Do I Have to Go to My Company’s Holiday Party?

On this second podcast of MCO Holiday Series, Kathi and Katherine answer a question that many people ask this time of year: Do I have to go to my company holiday party? They start with a question from someone who is up for a promotion and wonders whether she needs to attend her company’s “large, formal, boring Christmas party.” Kathi and Katherine discuss why these events may be important and how to navigate them.

Is Your Boss a Gossip?

On this episode of My Crazy Office, Kathi and Katherine address a tricky topic: What do you do if your boss is a gossip? They start with a question from someone whose new boss is friendly but a little too familiar. This boss shares personal information about everyone in the office and asks probing question about the employee’s personal life. Kathi and Katherine discuss how to set boundaries with a gossip-seeking boss.

Is Someone You Manage After Your Job?

On this My Crazy Office podcast, Kathi and Katherine discuss what to do if you suspect that someone you manage is after your job. They start with a question from a manager who fears that one of their direct reports is trying to take their job. During the second part of the podcast, Kathi and Katherine consider the same topic from the employee’s perspective: What if you want to be your boss’s equal?

Taking Over Another Manager’s Team?

Today on My Crazy Office, Kathi and Katherine discuss the challenge of taking over another manager’s team. They start with a question from someone who has been asked to take over another manager’s department and worries that the staff will resist her management style. Kathi and Katherine go on to consider how you can assess and re-train a team of employees that you inherit from someone else.

Afraid to Go on Vacation?

On this episode of My Crazy Office, Kathi and Katherine consider what you can do if you’re afraid to go on vacation. They start with a question from someone who knows they need a break, but fears coming back to a bigger workload and more problems. Kathi and Katherine discuss the importance of taking a vacation and when you know it’s time.

Changing Jobs for a Better Culture

Sometimes a job you once enjoyed becomes a job you can’t stand. Often, it’s because the company’s culture changes. On this episode of My Crazy Office, Kathi and Katherine interview someone who successfully changed jobs, moving from a toxic culture to a culture where she is able to thrive. Ready to leave your job for a better culture? Listen here.

Afraid to Speak Up at Work?

On this episode of My Crazy Office, Kathi and Katherine talk about an important skill in the workplace — the ability to speak up. They start with a question from someone who recently got promoted to a more visible position but finds it difficult to speak up at meetings or on client calls. Kathi and Katherine consider what stops people from speaking up, and offer tips to develop this crucial skill.

Career Change, Can I Do It?

Changing careers or going into a new industry can be daunting. In this episode of My Crazy Office, Kathi and Katherine discuss what it takes to move from one industry to another. They start with a question from someone who is in a secure, well-paying job but feels very bored. Kathi and Katherine explore what it takes to move to a new, more creative industry while keeping your current job. Eager to change industries but not sure how to do it? Listen here.