office

Oct

29

In the Office – I’m a Perfectionist (repost)

Q. When working on projects, planning events and even corresponding with people, I like to make sure it’s perfect.  The challenge is I know I spend more time than necessary which is preventing me from getting all my work done. What can I do?

A. A high attention to detail …

Oct

3

Are you productive? (Repost)

Are you productive?  For most people the answer changes daily and is based on quantitative output.

What activities do you “count” as productive?  If you base productivity on quantity then checking items off your “to do” list may provide a momentary sense of productivity but it typically doesn’t last.  When …

Sep

6

Who says there is no “I” in TEAM?

It is commonly said, there is no “I” in team which is true when you spell it; but there is no “O” or “U” either so why does “I” get so much attention?  It’s because we have overvalued a vowel to make a point.  This cute little saying has been …

Aug

6

In the Office: I need work-life balance

Q.  I enjoy my job but currently work 60-80 hours a week so I decided to give my notice for better work-life balance.  The problem is the opportunities that interest me are high-level and I can’t imagine they would require less hours, but that’s not sustainable for me.  What can …

Jul

9

In the Office – Caught in the middle

Q:  I work with a small team and two of my colleagues don’t get along. They don’t say anything to each other but instead come to me.  I want to help, but I feel like I end up taking sides or I’m caught in the middle.  What do I …

May

21

In the Office – I’m Burned Out! (Repost)

Q. Although I get two weeks vacation each year, our company is struggling, so this year I didn’t take my vacation. I’m totally burned out and still don’t feel like I can leave without risking my job; what do I do?

A. Your dedication, although commendable, is detrimental to you …

May

7

In the Office: My direct report is hard driving

Q.  I have an outstanding direct report who prides himself on getting the job done; the challenge is his hard-driving personality pushes clients faster than the task deserves or the client desires.  How do I temper his approach without negatively impacting his commitment and enthusiasm?  

A. Great question! Your approach …

Apr

23

In the Office – Starting a new career

Q. My career is in investment banking but my passion is cooking.  I’m afraid I won’t be able to support my family starting out in a new career but I dread going back to investment banking.  What should I do?  

A. Great question! Many people are afraid to make the …

Mar

26

In the Office – Means to an End (repost)

We spend countless hours and thousands of dollars taking classes to train for a “job”, and then we choose a career based on what we learn instead of who we are. When you ask most students “WHY” they chose to attend college they say, “Because I need a degree to …

Mar

12

In the Office – Staying present during conversations

Q. I manage a large team of people with more work to do each day than there is time to complete it; as a result I find it increasingly difficult to pay attention to individuals when they are talking to me.  I’m starting to get negative feedback from direct reports …