I am part of a senior management team. Revenues are down and we have cut costs to the bone. There’s much blaming going on but in my opinion, the real problem seems to be an indecisive and fearful CEO. The Board is beginning to finally ask the tough questions but it seems too little too late. What do you think are my options? (more…)

I think my boss is bipolar and it’s making my life miserable enough that I’m ready to quit. He not only regularly screams at me, but does it in front of my direct reports. I admit I make mistakes but sometimes he’s just wrong. He constantly changes his mind which makes more work for everyone. There are several good employees looking for other jobs. Often he forgets what he said. He’s only in his early 40’s so I know it’s not old age. Can you offer any ideas? (more…)

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. (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…)

I am a 24 year old woman with a master’s degree in English literature. I’m currently managing a bookstore and contemplating going for my Ph.D. and teaching. My father owns a publishing and marketing company with about $15 million in revenues. My younger brother is 19 and a freshman in college. He says he has no idea what he wants to major in, except maybe partying. Our father is in his late 50’s and had a heart attack last year. Two weeks ago he asked me to come into the business and eventually run it. He feels confident I could do it with the help of management training and a mentoring program over the next 3 or 4 years. I know a great deal about the business having worked in it throughout my adolescence. I’m engaged to be married in six months to someone who is in the publishing industry. I haven’t mentioned it to him yet since I think he might see it as a good opportunity for us but I’m not sure that’s what I want to do. I feel selfish and scared. How should I be thinking about this? (more…)