Responding to a taboo topic at work

 What is your strategy for dealing with a taboo topic at work?
Your Rant: My boss has a way of always managing to embarrass me in front of my coworkers. I’ve tried everything to avoid getting sucked into one of his taboo conversations that I don’t want any part of. But he’s still my boss. Any [...]

Help I have to make a presentation!

 What’s your winning strategy for giving a presentation?
Your Rant: I recently read that giving a presentation is at the top of the list of people’s fears. Well it is for me and I’ve got to give one in a couple of weeks. Help!
911 Repair:
Whenever I think about giving a presentation I think of the [...]

Real talk. Improving your workplace conversations

What’s your strategy for improving your workplace conversation? 
Your Rant: I’m a new supervisor and I get the sense that people only tell me what they think I want to hear. What can I do to hear what they really think?
911 Repair:
I was traveling in France and needed a cash machine. I stopped one [...]

How to give an improptu speech at a meeting

Dear WW: I recently stepped into an executive meeting. I thought I was just an observer until I heard my boss call my name. I was flustered. SHORT NOTICE
Dear SHORT,
Reading your email reminded me of a Nashville, TN window washer. He made headlines when rescue workers were summoned after he was spotted hanging motionless off [...]

How to promote yourself at work

Dear WW: I hate people who constantly promote themselves at work. At the same time, they seem to be the people who are getting ahead. Is there a classy way to talk yourself up? CASPER
Dear CASPER,
When I think of self-promoters, Rochester mayoral candidate Pat Carr immediately leaps to mind. After a reporter noticed similarities between [...]

How to blog and keep your job

Dear WW: I’ve got some complaints about my company and I’m thinking about starting a blog. What do I need to know before I post my first entry? OFF MY CHEST
Dear OFF,
Your email reminded me of a child recently born in a hospital hallway in West Yorkshire, England. The baby shot out of her mom [...]

Surviving betrayal by a coworker

 What is your strategy for dealing with a coworker who betrayed you?
Your Rant: I am having a really tough time working with a co-worker who betrayed me. I just can’t forgive or forget what happened.
911 Repair:
A 34-year-old man in Hollywood, Fla., refused to pay $80 for a $78 towing bill. He demanded $2 in [...]

Summing up your career in 30 seconds or less

What are your strategies for summing up your career in 30 seconds or less?
Your Rant: No one has time to listen to what you have to say anymore. How do you make a point in 30 seconds?
911 Repair:
I’ll make a bet with you. Researchers from Ireland recently told a medical convention in Chicago [...]

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 [...]

The verbal abuser at work is out of control-HELP

What is your strategy for dealing with verbal abuse at work?
Your Rant: A guy at work is always giving me a hard time. Recently, it’s gotten really nasty. What are my options?
911 Repair:
A friend of mine works at the airport as a reservations supervisor. Whenever I pass through her town, I always head [...]