I had turned the phone-ringer down, way down, because it was annoying when the phone rang. Whatever the reason for a call to my department (event-planning for the hotel), it couldn’t be that important, could it? I didn’t get away with that hands-off approach for long, however. Soon, I was asked if my phone was […]
career advice
3 Effective Tactics for Dealing with Your Type-A Boss
I didn’t want to walk to the dark end of the hospital’s hallway. “You have to cover that exit.” My boss, Diana, the director of education for the hospital, pointed with her acrylic-tipped finger. I looked from where we stood in a bright corridor, and counted the hallway doors – sixteen; eight on either side. […]
The Real Reason Why Your Co-Worker is Making Mistakes at Work
Kelly, a co-worker and an accounting wizard for my company, approached my desk. I held my breath. When Kelly approached, it often meant she’d found an error in one of my spreadsheets and intended to bring it to my attention. “Hi.” Kelly hovered at the edge of my desk, and crossed her arms. “So…” She […]
5 Modern Lessons from an Old-School Secretary
“Where is he? Is he here?” The Senior VP of Sales and Marketing stood with his hands on his hips and directed his question to the empty reception area. I looked from the receptionist to the Senior VP, and back again. The receptionist ducked her head. Apparently she thought I, the summer-temp, should be the […]
Advice to My Past Self on How to Deal with Conflict at Work
The blood rushed to my face as they mocked me. The skin on my neck and forearms felt hot and cold. I didn’t know what to do with my hands, so I fiddled with the mouse and moved papers around on the desk. I wished I was anywhere else. I watched them, the two girls, […]