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Posts Tagged ‘Water Cooler’

No Travel, Please

Thursday, July 14th, 2011

Dear Jean,

I’m in line for a position that is not only a better job, it also pays more.  There is one problem.  I will have to do some traveling – too much, really.  Could I try to stipulate “no travel” when my boss offers me the new job?  How would you handle this, Jean?

Reply:

In most cases, there are legitimate reasons for specific requirements on job descriptions.  When travel is required, it is because the business to be conducted requires you to be in the city where the transaction will take place.  To request “no travel” on a position which requires travel is like requesting, “no keyboarding” on a position which requires computer savvy.

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Posted in Blog, Communication, Success, Uncategorized, Workplace Advice | No Comments »

Ugly Office Gossip

Monday, May 17th, 2010

Dear Jean,

I work for an accounting firm.  At our annual employees-only Christmas party, my admin and a fellow manager (who’s wife was traveling) both had way too much to drink. Their cat and mouse flirting was seen by everyone, and the next day they couldn’t look each other in the eye.  I’m confident that nothing will come of this, but it’s the big juicy topic at the water cooler.  My admin is single, but the manager is very married.  What can I do to restore their dignity and displace this ugly gossip?

Reply:

You didn’t cause this problem and you can’t fix it.

What you can do is have a discussion with your admin, spelling out the politically correct behavior for corporate party life.  Be sure to explain that what may seem innocent on her part can be gossip fodder for inquiring minds.  Past that, the more you stir this, the thicker it will get, and the longer it will take to calm down.

As for your friend…very married?  I don’t think so!

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Posted in Workplace Advice | No Comments »