| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| CO-Workers | 11/11/2009 |
Q: I have some co-workers that are showing up to work drunk and some co-workers sneak drinks into work. ...
A: Unfortunately, you cannot directly go above your manager’s head to report these problems with your ...
|
| Problem employee | 10/31/2009 |
Q: I supervise an employee who has been with the company for over ten years. She is 48 years old and ...
A: I’m not a doctor, so take this observation at face value, but it sounds like you’re dealing with a ...
|
| return of investment in HR | 10/29/2009 |
Q: I'm trying to find out a hard fact about how much does investing in hr will influence your bottom ...
A: Unfortunately, I am not an expert in the field of Human Resource statistics. However, you might ...
|
| FRUSTRATED GM | 10/28/2009 |
Q: My bussines is extensively growing (vegeterian food chain) to fill out managment vacancies for new ...
A: What a great problem to have :-). Your business is growing rapidly, and you’ve got a GM who is an ...
|
| Employee behavior on my nerves! | 10/26/2009 |
Q: I’m wondering…How would you handle it if your employee continually walked into your cube when your ...
A: Your employee is indeed intrusive. It’s probably an innocent mistake on your employee’s part. But, ...
|
| touchy payroll issue | 10/15/2009 |
Q: To Whom it May Concern: I work as an independent contractor for a large company in Connecticut. ...
A: I've not worked in Connecticut before nor am I a labor law attorney. However, I have worked as a ...
|
| Problem Managing my Team | 10/9/2009 |
Q: I hope you can give me advice since I am now totally clueless. I am working for an IT company where ...
A: Liza, Your instincts are correct. In my opinion, your manager belongs in another line of work that ...
|
| Problem Managing my Team | 10/8/2009 |
Q: I hope you can give me advice since I am now totally clueless. I am working for an IT company where ...
A: You are not the clueless one here. It is your senior manager! It is your senior manager’s ...
|
| Workplace threats | 9/26/2009 |
Q: My fellow co-worker and I just don't get along. I've tried to be nice but I feel that she resents ...
A: You must take threats like this from any co-worker very seriously. You did the right thing by ...
|
| Question about how to deal with an opposite sex co-worker who seems to dislike me without a clear reason. | 9/17/2009 |
Q: Ed Parr, I am a 3rd year student at the University of Guelph, majoring in Economics and I have a ...
A: I’ve received many queries from employees similar to yours. First, I acknowledge and empathize with ...
|
| Webinars on how to get along in the workplace | 9/1/2009 |
Q: Parr, I am producing two webinars on getting along in the workplace (how to avoid in-fighting, ...
A: Laura, You are most welcome. I'm sure your HR professionals will find the content of my upcoming ...
|
| Q | 8/28/2009 |
Q: I have one more day left to go meet with my site manager. My Alleged point of contact sent a paper ...
A: Your letter appears factual and objective. The only suggestions I have for it are in two areas. ...
|
| Problem Employee | 8/5/2009 |
Q: I have an employee at my cafe that is a great worker. The issue is she thinks she is the best at ...
A: The good news is that “she’s a great employee.” However, your great employee is also ...
|
| False Accusations | 8/5/2009 |
Q: and thank you for your time. I work at a relatively large company of about 1,500 employees. A fellow ...
A: Work is not about saving face, getting even, or exacting justice. It is about finding your JOY. ...
|
| bad vibe with new employee | 7/28/2009 |
Q: I am a manager of a bank. Although I have been a manager for over 10 years, I have only been with ...
A: Your employee is insubordinate and must be confronted (in a constructive manner) in order to turn ...
|
| your recommended readings? | 7/24/2009 |
Q: You've become my "go-to" guy on stellar management advice. I'm wondering, do you have any particular ...
A: Nice to hear from you again and thanks for your kind words. First, I believe you will be excited to ...
|
| employees' office policy | 7/5/2009 |
Q: I'm a supervisor of a dozen international employees. I was asked to take over this job only two ...
A: Congratulations on becoming a supervisor! I am happy for you. Your good fortune is strong, my ...
|
| discrimination | 6/28/2009 |
Q: .to make a long story short, i have nerve deafness in one ear and use a hearing aid at work in the ...
A: It is clear that your question is one that requires a legal interpretation. Unfortunately, I am not ...
|
| Employee Mistakes | 6/24/2009 |
Q: Several years ago in a training program I was told that businesses in Illinois could not force their ...
A: Unfortunately, your question is a labor law issue, and I am not a labor attorney. Hence, I am not ...
|
| problem behavior | 6/11/2009 |
Q: First, I must say your answer to the bad egg email was amazing! And I can apply your advice to a ...
A: Regarding your employee challenge, every workplace has an established decorum for employee behavior. ...
|
| Employee Disrespect | 5/8/2009 |
Q: I am an Office Manager who oversees 6 administrative assistants. The administrative assistants work ...
A: Your employee disconnect with management is a direct result of the lack of accountability in your ...
|
| Harassment at work and Jealousy | 5/2/2009 |
Q: I have been working at this financial management company for 8 years. It was on recommendation from ...
A: If after reading this response, you still believe you want to stick it out where you are and do ...
|
| Bad bad egg in my team | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I have a team of approx 10 people and majority of them are very good, respectful and professional. ...
A: Missy, You are very fortunate that your boss has given you the okay to make a choice. This means ...
|
| Bad bad egg in my team | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I have a team of approx 10 people and majority of them are very good, respectful and professional. ...
A: You are experiencing a very typical employee response to a newly promoted manager. Like young ...
|
| staff | 4/26/2009 |
Q: How would you communicate cover arrangements to staff to help then understand what is expected of ...
A: Please give me a little more background regarding your workplace situation. Also, please define for ...
|
| terminated while on medical leave | 4/3/2009 |
Q: I have worked for the hospital for 3 mos, my foot was hurting and my boss told me to go see the foot ...
A: I will give you an answer based upon my experience in the U.S. Typically, there are three options ...
|
| Gossip/rumors/morale | 2/27/2009 |
Q: We're a small human service agency in a small town. Everybody knows everybody and their business. ...
A: You are a very fortunate questioner. Why? Because the answer I have for you is one that will ...
|
| Problem me or my team? | 2/1/2009 |
Q: I hope you can help, the problem I have is that I am a Manager in an estate agency, I have had my ...
A: From your report of how you are dealing with your employees, I think you are being much too hard on ...
|
| Gameroom policy | 10/30/2008 |
Q: Our company (retirement facility) bought a pool/billiards for our residents. Usually, the employees ...
A: From a management perspective, I would not allow facility employees to use the residents’ billiard ...
|
| anamosity in the salon | 10/19/2008 |
Q: I am on the other end here. I am co-owner of a salon.I started out as a silent partner but seen that ...
A: First of all, only you can make the decision of whether an employee is necessary for the survival of ...
|
| bosses | 10/15/2008 |
Q: Keep in mind the men my friend worked for was as if she was working for the Mob (she wasn't working ...
A: Frankly, the only one who can answer this question is your friend because she is the only person who ...
|
| Lying CoWorker | 10/14/2008 |
Q: I am flabbergasted at the thought of leaving a job because I "don't align" with a manager. The liar ...
A: You probably will see some similarity in this answer with the one I provided to “S. Wallace,” but I ...
|
| Power hungry employee | 9/15/2008 |
Q: There is an employee who is in charge of payroll for the company. She recently was given an award. ...
A: And, thank you for clarifying it with your answers to my follow-up questions. Based upon the ...
|
| Power hungry employee | 9/12/2008 |
Q: There is an employee who is in charge of payroll for the company. She recently was given an award. ...
A: Anne, Thanks for your detailed information. I will be happy to answer your question, but I need ...
|
| cheating co worker | 6/4/2008 |
Q: There are three of us in the department where I work. I've been here over 30 years, A has been here ...
A: I am going to give you the same answer I gave to my darling wife this week, and I hope it gives you ...
|
| employee resignation | 5/23/2008 |
Q: I own a hair salon/ day spa, and the operators are on a split 60 for them 40 percent for the house. ...
A: I regret your embarassment, but, in these situations, I always recommend you assess before reacting. ...
|
| Generational gap | 5/1/2008 |
Q: We are a small to mid-size manufacturer. A few years ago for various reasons we made the management ...
A: It sounds like you have hired a KID (Jack) with potential, but you don’t know how best deploy him. ...
|
| Dealing with untruthfull employees | 4/25/2008 |
Q: I am a supervisor in a seasonal buisness that employs approx. 50 individuals. I have always tried to ...
A: Your experience managing blue collar workers is not unusual. Years ago, I worked in the pipeline ...
|
| Preformance Process | 4/7/2008 |
Q: I am writing about a post that you submitted on 7/31/2006. The answer you gave was very accurate and ...
A: Dre, Absolutely! Thank you for your kind feedback. Here's my employee counseling process: My ...
|
| Respect | 1/21/2008 |
Q: I recently was promoted as a manager within my department. Therefore, the associates that I worked ...
A: Congratulations on your promotion! I regret there is no magic bullet for the vast majority of ...
|
| Problems with employees | 1/20/2008 |
Q: Ed, by reviewing your experience, I am positive I will get the response I need to help deal with an ...
A: Wow, what a toxic work environment you describe! I’m afraid I am at a loss to explain your ...
|
| Upcoming management monsters | 1/19/2008 |
Q: I have been in management for only five years. I like to motivate in a positive way. Needless to ...
A: Hey, 5 years is an eternity for a manager :-). I would bet that you are a very capable manager who ...
|
| Good book for new manager? | 1/2/2008 |
Q: So here's the deal--it looks like I'll be getting a new job as a manager of a group of no more than ...
A: Congratulations on your promotion! I celebrate your success. And, thank you for your question. As ...
|
| Promoted from within team | 10/11/2007 |
Q: A few months ago I was promoted from a team member, to the team manager. The team has 7 staff ...
A: This is the first test of your mettle (of many to come) as a manager. You have to love working with ...
|
| 1st Amendment | 9/26/2007 |
Q: I have a question as to the legality of a boss telling an employee she cannot speak to another ...
A: Leigh, Thank you for your question. I am unaware of any 1st amendment rights that trump a ...
|
| question | 8/30/2007 |
Q: I will briefly and simply try to explain for you my story, and I hope that you will be able to ...
A: The truth is that if Hatem is unwilling to explain to you why he won’t hire you, you have no ...
|
| Is that possible? | 8/28/2007 |
Q: I have been working for the same national public institution for many many years. In the last 3 ...
A: I understand your frustration and that of your coworkers. The answer is YES! However, only her ...
|
| Hard worker, but horrible attitude | 8/20/2007 |
Q: I am newly appointed as a manager in small department of a larger business (food service- so ...
A: Here's that counseling methodology you requested. This counseling procedure is time consuming, ...
|
| sir | 8/20/2007 |
Q: what can be done with employees who doesn't listen to what the boss man says?
A: This is a common problem for managers in general. I recommend my 3-step employee counseling ...
|
| Hard worker, but horrible attitude | 8/19/2007 |
Q: I am newly appointed as a manager in small department of a larger business (food service- so ...
A: Unfortunately, some employees have emotional problems that cloud their otherwise excellent ...
|
| BOSS AND CO-WORKER TELLING LIES ON ME | 7/22/2007 |
Q: I WORK AS A DIETARY AIDE (2MONTHS) MY BOSS CALLED ME IN THE OTHER DAY AND TOLD ME A CO WORKER ...
A: This sounds like a very frustrating situation. It also sounds like it’s a bit crazy there. You are ...
|
| co-worker | 3/26/2007 |
Q: what is the correct name for an individual who always makes out that they have done all the work ...
A: Mark, Thank you for your follow-up question. As distressing as this seems to you, it is a very ...
|
| co-worker | 3/25/2007 |
Q: what is the correct name for an individual who always makes out that they have done all the work ...
A: Yes, he/she is a familiar player in my past life and in almost every work environment on this ...
|
| Team Playing Issues | 3/7/2007 |
Q: "I have a little problem I’m hoping you can help me with. It’s about a group of colleagues that have ...
A: This part of your description perplexes me: “Sales is getting the client and he’s your “baby” and at ...
|
| Not promoted - new boss from outside | 12/14/2006 |
Q: Situation: My boss wasn't promotable so I can't move up. I'm moving to a new job where I will be ...
A: This situation happens a lot more than you would think because organizations often lack confidence ...
|
| Taking over a new team | 10/13/2006 |
Q: I will shortly take over the responsibility of an existing and very complex team. One of the ...
A: And, congratulations on your promotion to Director! This is an exciting opportunity for you to ...
|
| termination while under doctors care and before prbationary period is up | 9/29/2006 |
Q: I was employed by this company before and became ill so I had to quit about a year ago. Recently I ...
A: Laura, Thank you for your question. I understand your frustration. Consider for a moment that this ...
|
| Employee motivation | 9/29/2006 |
Q: Could you please advise the concept of motivation and also how to motivate employee that do not ...
A: You are correct to assume that financial awards can only go so far to motivate employees regardless ...
|
| Employee Attitude Problem | 9/28/2006 |
Q: Ed, Thank you for your feedback. Your response calls for a two week follow up period, after which ...
A: Tim, Just one more point on this topic. When you have problem employees, you ask yourself the ...
|
| Employee Attitude Problem | 9/27/2006 |
Q: I have an employee who's responsibilities include both reception/office admin work, and also data ...
A: I believe your Admin’s “moodiness” is passive aggressive behavior. That is, she is unhappy with ...
|
| Taking over a new team | 9/17/2006 |
Q: I have recently started employment as a team leader at a very high brow company in the UK. I have a ...
A: From what you describe in your note, I think you have a good start on your new career as a manager. ...
|
| motivating employees | 9/6/2006 |
Q: im in the fast food industry and have been for a time now. Promoted to a higher voulume store with ...
A: Your last sentence provides the answer to your question. You apparently did not replace all of the ...
|
| bad egg | 8/4/2006 |
Q: I have a full time employee of several years whose attitude has suddenly gone sour. Shows up at ...
A: Employees do go bad sometimes. Yes, there are excuses, but the bottom-line is that you must fulfill ...
|
| problem employees | 7/31/2006 |
Q: I am in my second year of management at a group home for adults with developemtal disabilities. I ...
A: I agree that the ¡§employee spy¡¨ idea is unethical. We can deal with this problem in a more ...
|
| Dealing with unruly staff | 7/1/2006 |
Q: I consider myself as flexible and easy going supervisor but my patience is wearing out towards a ...
A: You have a problem employee. The best approach is a business-like objective assessment of your ...
|
| dating | 6/22/2006 |
Q: I met this guy from my school a couple months ago. Now that summer has started we hang out quite a ...
A: This is not the kind of question I typically answer. However, because I have two daughters of my ...
|
| how do i handle a Diva contract worker? | 3/20/2006 |
Q: I own a hair salon. Been in biz for 3 months, and worked with the Diva for over a year. Diva ...
A: In as much as your Diva is your client (you lease your chair to her), she has no obligation to ...
|
| organizational issues? | 3/10/2006 |
Q: I work in a small IT company with 14 employees. Last year we hired 5 additional people, this year we ...
A: Yours is a small company; so, I will keep my answers short and simple. At this stage, you do not ...
|
| individual employees' place in company | 2/9/2006 |
Q: Here's the brief story: After receiving an estimate on damage to my car, my $500 deductible was ...
A: Not to worry. Consider that the insurance company sets it employee salary and bonus budget ...
|
| Managing Friends | 2/4/2006 |
Q: I was recenltly promoted to a supervisor position at my job. Many of my employees have become close ...
A: This is a common concern among managers of all levels but it is particularly challenging for new ...
|
| backstabbed by my manager | 8/13/2005 |
Q: I have been working for a large organization for over 2 years as a key employee.. had great success ...
A: I have to assume from your summary statement that the new job with the same company is still yours ...
|
| step-by-step approach for terminating employees | 7/25/2005 |
Q: I have a problem employee who wants my job. I have verified this with other co-workers. I have ...
A: Let me try to answer your last question first. Why would an employee resort to such bizarre asocial ...
|
| about staff | 5/18/2005 |
Q: I am 23, working as supervisor in a computer data entry firm. there are 17 staff members under my ...
A: Your problem is fundamental to the challenge all managers face: How to get employees to follow your ...
|
| Employee In-fighting | 8/24/2004 |
Q: We have two strong-willed, vocal employees from the same Division within our agency working on a ...
A: You've got quite a challenge on your hands. I do not believe your sitting them down together will ...
|
| WORKPLACE BACKSTABBING AND RUMOR MILLS | 7/20/2004 |
Q: ED, I AM NEW TO THE MANAGEMENT WORLD. I HAVE ABOUT 37 EMPLOYEES AND 50% ARE DOING 90% OF THE WORK. ...
A: Backstabbing and Rumormongering among employees are just symptoms of bigger problems. There is ...
|
| back biting............... | 7/8/2004 |
Q: Back biting or talking behind the other persons back...unecesary and unplesent. can you advise on ...
A: Backbiting among employees is just a symptom. There is something more fundamentally wrong with a ...
|
| improving factory production | 6/29/2004 |
Q: I am a partner in a small company in Nothern Thailand. We design and manufacture decorative ...
A: According to well-known expert and author on employee motivation, Aubrey Daniels, the only way to ...
|
| supervisor not being fair | 5/7/2004 |
Q: [Very sorry this mail is long, but pls try to answer which ever you can, it would be greatly ...
A: This level of detail helps me to better understand all of the issues affecting you and your ...
|
| hello Ed Parr
At first we... | 3/20/2004 |
Q: At first we must thank you for your atention. We are working in a reseach institute in a field of ...
A: Before I attempt to answer your question, I need to ask some questions of you to help clarify your ...
|
| handling a problem employee / forcing management to do something | 3/4/2004 |
Q: -I work in skilled trades (tool& die repair)in a 300 employee union stamping plant serving the ...
A: Bill, If this response seems late, it's because the AllExperts system somehow did not notify me of ...
|
| handling a problem employee / forcing management to do something | 2/25/2004 |
Q: -I work in skilled trades (tool& die repair)in a 300 employee union stamping plant serving the ...
A: Man, do I feel your pain! I am sure this is a huge burden to you and your teammates. It is a great ...
|
| Dear Ed;
I have been asked... | 1/12/2004 |
Q: I have been asked to write a letter of refenence for a person who worked for me. This person was an ...
A: It is important for managers to reward their good employees with a reference. However, be aware ...
|
| Inappropriate or illegal? | 12/1/2003 |
Q: Greetings Ed. I am also an expert here, in the massage therapy catagory, but I am in need of some ...
A: and thanks for volunteering on AllExperts. All right, let's first get to your questions: 1.) Is ...
|
| promotion - inheriting difficult staff | 10/7/2003 |
Q: I am getting a promotion from a supervisory to management position and noone in my department except ...
A: First of all, CONGRATULATIONS on your promotion! From the information you've provided, I think your ...
|
| Employee Relations | 10/1/2003 |
Q: I have a manager and a clerk under my supervision. The clerk is constantly coming to me complaining ...
A: Your clerk employee is engaged in what I term “hierarchy hopping.” This is an inappropriate way of ...
|
| Attitude | 7/23/2003 |
Q: Ed, I am a shift supervisor for a business forms printing company. I have a young press operator ...
A: Immaturity is a very common problem in the modern workplace. Baby boomers are moving rapidly into ...
|
| Shemej.v.m,
Bangalore-54,... | 6/2/2003 |
Q: Shemej.v.m, Bangalore-54, India. 1st June, 2003 Dear sir, Sir, automising any organization will ...
A: v.m.: Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, I am not an expert in school administration ...
|
| Lying Co-worker | 5/24/2003 |
Q: Parr, I work in a small retail store office with two ladies, J and M. We recently had an event ...
A: Wallace: Thank you for your question. Problem co-workers exist in all kinds of jobs. Your ...
|
| Management book? | 4/9/2003 |
Q: I will be taking a position with a new company as an overall operations manager. It will be my ...
A: You will very likely interpret my suggested book as a bit odd. However, if you do take the time to ...
|
| Help | 1/28/2003 |
Q: What do you think about my letter below which I faxed to a client? I sent it because I am ...
A: $47,000.00 is a big number in any company's financial circumstances, so, YES, I think it is time to ...
|
