I was just hired to be part of a senior executive team in a company that has major fiscal and operational problems. The team seems fragmented; there’s much backbiting going on; and, everyone is in denial. The CEO may not be getting all the information he should get. This place will sink if they don’t get focused. I’m thinking of abandoning ship after only 2 months. Should I be up front with the CEO about what’s going on? (more…)

I’m 24 and work for a small information technology firm of 12 employees. I’m a good worker and actually indispensable, given that no one else in the group can do what I do. The company owners don’t seem to have direction and they have broken some promises made to me on salary and money towards furthering my education. I’m ready to quit today but my mother keeps telling me to smile and do my job, while my dad sounds furious at the owners and says to look for another job. Which side are you on? (more…)

I’ve been working at an IT company of 12 employees for the past 18 months. I’m at the hub of all key projects. My problem is that my two owner-bosses assign projects without talking to each other. In the meantime, I have to support all ongoing work and I’m feeling overworked and underpaid. I generally work 12 hour days and some weekend time. I love the company and the work. But, at this rate I’m going to burn out soon. Any suggestions? (more…)

As the president of a company with 400 employees I feel I should have a sense of the level of their morale. Should I assess that through a survey? (more…)

Each December depresses me when I realize I was not able to accomplish my business and professional goals for the year. Is the answer to not make any resolutions? (more…)

I’m 62 and own a successful business I started thirty years ago. I’m married and have a great wife and successful kids who have careers outside the family business. My problem is I’m not excited about going into work anymore. I’m busy and I’m good at what I do but I don’t have the old fire in the belly I used to have. I have thoughts of selling the business but I don’t know what else I’d do. Any suggestions? (more…)

I am a 46 year old machine tool worker. I go through periodic layoffs but this time my company is closing for good. I have a small side business doing handyman work. Is this the time to try to expand it and become self-employed? (more…)

I am a program director for a provider of school services. We have no HR department so I find it very challenging to provide in-house "counseling" for our employees and still maintain professional boundaries - you know, those times when someone is in crisis but may not need to get into therapy, just needs immediate support and a way to work through something. (more…)