The hot summer months will soon be upon us, and HR departments are already girding for the annual "dress code controversies." Summer is the time when heretofore conservatively dressed employees suddenly show up in body-baring fashions. T-shirts may be allowed on casual Fridays, but how do you make clear the huge difference between the plain, tasteful...

Even before I checked my calendar on Monday morning, I knew the appointment would be there. Passed over for promotion again, Ralph wanted specifics on why I hadn’t chosen him for the position. This was not a new conversation. I thought of Ralph as my chicken and egg dilemma. Ralph was the chicken. He believed he would make a great Team Leader,...

It's 5p.m. and your in-tray looks like Mount Everest. One massive report down and a zillion to go.That is, if your wrists hold out. What do they call that again - carpal tunnel? Funny, never heard of it 10 years ago. Then again, 10 years ago, webs belonged to spiders and a mouse was furry. Here are a few tips to cope with the hazards of today's...

Getting aches in your wrists, shoulders or back after working at the computer all day? Join the crowd. Maladies related to working at the desktop for long periods are sharply on the rise, increasing in correlation to usage of the personal computer. However, there are simple, preventative steps that you can take to avoid computer-related injuries....

When we ordered the stained glass window as an accent piece for our home, the artist-proprietor told us he was a bit behind. “So,” he said, “to be on safe side, plan on six months.” That was two years ago. We still don’t have the window. Each time we call or stop in, he has yet another plausible reason why our project isn’t done, the...

Managing your time well means managing your life well. People who handle their time well do it creatively. They make short- and long-term plans, set and keep realistic schedules, take efficient and timely breaks, and view tasks to be done as opportunities rather than dreaded obligations. They practice creative time management by taking control of...

Consider this scenario. A colleague suggests you get a business coach. Via the Internet, you find one close-by. The woman says she’d love to help. She charges $300 a month for two 30-minute calls. It seems like a good deal, so you eagerly sign on the dotted line. Next, you are sent to a website to learn your Enneagram type. This personality...