Ask "Z"

That age-old struggle, work/life balance

June 13, 2019
Q. I find it very difficult to overcome the feeling that all my hard work is causing me to miss too much of my children’s lives. Any advice?

Too much mind, not enough substance

June 13, 2019
Q. Through my entire work career, I’ve always felt I’ve never gotten the credit for an intelligence I believe I possess. Am I deluding myself? Is it strange to feel I’m smarter than everyone else in the room?

’I’m sorry! I’m so so sorry!’

May 9, 2019
Q. I blurted something a little hurtful to a colleague recently; it wasn’t an offensive statement so much as sharing a secret I should not have. I apologized but it obviously didn’t take. What should I do now?

How much does a résumé lie matter?

April 11, 2019
Q. Recently, it came to light—only to me—that one of our star employees lied on his résumé six years ago to get the job. Our organization has a zero-tolerance policy on dishonesty, so I’m in a real bind here. This person’s production is really off the charts. Any advice?

Meet the new boss, humbler than the old boss

March 14, 2019
Q. I’m taking over a company and soon I’ll have to get up before 400 people, greet them and explain my vision. But what is the very first thing I need to say up on that podium?

When it all seems so empty

March 14, 2019
Q. I recently had a health scare, followed by that moment of realizing how meaningless so much of the pursuit of business success is. Now I’m looking for a way to care again about work before my performance slips further. What should I do?

Best flop ever!

February 10, 2019
Q. What business failure was the most educational for you?

It’s a conference, not a vacation

January 10, 2019
Q. Our company is liberal with sending its people to various conferences around the country. They all come back seemingly rejuvenated and flush with new ideas. Some of it is useful; most of it is not. What can I do to ensure that these costly training trips don’t turn into junkets?

Wait, you mean there’s something more important than money?

December 13, 2018
Q. I’m considering taking a prime job but suspect I’m being low-balled on my compensation. On the other hand, there’s fierce competition for the job and I don’t want to make waves I can’t settle before they make their decision. How important a factor has compensation been in your own career?

Don’t make ‘rival’ a dirty word

December 13, 2018
Q. I just took over a small company and am considering befriending the main business rival in our area. In general, do you think that “keep your enemies close” game is worth playing?