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General
Dear Orna: We have free speech in this country, right? So can I 'diss' my boss or company on my own Facebook page? My roommate says I'll get fired. Will I?
~Signed: Say What I Want!

Dear SAY WHAT I WANT: I feel your frustration, but not sure your solution will work. The legal answer to the question is: It's complicated. It depends of what you say and how you say it. Under the National Labor Relations Act, workers have the right to discuss their wages and conditions of employment when it involves two or more employees . . .
General
Dear Orna: I'm a Baby-Boomer Manager of a bunch of headphone-wearing Millenials. These 25-30 year olds have a different approach to work success. How do I motivate them to get the best results?
~Signed: Beating to a Different Drum

Dear: BEATING TO A DIFFERENT DRUM: For the first time in history, four generations are working side-by-side; each with different values, experiences, styles and approaches to work success. And Millenials are bringing a new set of challenges to the old-time manager. . .
General
Dear Orna: I'm not sure if I'm missing something. Everyone is all about networking and I just don't get it. It seems insincere, pretentious and even manipulative to me. Am I looking at it the wrong way?
~ Signed: Here's My Business Card!

Dear: HERE'S MY BUSINESS CARD: Thanks for your card, but you're missing the point. As with most things in life, you get out of a relationship what you put in. . . When it comes to networking, the worse mistake a professional can make is . . .
General
Dear Orna: My boss is a bully. She rolls her eyes and displays obvious signs of irritation. She can be very mean to me in front of other people, too. I work hard and try to do the best I can, but her attitude is hurtful and demoralizing. Please help!
~ Signed: Tired of Being Bullied!

Dear TIRED OF BEING BULLIED: My heart goes out to you. When it comes to managers, there are all types: demanding, micromanaging, hands-off or even relaxed. But the worst kind to deal with is the bully . . .
General
Dear Orna: My BOSSY co-worker is driving me crazy. She doesn't give suggestions; she gives orders! How can I cope?
~ Signed: Not a Chump

Dear NOT A CHUMP: You are right to be annoyed. Coping with a bossy co-worker not only interferes with your job, it can also erode your self-esteem and embarrass you in front of others. And the longer it goes on .......
General
Dear Orna: I have a few co-workers who always stop by my desk with requests or to chat - even if I am obviously working or talking on the phone. How can I make them STOP INTERRUPTING me without being offensive?
~ Signed: Need My Space!

Dear NEED MY SPACE: One of the biggest productivity excuses I hear is "People keep interrupting me. I would get a lot more done if people didn't want to chit-chat all the time. Well, I've got new for you .......
General
Dear Orna: I am applying for a job at my firm but I just found out that my co-worker is trying to get the same job by using his connections to get inside information. I strongly believe that I am the most qualified candidate for this position but I refuse to cheat to get the job. How can I play fair and still win?
Signed: WHAT'S FAIR IN JOB AND WAR?

Dear WHAT'S FAIR IN JOB AND WAR: I feel your pain, but whether fair or not, office politics is an element of business that is not going away. But if you are truly better qualified for the job, then you already have the advantage. My simple suggestion is this . . .
General
Posted on May 5th in Honor of Mothers Day 2014.

Moms were smarter than we realized. Their practical advice was as relevant in 1964 as it is 50 years later in 2014! Wear clean underwear, clean your room, don't be a know-it-all . . .
General
Dear Orna: My babysitter cancelled 5 minutes before I was about to leave for work. Is it appropriate to take my child into the office?
Signed: DESPERATE MOTHER

Dear DESPERATE MOTHER: OMG! Just when you thought you had everything finally under control . . . the babysitter cancels! You want to scream, but then you look at those big, sweet eyes, pick her up and . . . take her to work! Now expect a lot of different reactions . . .
Business
Dear Orna: Last week I made a big mistake at work; fortunately I caught it before it went out the door. But what if I didn't? What is the best way to handle a mistake when you know it's your fault? - - Signed: DOING MY BEST.

Dear DOING MY BEST: There's an old saying: "It's not the crime that kills you, it's the cover up!" Everyone makes mistakes. It's called being human. But mistakes can be detrimental to your career if you don't handle them properly . . .