want him to. We have an employee who resigned by email two weeks ago. He sent the email to our office manager, the head of HR, one of the VP’s, and the president of the company. Our office manager did not get it because the employee sent it to the wrong address, but everyone else got it. Fast forward to last week, when the employee told us that he wants to stay. Evidently he had a job lined up but it “fell through.” In this business, that usually means they failed the drug test.)
my employee keeps giving me instructions
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OCTOBER 6, 2015
A reader writes: I have been working for a small department of two in a large firm for nearly a decade now. The second member was hired about one year ago, after I requested it, since my workload was too much for one person. She is a wonderful person, conscientious and careful with her work. My senior manager – along with the rest of the firm – has actually congratulated me for my choice (I was part of the interview process). ” I’ll get an assigment, and she’ll say, “Tell [the person making the assigment] it’ll be ready by then.” You: “I’m fine, thanks.”.
team lead wants us to have weekly group meetings to air problems and grievances
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OCTOBER 6, 2015
A reader writes: At work, I have several coworkers with the same job title as me, but our supervisor has recently designated one specific person as “lead.” ” They are more experienced than the rest of us and have been here the longest, so this makes sense. She is to organize training for new members, be the point person for questions, take over scheduling, and restructure how we run our meetings, etc. She is essentially in the role of managing us on a day-to-day basis, but she’s not really a manager. She’s struggling with how to do this effectively.
The Performance Management Storm: Four Macro-Trends Driving the Change
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