Admin Pro Forum

Question: “My supervisor has memory lapses from time to time. He will give me only partial instructions and then get angry that I did not do things that he forgot to tell me. He really thinks that he didn’t forget. How do I handle this?” — Anonymous

Question: “I am the administrative assistant to the chief and two directors. The director who runs the day-to-day operations is on extended medical leave and the clinical coordinator is overseeing everything in his absence. The clinical coordinator has been favoring her best friend who also works with us by giving her special parking privileges, allowing extended lunches, etc. How can I approach the clinical coordinator about this favoritism without causing any major problems?” — SR

Question: “I have been at my present job more than nine years. The work I do is very routine and getting boring. What can I do to make my job more interesting?” — Anonymous

Question: “I’m retiring this month and would like to know if anyone has found honest companies that offer “work from home” jobs?” — Linda Sudbrock

Question: “I work really hard, and I have a lot of responsibility with my job. I received a promotion not too long ago, but it came with only a very small pay increase. I feel that my responsibilities outweigh the pay increase. How do I ask for more money now?” — Anonymous

Question: “I am working on a project to enhance the client’s experience and would like to hear your ideas on what you do for your clients to offer that extra special ‘Wow’ touch?" — Laura Watkins

Question: "I am the Chairman of our Safety Committee, which meets once a month.  But no one cares what is going on.  We decided to do a potluck meal last month, but once everyone finished eating, it was back to the same boring routine. No one ever seems to have any input, knowledge or enthusiasm to offer at the meetings.  How can I make our meetings more fun and exciting and get our members to participate more in our discussions?” — Keliiokalani A. Tauiliili

Question: “We have a co-worker who is cooperative, personable, cheerful and a great employee. But his whistling is driving our office up a tree. Some people find it extremely irritating when they are trying to concentrate. Subtle and direct remarks have been made to him regarding the whistling, but he says it helps him relax and perform his duties better. Any suggestions on how to curb the whistling but not hurt his feelings?” — No longer whistling Dixie

Question: “I am an Administrative Assistant with more than 15 years’ experience working for an Assistant VP, an Executive Director, an Engineering Manager and a Director of Marketing. I was also responsible for their staff and assisting other departments when needed. Our company has gone through two buyouts in less than a year and the reorganization leaves me without a job unless an opening becomes available. I have applied for two administrative positions over the past nine months. I was not notified whether or not I was being considered. I’m not getting responses to résumés sent outside the organization either. My skills are up-to-date. The rumor is that the new CEO does not want anyone over a particular age in this company. Unfortunately, I fall in the age category mentioned. I know this is age discrimination that I cannot prove, so how do I get noticed and stay marketable?” —Sheilah Trigg

Question: “I will be meeting with upper management about establishing basic company policies. Some long-time employees come and go whenever and spend too much time on the Internet or personal calls. It’s starting to affect morale. How do I convince them that the company needs ‘basic’ policies such as progressive discipline, drug/alcohol abuse, annual reviews, fair and consistent treatment, etc.?” — Pat