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.

When Your New Employer Is Laying People Off

On this episode of My Crazy Office, Kathi and Katherine discuss what you should do if get a new job in a company that may be in trouble. They start with a question from someone who’s leaving a toxic company for a great opportunity but discovers that the new company is laying people off. During the second part of the podcast, Kathi and Katherine consider what managers can do if they are hiring new staff while firing others.

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.

Working for an Indecisive Boss

On this episode of My Crazy Office, Kathi and Katherine talk about how to work for an indecisive boss. They start with a question from someone who works at a small company where the owner keeps changing direction depending on the last person she spoke with. Kathi and Katherine go on to discuss how to “manage up” when your boss can’t make up their mind.

Being blamed for your boss’ mistakes?

In this episode of My Crazy Office, Kathi and Katherine address a tricky topic: Being blamed for your boss’ mistakes. They start with a question from someone who just received a really bad review and wonders whether she’s being blamed for her boss’ incompetence. Kathi and Katherine consider what you can do if you think you may be taking the fall for your boss’ mistakes.

Ever Been Accused of Not Reading the Room?

On this episode of My Crazy Office, Kathi and Katherine talk about an essential interpersonal skill called “reading the room.” Reading the room is the ability to read the subtle nonverbal messages that other people convey through body language telling you how your message is being received. Kathi and Katherine start with a question from someone who failed to read the room during a sales presentation and lost the sale. Then they offer tips and tricks for building this skill.

Chronically late

Are you managing someone who is chronically late? Are you chronically late yourself? On this My Crazy Office podcast, Kathi and Katherine discuss the difficult subject of chronic lateness. Some of the best employees suffer from this affliction. Listen to Kathi and Katherine as they address one manager’s struggle with a chronically late office manager, then offer tips to those individuals who are always late at work.