I’m looking for a new job and I’ve interviewed at several companies. They promise to keep me updated on my status. However, weeks go by without word. They don’t respond to my e-mails or calls. One company told me I was one of two finalists but I haven’t heard from them in 3 weeks. Colleagues assure me I’m highly qualified and feedback from interviewers is very positive. I’m told I’m definitely in the running. What’s going on? Read the rest of this entry »

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? Read the rest of this entry »

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? Read the rest of this entry »

Three months ago I became manager of a manufacturing plant of about 300 employees. There’s above average turnover and productivity is down. There are tensions between employees and management dating back years. The new owners are very supportive. I can’t get straight answers from employees about what’s wrong. It’s not clear where I should go from here. Read the rest of this entry »

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? Read the rest of this entry »

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? Read the rest of this entry »

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? Read the rest of this entry »

My procrastination is definitely affecting my business. Are there techniques to get rid of this bad habit? Read the rest of this entry »

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? Read the rest of this entry »

We are overworked and understaffed. Why do we have to keep having meetings that are a total waste of time? My boss seems to love them. Anything I can do during these meetings besides daydream? Read the rest of this entry »