It may sound silly, I would like to start my own business but I can’t decide in what. How do I narrow the choices? (more…)

My son is 23 and just graduated college with a degree in finance. I would like for him to take over the family business in 5 to 10 years. What are some suggestions for making this happen? (more…)

Last week I shared an idea with a new co-worker. She took it to my boss as if it was hers. I’ve also seen this person take credit for work others do and deny blame for her mistakes. I keep getting headaches and losing sleep over this. I keep imagining slashing one of her car tires. Should I quit my job? (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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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? (more…)

I’m the head of HR at a medium size company of 350 employees. We conduct a great deal of technical training for our employees and I’m convinced that’s valuable and necessary. However, when it comes to "soft" training employees on interpersonal and leadership skills, I have a hard time seeing the value. We’ve tried a couple of lunch presentations but I didn’t see any long term use. How does that stuff add to the bottom line? (more…)