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.

Are You Tired of Being the Hardest Worker at Your Company?

Today, on the first podcast of the My Crazy Office Holiday Series, Kathi and Katherine address a common problem for certain employees during this time of year — Being the hardest worker at the company, while everyone else takes time off. Kathi and Katherine start with a question from someone who is exhausted from over-working, but feels compelled to cover for others. They offer tips for anyone who suffers from the Hero Syndrome at work.

Have You Outgrown the Work You Know How To Do?

On this episode of My Crazy Office, Kathi and Katherine examine a common phenomenon that few people talk about: What do you do if you’ve outgrown the work that you know how to do? They start with a question from someone who is a skilled salesperson, but no longer finds sales interesting. Kathi and Katherine go on to discuss what you can do if you realize that what you are good at is no longer what you want to do.

What Are You Missing by Not Being at the Office?

On this episode of My Crazy Office, Kathi and Katherine discuss what you may be missing by not being in the office. They start with a question from someone who works remotely and enjoys it, but also suspects that she’s missing out on important conversations and projects. Kathi and Katherine consider why it might be important to show up at the office on a regular basis.

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.

Have You Been Unfairly Labeled at Work?

On this My Crazy Office podcast, Kathi and Katherine talk about what you should do if you’ve been unfairly labeled at work. They start with a question from someone whose boss keeps saying she needs to “up her game,” and work harder — even though her colleagues describe her as the hardest working member of the team. Kathi and Katherine describe other ways that people can be labeled at work, and what you can do to address it.

Freezing Up at Meetings?

On this, My Crazy Office Podcast, Kathi and Katherine discuss a very real challenge for some people at work — Freezing at meetings. They start with a question from someone who’s recently been promoted to a managerial position and finds himself freezing at important meetings where he should be making a positive impression. Kathi and Katherine discuss field-tested techniques for “unfreezing” at important meetings so that your ideas, opinions, and achievements can be heard.

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?