Question: I finally found a senior person to take on an important role in my department. She was perfect on paper, is a nice person, and does many things well. However, she’s totally unreliable when we’re in crunch time. I’ve spoken to her about it and she’s resolved to do better. When it first happened …
My new senior hire doesn’t show up for crises. What should I do? Read More »
We pay a biological price for making decision after decision. “Decision fatigue” was coined by social psychologist Roy F. Baumeister to describe part of a phenomenon called ego depletion. He was able to demonstrate that the store of mental energy for exerting self-control is finite, confirming that “willpower” acts like a muscle—it can be fatigued …
Question: We are constantly short-staffed and while everyone says we’re recruiting additional staff, nothing is happening. My life is work and it’s not healthy. I don’t want to whine but I’m not sure how much longer I can keep up the pace. I’ve had lots of conversations and keep getting “we’re fixing it” so I …
Question: My new boss talks a good game but does nothing. He also takes credit for everything I do. I like my job but he’s a total pain. He’s been here a few months and I hope it’s not much longer. Any suggestions on strategies to make sure that happens? F. H., Bayonne, New Jersey …
You’ve probably heard the saying, “People don’t quit jobs, they quit bosses.” It reflects the research that shows that one of the most—if not the most–important predictor of job satisfaction is your relationship with your immediate supervisor. How they view you impacts the opportunities and access you have to interesting work and resources. Managing up …
Question: I started a new management job and the company norm seems to be spending endless hours in meetings. Nothing seems to get done and I end up having to work late to get my work done. Suggestions? L.S., New York, NY Answer: Many companies have a meeting culture. It’s a critical area to probe …
All I do is go to meetings—I can’t get my work done, help! Read More »
Question: My industry is pretty small. My new manager knew me when I first started years ago. I have had a pretty quick rise and now we’re only one level apart. He’s new to the company and a nice guy but he’s treating me like a junior associate and it’s making me crazy. I don’t …
Every day provides tons of opportunities to interpret events. Unfortunately we often default to stories that disempower us, making it that much harder to perform. Creating a negative interpretation of disparate facts is a way we protect ourselves. However, emotions, especially negative ones, take a lot of energy and can result in poor judgment and …
Question: I often psych myself out before important meetings or presentations and then underperform. How can I stop? A.R. New York, NY Answer: Well the good news is that you realize that it’s completely within your control to change this habit. Usually psyching yourself out is related to a fear—for instance, that you’re not a …
Work rituals help structure our days, keep us grounded and on track, and give us cues that tell us when to “turn on” and “turn off” work. They can also be used to create and reaffirm workplace culture by forging bonds, reaffirming hierarchies, and creating community based on shared experiences. Rituals can be a powerful …
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