Performance review jitters-I want the most!

What’s your strategy for getting a great performance review?
Your Rant: I think I’m doing a pretty good job. I’ve got my performance review coming up and I’m curious about strategies that I can follow to get the most out of it.
911 Repair:
I recently went to see a Buddhist scholar. He was practical and funny, [...]

My boss is awful! How do I deal with him?

What’s your strategy for managing your boss? 
Your Rant: My boss drives me crazy. He’s constantly bothering me and getting in the way of doing my job. Short of leaving, is there anything I can do? 
911 Repair:
Your e-mail reminded me of two Mexican farmers and brothers-in-law who argued for years over water rights on their adjoining [...]

How to offer criticism at work

DEAR WW: I would like to make suggestions on how to improve things at work, but I don’t want to get the reputation as a troublemaker or whiner. Is there a way to offer criticism and not look like a jerk? CRITICAL THINKER
DEAR CRITICAL:
Your e-mail reminded me of a guy who stole a fire department [...]

How to give a successful apology at work

Dear WW: I made a mistake that caused a lot of extra work and problems for one of my colleagues. I’m embarrassed to admit it, and nervous of the consequences, but I can’t keep avoiding this woman: we’re in the same workgroup. I don’t know what to do. EGG ALL OVER MY FACE
Dear Egg,
You know [...]

Giving feedback so it can be heard

What are your strategies for giving feedback? 
Your Rant: I’ve always struggled with how to criticize someone. Can you give me advice on how to make this less explosive?
911 Repair:
I’ll make a bet with you. I’ll give you a $1 if you’ll parallel park your car on a busy street blindfolded. Of course you’d never accept [...]

When NOT to give feedback to someone

 What is your strategy for identifying times when NOT to give feedback to someone?
Your Rant: Is there ever a time when you shouldn’t give someone feedback? I work with a difficult person who I think would only be set off if I tried to give him feedback.
911 Repair:
One of my mom’s favorite sayings was, [...]

360 evaluations, where employees evaluate their boss

 What is your strategy for dealing with a 360 evaluation?
Your Rant: My company is thinking about doing a 360-degree evaluation. What is the proper way to do this so that everyone gets the most out of it?
911 Repair,
Recently, I was driving my new car down the street. Suddenly, the guy in front of me [...]

Help! I have no shortage on shortcomings.

What’s your strategy to overcome your shortcomings?
Your Rant: I took a hard look at myself and realized that my boss is right, I’ve got a bunch of weaknesses that I’ve never really dealt with before. Help!
911 Repair:
A Madrid woman was trying to cook up a potion similar to something she read in “Harry Potter.” [...]

I just got a verbal warning at work, what should I do?

 What is your strategy for dealing with a verbal warning at work?
Your Rant: I have had a spotless record in twenty years of work. I was shocked to suddenly get a verbal warning. What should I do?
911 Repair,
Your email reminded me of the time I’d just finished my meeting on the 40th floor of [...]

How to ask for help at work and not lose credibility

 What is your strategy for asking for help at work without losing credibility?
Your Rant: I came to a difficult realization recently: just the thought of asking for help makes my skin crawl. I know there are people out there who ask for help, but I can’t do it. Am I crazy?
911 Repair,
Your email reminded [...]