To hug or not to hug?
Q: I am a lead engineer. I know I can be awkward. I like to know the rules. Answer this – is hugging a co-worker illegal? A: Wow. Ok. If I had to pick a YES or a NO. It … Continued
EQ and delivering information
Q: Recently I had a situation with my new manager. Our roles are changing, which I understand, since we just hired a new leader within my division. However, how the information was delivered in a pretty gruff way. I thought … Continued
Don’t “let it slide”
Q: I am a new supervisor in a new company. I am learning the culture and how decisions are made. It is a start-up and growing rapidly. It is a fun place to work and I feel like I have … Continued
How to address inappropriate workplace conduct
Q: I might have to leave a job I love. I love my job, my colleagues and my work. I even love my boss. However, there is a manager, in another department, who is targeting me. He has made my … Continued
Has an annoying employee taken it too far?
Q: I have a colleague who is driving me batty. We work in an open work environment and I have to now wear ear plugs. Before the ear plugs, I had to listen to whistling, snorting and deep breathing. He … Continued
What is EQ?
Q: I was recently given some feedback informally from my supervisor that I need to “work on my EQ.” What is EQ? How does one work on their EQ? Please define it for me too. A: EQ is an abbreviation … Continued
Conduct outside of work, is it harassment?
Q: I joined a small tech company over the summer. We are fairly informal. No policies, handbook, training, etc. On Fridays, someone usually runs out and buys beer, wine and pizza and the company picks up the tab. Most of … Continued
New job and new co-workers (including an ex-husband)
Q: I just accepted a role with a growing tech company. I am enthusiastic about the role. A few days into my first week, I saw a name on an email distribution list. The name belongs to my former husband. … Continued
Throwing a safe holiday party at work
Q: I am in the person at my company, who plans our holiday party. Last year, we had a company party and there were a few people who became intoxicated and ruined the party for many of us. I worry … Continued
Can weird behavior equal harassment in the workplace?
Q: I work in a white-collar office in downtown Boston and this is my first job out of college. Most of my colleagues are chill and professional. I am a woman but I work in a male-dominated industry. There is … Continued