Most people at some point of their careers wind up feeling their boss deserves to be fired. Or at least demoted to a position where they can’t do any harm. Or annoy any staff. Yet as obvious as this may seem to you, somehow upper management allows the boss to stay. They may even promote […]

Even in the 21st century when gender equality is supposed to be a given, quite a few bosses still take advantage of women. Probably not as obviously (although there are those who let it all show), but nonetheless you can still find this happening in offices of all types. And the most frustrating part of […]

It’s comforting to have things from home at work. Well, maybe not a cat. And many of us do decorate our workspaces with family pictures, colorful objects to brighten your day, or even little trinkets that amuse. But what if your boss forbids personal items on your desk? While many bosses are happy to let […]

A friend (I’ll call her Laura) contacted me privately about a problem she was having at work. She told me that her boss doesn’t trust her anymore. And the most upsetting part for her was that she was once one of the first people her boss came to for advice. But not anymore. She used […]

Politics is one of those topics best left to friends you agree with. Or people you can have a respectful discussion with, even if you disagree. But when it comes to the workplace, what do you do if your boss pushes political views at everyone? Unfortunately, more and more we are a divided country. And […]

One of the more common managerial flaws is trying to do it all. Or, like a helicopter parent for employees, trying to see it all and control all aspects. So, in effect, when a boss won’t delegate, it’s about trust. Although they might reject the label of “control freak,” these bosses don’t really trust anyone […]

What’s wrong with bosses? I’ve heard the question asked in many different ways. How can they be so clueless or manipulative or thoughtless or controlling or easily influenced by the wrong people or downright mean … or just plain stupid? Over the years, I’ve written a lot about bosses … especially about the most annoying […]

Overtime approval request problem On another post, Pauline writes in a comment that her boss is ignoring her emails about overtime approval. Maybe this is your situation? Or you know someone dealing with a similar issue. With a few additions / changes for the purpose of this post, here’s what she wrote and my reply: […]

Dear Work Coach, I recently handed in my notice and am trying to leave with dignity and fairness but have found myself being subjected to unfair treatment

About 20 years ago I worked for a man I used to call a living brain donor..always wondered how he managed to become a bank Vice President with so little smarts!