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How to Be a Stellar Mentor to Someone at Work

Paul Michael — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 08:01:09 +0000

When you're asked to become a mentor to someone, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. You've reached a stage in your career wherein you have valuable knowledge to pass on, and you can impart that wisdom to an eager disciple. However, the difference between being a good mentor, and one of the best, is all about how much effort you put in, and the ground rules you set for both yourself, and the student. Here's some advice to get you there.

1. Listen more than you speak

It's easy to think that because you're an experienced and reliable advisor, talking is the biggest part of the role. But in reality, a great mentor will choose his or her words carefully, and spend way more time listening to their protégé. Knowing what to say, and when to say it, is what separates a good mentor from a great one. If you listen to your young Padawan carefully, you'll get all the information you need to provide more reasoned and helpful advice. (See also: This One Skill Can Make You a Better Boss)

2. Know when to step back

We learn by failing. You shouldn't be afraid to let your disciple fail. Of course, they should be at least ready to attempt the task at hand, whether it's learning a new skill, or leading a team project. But success will not come instantly, and by letting them learn from their mistakes (and embracing every success along the way) you'll prepare them way better than a mentor who shelters them from every possible struggle.

3. Offer plenty of clear explanations

What's that old saying about giving someone a fish versus teaching them how to fish? You know the one. The same applies to almost any kind of information you share with your mentee. You may know the best way to do something, be it stripping down an engine or building a strategy for a product launch. However, just telling them without explaining why you do it the way you do is nowhere near as helpful. Remember, you're a mentor because you have great knowledge to pass on. Get ready to explain the why as well as the how. It will also help you gain a fresh perspective on how you got so good at what you do. (See also: 9 Signs You're Making All the Right Career Moves)

4. Acknowledge that you can learn from them, too

Mentoring is not a one-way street. Whether you're 28 or 88, there's always something new to learn. Sure, you know a lot; enough to be a mentor, but your mentee brings new experiences and information to the table as well.

A great example of this is the world of advertising and design. The last decade has seen a revolution in the way brands advertise to consumers, and in particular, millennials, and Gen Z'ers. Social media is a powerful tool, and one that veteran advertising experts are still trying to master. Mentees in the advertising world often know more about this than the mentors. Get ready to trade knowledge, not just dish it out. (See also: 6 Ways to Make Extra Money Using Social Media)

5. Be available as often as you can

Mentoring, when done correctly, is a commitment to teach what you've learned to an eager mind. The problem with minds is that they don't easily switch off. Your protégé will have questions, thoughts, and maybe even big ideas outside of the usual 9-5 work day. A good mentor will be available during the work week. A great mentor will be available when he or she is needed, regardless of the time. It's fine to set boundaries, of course ("I'm at a wedding, save your questions until later"), but to simply shut them down when the clock turns to 5:01 p.m. is not going to help them reach their full potential.

6. Set some achievable goals

When you become a mentor, you should be prepared to interview your mentee at the start of the process and figure out what they want to get from you, and the relationship. It can be a casual conversation at a coffee shop, but take notes and set at least five or six definitive goals for both of you. Make sure these are goals that will prove your mentoring has not only succeeded, but has done so in necessary and specific areas.

For example, say you're mentoring someone to become a better swimmer. The goals could be "learn the backstroke," "complete a flip-and-turn successfully," and so on. This applies to any industry or pastime, and as someone with a great deal of experience, you shouldn't have trouble setting specific goals.

7. Go heavy on praise, and light on criticism

For some mentors, the path to success is paved with shouting, reproach, humiliation, and blame. You'll often find this kind of behavior on reality shows, because they need the ratings, but that is not the norm. You will not be a great mentor if you point out every single mistake, jump on every failure, and scream your way to achievements. Yes, it will sometimes be necessary to talk about a major misstep, but you need to focus on the successes and heap praise upon the victories. Mentees will get much further when you show them how proud you are of their accomplishments, rather than how much you hate their mistakes.

8. Put your protégé ahead of your company

When I was a junior copywriter, I had some incredible mentors. One of them, a creative director, saw my potential and advised me to leave the company and work for one that would challenge me more. Needless to say, I took that advice. He was loyal to me, not the agency, and I have never forgotten his guidance.

Invest your time in the person, not the position. What are they bringing to the table? Are they going to be miserable here? Are they meant for another career entirely? As a mentor, when you see this in your mentee, it's your duty to point it out. Most of the time, it comes back to reward you.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

What to Do If Your Employer Won't Pay You

Samantha Stauf — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 08:30:14 +0000

Work is a formal contract. Employees dedicate their time and expertise to fulfill a set role or task. Employers compensate workers for their time with a monetary wage. In an ideal world, both parties profit from the arrangement.

Unfortunately, not all bosses fulfill their end of the bargain. Company wage theft costs the U.S. workforce billions of dollars every year, according to The Economic Policy Institute. Employers have been known to shortchange employees by:

Refusing to pay them altogether.
Handing over a non-valid check.
Refusing to give paid breaks where legally required.
Paying under the federal, state, or county minimum wage.
Having employees work off the clock.
Taking tips.

What do you do when you realize your boss isn't properly compensating you?

Document the problem

The first thing you should do is document the problem. Make a copy of your pay stub. If you have access to the time management software the organization uses, print the reported hours worked. Begin documenting any past or ongoing "bad" behavior.

On top of that, keep track of any financial fallout you experience from the wage loss. This can include:

Missed bills.
Missed loan payments.
Late fees.
Bank fees.

Check in with the company

The next step is to check with the company. It might just be an honest mistake that can be remedied quickly.

If you're currently an employee, talk with human resources or a manager about the problem. They can direct you to the right department if they can't help you themselves. If you're a former employee, you might try contacting a former manager, human resources, or a general contact email about pay discrepancy.

If the company won't respond and won't pay you for all hours worked at the right wage, there are steps you can take to potentially recoup all or some of the money. There aren't, unfortunately, any one-size-fits-all solutions to this problem. There are, however, a variety of strategies you can try to force your former or current employer to compensate you properly.

Dealing with wage theft on a state level

Reporting wage theft is highly dependent on the individual state. Every state has slightly different laws and procedures to help employees report and recover stolen wages.

First, you can file a wage claim through your state's Department of Labor. If you go this route, state department of labor investigators will look into your case.

This may seem like the most obvious and easy route, but it can be a long journey that might be doomed to fail. Recently website Politico reported that six states had no investigators to look into wage violations, and 26 states have fewer than 10 investigators. The end result is that many individuals who report wage claim violations to their state never see their money.

An alternate option is to file a civil complaint in court against the business. The court that the complaint is filed with depends on the monetary amount.

Dealing with wage theft on a federal level

If filing a complaint at the state level isn't a viable option, individuals can file a complaint with the Wage-Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor. According to Politico, the department has about a 90 percent success rate in recovering stolen wages.

The success rate does seem impressive, but it should be noted that the department is very selective on the cases they take on. Investigators at the department don't accept every claim that comes through the door.

And unfortunately, even if they do take on your case, don't be surprised if they can't recover all the money that you're owed. The U.S. Department of Labor can only recover the federal minimum wage. That means if you should have been paid above the federal minimum wage, you still might be looking at a significant loss.

Alternate options to dealing with wage theft

If you belong to a labor union, take the case to union representatives. They should, at the very least, point you in the right direction. The union might even be willing to file a grievance on your behalf if they believe the case is strong enough.

If the wage theft is widespread at the company, employees might be able to band together to file a collective action complaint. A collective action complaint allows groups of employees with similar Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) wage violations to file a complaint against the company together. A collective action complaint, unlike a class-action lawsuit, requires employees to actively sign onto the lawsuit in writing. Employees that don't consent to join the complaint won't benefit or be bound by the ruling. Collective action complaints must be filed, in most cases, within two years.

If you're not sure of your best option, it's recommended that you consult with and possibly hire a lawyer to represent your interests. (See also: Times to Hire a Lawyer Immediately)

In the meantime, make it a priority to switch jobs. If your employer has been flat out refusing to pay you period, jump ship now. Yes, you might have to go without a paycheck for a time, but you're already experiencing that now. You deserve better than an employer that has shady business practices. (See also: 8 Signs You Should Quit Your Job)

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This article is from Samantha Stauf of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Things Your Boss Wishes You'd Tell Them

Paul Michael — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 10:00:06 +0000

Most of us have a boss of some kind. And a lot of people think that bosses only want to hear good news all of the time, but that's not the case.

Positive information is nice, but negatives are just as important. If issues are preventing you, your coworkers, or your company from doing a job well, it makes life harder on everyone — including your boss. As long as you are bringing solutions with the problems, your boss will thank you for pointing out areas that need improvement. So, speak up on the following things, and do yourself and the boss a favor.

1. You want to be challenged more often

Most of us don't want to coast through our careers without learning, growing, and climbing the ladder. To do that, we need to face new challenges, step outside of our comfort zones, and take on tasks that will sometimes throw us into the deep end. While it's a scary prospect at times, it's essential for genuine advancement.

However, your boss may not realize that you are not being challenged enough throughout the week. He or she may think you have just enough on your plate to cope; bosses are not mind readers, and may not realize you are lacking the trials and tests needed to gain experience. Tell the boss what you want to be doing. Ask if you can take on projects that are beyond what is expected of you. If you put in an honest effort, a promotion may even follow. (See also: 8 Career Moves That Prove You're Finally a Grown-Up)

2. Any major issues you have with other employees

The boss needs to know this ASAP, because small problems can become big problems, and those big problems can lead to lawsuits and dismissals. You only have to look at the issues plaguing Hollywood right now to know that keeping things hidden could hurt you in the long term. So, whether it's unwanted attention, inappropriate comments, discrimination, or bullying, tell your boss as soon as you notice the problem. Furthermore, document the issues when they happen, as this gives your boss solid evidence that can help with human resources and dealing with an employee that is making your life difficult.

3. The current state of employee morale

In many companies, bosses aren't privy to the day-to-day events and processes that their employees are going through. If your boss is in and out of meetings all day, traveling weekly, and working on large projects, it will be hard for them to know what the morale situation is like. Maybe it's great. Maybe it's awful and people are ready to quit. Either way, if you can give the boss a regular temperature reading on morale, you will be doing everyone a favor. And even if morale is great, there's nothing wrong with asking for team building events to keep it there.

4. Your daily frustrations

Your relationship with your boss is in some ways like a relationship with a romantic partner. Little things here and there can get on your nerves, and you bottle up your feelings. These small frustrations can eat away at you day after day, and become overwhelming. So, find the time to bring them up in a weekly status report or one-on-one. Don't whine. Don't complain. And don't do it without having possible solutions up your sleeve. The boss will be thankful that you addressed it sooner rather than later.

5. How they are doing

One of the biggest reasons people leave a job is their relationship with the boss, and in some instances this could have been repaired long before it became an issue. So, find ways to tell the boss what they're doing right, and what they could be doing better.

Suggest things the other employees are asking for. Maybe they would like more transparency, and weekly updates on the status of the company. Perhaps they want a simple night out every month, together as a team, to help with morale. Let the boss know.

Of course, judge each case by its merits, and never insult. If your boss is known to be sensitive, you should throw a lot of great compliments out before hitting them with a problem.

6. What you like, and don't like, about the job

Start with what makes you happy and excited to come to work every day (and if you can't think of anything, you should probably start looking for a new job immediately). Are there certain projects that really get you going? Are there challenges you enjoy taking on? Make a list of all the reasons you enjoy coming to work, and let your boss know about them. He or she will not only appreciate it, but may throw more of those things at you when the opportunity arises.

Similarly, make a list of the things that stop a good job from becoming a great job. Are there tasks that are boring? Are there systems in place that make your life hell? Tell the boss while offering solutions, and it will give them a chance to fix the issues. (See also: 13 Great Reasons to Quit Your Job)

7. How you could be an even better employee

Nothing stirs a boss quite like an employee who is driven to do better, be better, and go further. Self-improvement is an admirable quality, and if you see ways in which you could grow and become a greater asset to the company, talk to your boss about it. Is there a conference coming up that would be invaluable to you? Ask if you can attend. Are there skills you would like to learn? Research workshops and online training.

In many cases, bosses are happy to pay for some, or even all, of the cost of these events, as they are a direct benefit to the company. What's more, many businesses actually put aside money for employee training, so you would be making your boss look good by taking advantage of this benefit. (See also: 7 Certifications That Add Big $$ to Your Salary)

Remember, at the end of the day, if you make your boss look good, you will prosper. So talk to him or her about any of these topics in a cordial way, and work together to resolve any problems. You will do your career a world of good.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The Absolute Worst Ways to Ask for a Raise

Paul Michael — Fri, 02 Jun 2017 09:00:10 +0000

Asking for a raise is not easy. You don't want to come across as greedy, or antagonize your employer. But at the same time, you've done your research, know what you deserve, and believe you are an asset that should be compensated accordingly.

Before you talk to your boss, make sure you avoid the following traps. They could sink any chance of a bump in pay. (See also: 5 Times You Should Demand a Raise)

1. Saying you're having trouble making ends meet

There are a few truths that you must accept, and one of them is this — your personal money problems are your problems. You took the job, and you accepted the salary. Scraping by or falling behind on your bills is a reason to ask for a raise, but it's not the reason your employer ever needs to hear.

You need to justify your raise for reasons that a boss can comfortably take to the payroll department, and the people he or she reports to. Saying "Well, Jane's rent was just raised and she also owes on her taxes" won't cut it. Instead, present your case in a well-researched and thought-out manner, explaining why you deserve a pay bump based on merit and hard work.

2. Criticizing any of your coworkers

There is a time and a place for pointing out problems with the team, and it is not when you want to get more money. If your boss is any good, he or she will already know the big problems with underperforming staff. Other issues can be brought up during your usual one-on-one sessions, or team meetings. If you use your coworkers' poor performance as a reason to get more money, you will come across as mercenary.

Sure, you may have been picking up the slack for lazy coworkers, or correcting mistakes, but there is a way to mention this without throwing anyone under the bus. By all means, say that you have been taking on more responsibility, working longer hours, and saving the company money by catching errors. But do it without saying, "John sucks at his job, he's always late, and I have to do everything!"

3. Asking when the boss, and everyone else, is insanely busy

Timing is everything, and perhaps the worst time to bring this up is when everyone is scrambling to meet a deadline and deliver the goods. Whether it's behind the counter of a fast-food restaurant, or during a huge pitch for new business, asking for more money at this time will hurt you in several ways.

First, it makes you look selfish; everyone is rushing around, and you want the boss to stop and focus on you. Second, it makes you look inconsiderate; now is not the time, can you not see how busy everyone is? Third, it makes you look like you're trying to take advantage of the situation. The boss is not going to appreciate you trying to hurriedly negotiate a raise during a crisis. So, back off, and bide your time. Things will calm down, and then you can strike.

4. Catching the boss off-guard

When you are initiating the subject of a raise and/or promotion, you are making a request that has consequences. Your boss has to examine the numbers, look at performance and salary averages, and consider the budget for the department. And the boss usually has to get the approval from other people in the company. This is all very official.

So, casually having a one-on-one in the elevator, out of nowhere, is a huge mistake. Your boss will be taken by surprise, and may even feel threatened or trapped. They won't be able to give you an answer anyway. Schedule a time for a meeting, at least 30 minutes, and warn the boss in advance that you want to talk about your future at the company. You don't have to outright say "I want to talk about a raise" — if the boss is intuitive he or she will know just what this meeting is about.

5. Beating around the bush

A little friendly banter before you bring up the subject of your raise is OK. In fact, it's courteous and expected, and sets a friendly tone. However, if you meander off for 15 minutes on topics that are completely unrelated, you're only going to frustrate your boss. He or she has a pretty good idea of why you're in the room, and wants to start the conversation.

Most likely, after five minutes of talk about the weather, the ballgame, the family, and plans for the weekend, you'll be asked to spit it out. But by that time, you've already shown yourself to be less than efficient, and that puts you in a position of weakness.

6. Storming in with ultimatums

"If I don't get a raise, I'm quitting. Simple as that." How many times have people told you they are going to say that to the boss? How many times have you thought it yourself? Sure, it's human nature to want fair compensation, and we all hope to be so valued that people will do anything not to lose us. Sadly, life isn't like that.

Ultimatums are not the answer, because one of three things will happen. First, you will get your raise, but you will be tarnished as difficult, selfish, and egotistic. Second, you will be told no, and realize you can't quit after all. Your bluff will have been called, and now they know you aren't going to quit if you don't get what you want. Third, you are told no, and have to quit to save face. Are you ready for that?

One way to get around the ultimatum is to come to the boss with a higher paying job offer from another firm. Then, it's a business negotiation. You can say that you would much rather stay, but this offer gives you more money, and you may have to take it. In this case, most employers, if they value you, will match the offer. They see you as in demand, and that puts you in a positive light.

7. Getting way too emotional

Anger. Tears. Jealousy. Disbelief. The emotions can run high when you believe you are getting the short end of the stick. However, it's unprofessional to unload your emotional state onto your employer. You may feel you are not being recognized for all you've done for the company. Or you may be behind on your bills, with new expenses coming up in the future.

It can be hard to mask these emotions when you are stressed. But it's important to get these under control before you ask for a raise. Get the emotions out first before coming to work. If you need to cry, do it. If you are angry, find a way to release the tension. You need to have a calm, clear head before you can talk money.

8. Acting entitled

Arms crossed. Eyebrows furrowed. Breathing hard through your nose. You're in the boss's office because enough is enough, and you should have had that raise months ago! From the moment you open your mouth, you are incredulous that you even had to call this meeting.

Acting this way does you no favors. You'll come across as a spoiled brat, and unless you can back all of your claims up, you'll also look foolish. Don't go into the room feeling angry and cheated. Instead, calm down, and prepare. Write down all of the quantifiable reasons you deserve a raise, and give the boss the ammunition he or she needs to get that extra money for you. Be polite. Be yourself. And don't expect anything.

9. Making demands when the company is in trouble

There's an argument to be made that it's OK to ask for a raise if your company is facing some light financial difficulties (maybe they've laid a few people off), or if you know your specific department is still doing well. But that's about where you'll need to draw the line.

If the business has fallen on really hard financial times, it's another story. Maybe executives have had to make significant cutbacks, or it's even possible that the company could be filing for bankruptcy. If you decide that this is the best time to ask for a raise, you are only showing upper management that you are utterly tone deaf. If you survived the cuts, you should probably be thankful you're still on the payroll at all.

A company can encounter nonfinancial trouble, too — and you should also back away from any kind of salary negotiation until these stormy waters have calmed. A public relations scandal, for example, will have the company in a panic. No one will give your salary concerns a second thought when there are much bigger fish to fry. Or, maybe several key workers have left to form another company, or work for a rival. Again, the only thing management will be concerned about is keeping the ship afloat.

You know when the company is not doing well. Do what you can to help, and do it with vigor. Then, when it's all worked out, you'll have more ammo for your salary discussion.

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Things You Should Never Say to Your Boss

Kentin Waits — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 10:00:14 +0000

We've all been there. The pressure of a stressful workday makes us say something we instantly regret. Or, we get a bit too comfortable in the break room and share a salacious detail about our personal lives. No matter what professional level you've achieved, it's important to remember that words can make or break a career — especially when those words are directed at a superior. So, in the interest of taming that wild tongue, here are 10 things you should never say to your boss.

1. "That's Not My Job"

Every job description is fluid. Trying to enforce roles and responsibilities achieves only one thing: It demonstrates to management that you're inflexible and uncooperative. When the moment calls for it, pitch in and help get the job done.

2. Any Question You Can Answer Via Google

Today's technology puts the world at our fingertips, and with it, the answer to nearly any question that might come up. Avoid bothering your boss with general how-to inquiries that you can solve with some initiative and an Internet connection.

3. "That's Impossible"

In your boss' mind, the talented group of people he or she has assembled can make anything possible. Have concerns about a particular project or due date? Share them, ask for direction, and request additional help. Shutting down the conversation with "that's impossible" only conveys that you're the primary roadblock.

4. "I'll Quit"

Threats never go over well in the workplace. You'll either end up without a job or develop a reputation for being a loose cannon — and then you might as well quit. Find more constructive ways to express your ideas, manage your workload, or improve processes where you work. (See also: 6 Questions to Ask Before You Quit Your Job)

5. "I Wish I Had Your Job"

While it's natural to envy your boss at times, this phrase implies two very negative things: First, it suggests that your boss has it easy — that compared to the daily struggles of the staff, management's job is a cakewalk. Second, it implies that you view career advancement as cut-throat competition instead of a mutually-beneficial arrangement between mentor and protégé.

6. "I Refuse to Work With That Person"

Being able to get along with different personality types is a skill that should have been locked down in grammar school. Your boss rightfully assumes that staff can rise above petty conflicts and work together to get the job done.

7. "I Don't Know How"

On its own, this phrase communicates passivity (a condition far worse than incompetence). While it's admirable to be honest and direct, make sure you follow up these four words with a proactive "but I'll find out right now."

8. "I Have to Tell You About My Wild Weekend!"

In our increasingly casual culture, over-sharing is an epidemic. Even if you have a friendly and semi-social relationship with your boss, err on the side of discretion when it comes to personal matters. Sure, you may have closed down the bar on Friday night and it took you forever to remember where you parked your car the next day. Scrapbook those fond memories, but don't relive them with your boss. (See also: 10 Personal Issues No One at Work Needs to Hear)

9. "It'll Just Have to Wait"

In most work environments, priorities are constantly in flux. If an urgent issue lands on your desk, ask your boss to clarify what's top priority and be flexible enough to change course without one drop of drama.

10. "Things Really Need to Be Better Managed Around Here"

It's no surprise that this comment would make any boss hot under the collar. The implication, of course, is that a change needs to be made and you just might be the person to lead a back-office revolt. Remember, mutineers only win management spots in the movies.

This article is from Kentin Waits of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Things Your Boss Wishes You Knew

Paul Michael — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 10:00:06 +0000

Most of us have a boss. It would be great to know what was really going on inside his or her head, but sadly, the technology doesn't yet exist. However, after talking to bosses from my past jobs, I have discovered 10 commonalities that they would like you to know. Follow this advice, and you could give a well-earned boost to your career.

1. A Positive Attitude Is Really Important

Bosses don't expect their employees to be perfect shining rays of light, and happy every second of every day. In fact, that may actually get very irritating, or give the impression that you just don't care. However, being difficult, constantly complaining, nay-saying, gossiping, and generally being a grumpy curmudgeon is not going to be tolerated for long, regardless of the skills you have. Some people may say "His attitude stinks, but his work is incredible," and while that may be true, it won't keep that guy employed forever.

What's at stake here is greater than one person. Team morale suffers, the boss has to give more grease to the squeaky wheel, and it becomes more of a hassle than the employee is worth. Less talented, but more positive, individuals will outlast highly skilled killjoys.

2. Take the Initiative More Often

A good employee will do what is asked of him or her in a timely manner, and they'll do it well. A great employee won't wait to be asked, and will instead initiate the projects or create new ways to drive business. A boss has a lot of work to do, and when an employee steps up with a solution to a problem, rather than being asked to look into it, it's an absolute delight to a boss. It shows you care about the job, and the company, and are thinking about ways to improve it on your own time.

If you have ideas that you think would improve business, do not be afraid to take 10 minutes out of the boss's schedule to discuss them. Even if the idea isn't feasible, you will get props for the effort.

3. The Boss Is Not the Enemy

It's something regularly portrayed on TV and in the movies. The boss is the one everyone else can't stand. It's the boss who stops the fun, who demands you work late, or come in early, and it's the boss who has to deliver bad news. Well, the boss doesn't relish doing any of those things. There is so much going on behind the scenes that employees don't, and shouldn't, know about. From revenue issues, to staffing, and even stock prices — the boss has much more to deal with than you'd think, and it's hard work.

But at the end of the day, the boss wants the company to do well, and therefore, wants you to do well. You won't always agree with the decisions, but that doesn't mean they were made to annoy you, or keep you from succeeding. And remember, many times your boss has a boss, who also has a boss. This all trickles down.

4. Asking for Help Is Not a Sign of Weakness

There's a great Seinfeld episode called "The Bottle Deposit" which features George being given a very important task to do. The boss thinks George has followed him into the bathroom, and briefs him there. When George comes in at the end, he's missed the entire briefing, but his boss thinks he's heard it all. The simple solution is to approach the boss and say, "I actually didn't hear that. Could you please brief me on it again?" But that wouldn't be funny in a sitcom.

In real life, however, asking for help, or clarification, is a perfectly normal and accepted part of the job. In fact, by asking for help, you're showing that you care enough about the project to make sure it gets done correctly. Now, if you ask for help constantly, and cannot grasp the notion of the project after three or four explanations, that's not so good. You also don't want to be seen as offloading all your projects onto other people. But in general, if you have a question, ask it. Your boss will be happy to give you the best answer they can.

5. Promotions Have to Be Earned

You may have been at the company five years, and never had a promotion. And yet, someone down the hall has had two promotions in just four years. This isn't fair, right? Well, most of the time, it is. True, sometimes there is favoritism involved, and in those cases, there is very little you can do about it. Bosses promote their friends, it's a fact of life.

However, most of the time, those promotions were earned by a go-getter who showed initiative and really went the extra mile. In fact, a promotion is usually given to someone who has been doing that job for months, or even years. Show that you can do it, and you'll get it… and the raise.

6. You Can't Expect Special Treatment

You may make the boss laugh more than anyone else. You may go golfing with him or her on a weekend. You may even be related. But you cannot expect that to have an impact on your job. You shouldn't expect a raise because you bring the boss homemade cookies every week. You shouldn't expect to work special hours, or telecommute, just because you're charming. Remember, if the boss lets you have something, then pretty soon everyone on the staff will hear about it, and want the same. Now, if you do something that earns you special treatment, like working overtime for three weeks without pay, then that's different. In that instance, it's fine to ask for some free time off to recuperate.

7. Don't Bring Problems Without Solutions

The boss has to know about problems. However, simply telling the boss something is wrong, without offering any kind of assistance or solution, is just lazy. If you don't have the expertise to address the problem, talk to someone who does, and find out what can be done to address that problem. Do it in a timely manner, and then bring both the problem and possible solutions to the boss. Now, you have not made his or her day worse by being the bearer of bad news. Instead, you have flagged a problem, but offered a fix. This is more appreciated by a boss than you could know, and it will be reflected in your next review. You are proactive, and that's something worth rewarding; either with more responsibility, and/or a promotion.

8. Criticism Is Not Personal

It seems that as the years go by, employees get more and more sensitive to criticism of any kind. Perhaps the entitlement culture is to blame, and parents who shelter their children all the way to adulthood. But whatever the reason, a boss should be able to critique your work and your ideas without you feeling attacked or hurt.

Constructive criticism is how we all learn to grow in our roles, and advance in our careers. Some industries, such as advertising and marketing, cannot survive without tough feedback. Creative people have to learn to grow a thick skin, as they are told all 10 concepts for a pitch are awful. But the same should apply across the board. Whatever industry you're in, a critique of your work is not an attack on you as a person, and you should not take it personally. Brush it off, and learn from it.

9. Think Beyond Your Own Role

It's very easy to work in a silo, and focus on your own tasks and responsibilities. But a great employee will consider the whole business, not just one department or project. For instance, asking for an injection of capital to fund a project can have all kinds of implications. It's possible that money is tied up in another project or initiative, and that would have to be cut to fund your project. Is your project best for the company as a whole? Are you using funds in the best possible way? Some people treat the company's money like Monopoly money, spending because it's easy. However, if you spend the company's money as if it were your own, you'd find ways to save, or make better deals.

10. You Don't Have to Agree With Everything

Good bosses hire people who are ready to challenge the status quo — if they bring better ideas to the table, and go about it in a respectful way. There is absolutely nothing wrong with having the dissenting opinion, and your boss will actually think more of you for bringing up the topic. Someone who says yes to every single idea their boss has is not only seen as irritating, but also lazy. It takes work, and bravery, to speak up about an idea that's different. But it also shows you're thinking, and most importantly, that you care. While a boss has every right to shoot down those ideas, or overrule you, they are not going to think negatively of you if you show genuine passion for a different idea. Of course, saying no to every idea, that's a whole different story.

Are you a boss? What do you wish your employees knew? Share with us!

This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Questions a Potential Employer Cannot Ask You

Nick Wharton — Wed, 04 May 2016 10:00:08 +0000

It's taking U.S. companies longer and longer to hire new employees. In June 2014, it took an average of 24.9 work days for employers to fill vacant positions. The average hiring time for companies with 5,000 or more employees is even longer at 58.1 work days.

In the rush to fill vacancies faster, some employers are making some bad judgment calls. According to a 2014 poll conducted by Harris Poll, one in five U.S. employers has unknowingly asked an interview question that ran afoul of the law. Here are seven questions a prospective employer cannot ask you during an interview.

1. What Is Your Religious Affiliation?

Being concerned about whether or not you can meet the required work schedule for a position, some employers go the wrong way about finding out about your availability. While the Title VII Equal Employment Opportunities chapter of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 doesn't provide a specific list of questions that "thou shalt not ask," it certainly provides clear guidelines as to what is off the negotiation table. So, it is illegal for an employer to ask you about your religion. While an employer can legally ask you if you can work on a required work schedule or select from a choice of work days, he can't inquire about your willingness to work any particular religious holiday.

2. Are You Pregnant?

Before hiring you, an employer can't ask you if you're pregnant, plan to have kids, or plan to have more kids. Any of these matters can directly or indirectly result in limitation of a job opportunity in any way, so that's why the Civil Rights Act takes them off the table as well. After hiring you, your employer or HR department rep can inquire on your status for qualified reasons, such as health insurance, retirement accounts, or tax withholding.

3. What Is Your Political Affiliation?

With the U.S. presidential election coming up in November, some interviewers may drop this one on you. Under the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, federal employers are prohibited from asking political party preference questions of federal employees and job applicants. This is to guarantee that all employees and job applicants receive fair and equitable treatment in all aspects of personnel management without regard to political affiliation.

While there are no federal laws that prohibit employers in the private sector from asking about political affiliation, they should refrain from asking such questions anyway. Some states, including Mississippi and the District of Columbia, have specific laws on employment-related discrimination that include political affiliation.

4. What Is Your Nationality?

Immigration is one of the key issues being discussed by candidates from both parties of this election. While an employer has every right to check that you can legally work for them, they can't ask any questions regarding your nationality.

During a prospective job interview, it's illegal to inquire where you were born, whether you were born a U.S. citizen or naturalized, your national origin, and what is your first language. Only when it's relevant to the job can you be asked about your language proficiency. After employment, you can be asked to submit a birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship, or other proof of the legal right to work in the U.S.

5. How Old Are You?

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 protects job applicants who are age 40 and older against ageism, which is discrimination against individuals on the basis of their age. Any sneaky questions to try identifying persons between 40 and 60 years are illegal.

For those age 18 and over, some state employment laws, including those from Oregon, provide some protection with a few exceptions. Still, it's legal to inquire before hiring if you could furnish proof of age if hired, and to request such proof after hiring.

6. Are You Disabled?

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in all types of federal employment. Since 1990, Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits private employers, state and local governments, employment agencies, and labor unions from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in all job application and employment processes.

The definition of disabilities is quite extensive. For example, an employer can't legally ask you whether or not you socially drink. Under the ADA, a recovering alcoholic is protected and doesn't have to disclose any disability information before landing an official job offer.

7. What is Your Credit Rating?

You may have heard that your credit history may affect your employment options. However, there are limitations for employers to use credit information in employment decisions.

First, the Fair Credit Reporting Act outlines that employers require your written consent to get access to your credit report. The one exception is the trucking industry. Your potential employer must have a valid reason to request for your credit data and she can't disqualify you from employment unless the data directly affects your ability to perform the position you're interviewing for. In the event that she denies you employment, she must release the credit report to you and provide an explanation.

Second, 10 states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, have enacted legislation that bans employers from using credit information in employment decisions. If you're seeking employment in one of those states, potential employers can't ask for your credit history or score.

What are other questions that a prospective employer can't ask you? Share with us in the comments!

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This article is from Nick Wharton of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Ace Your Next Performance Review With These 7 Tricks

Mikey Rox — Mon, 16 Nov 2015 09:15:53 +0000

An upcoming performance review can certainly mess with your emotions. On one hand, you may be ready to hear what your employer has to say, especially if a positive review might result in a salary increase. On the other, you may be nervous at the possibility that you're not meeting your employer's expectations. And that sucks. But there's plenty you can do beforehand to maximize your performance review. Consider these seven tips to help ensure you get those gold stars.

1. Go in With an Open Mind

Prior to meeting with your boss for a performance review, you need to prepare your mind for the possibility of hearing something negative. Overall, your boss may be satisfied with your performance. But there's always room for growth, so she might also highlight areas that need improving.

It's natural to become defensive, but don't immediately jump in and offer an explanation or justify your actions. Let your boss finish and listen to her concerns. There may be some truth to those claims. Besides, any negative feedback you receive likely comes from a good place. Your employer wants you to succeed and reach your potential. If she didn't, she wouldn't bother providing feedback.

2. Ask for Clarification

You're not the only one nervous during a performance review. Your employer may also be a little anxious, especially if he's bringing up items you need to work on. If he's nervous or has to meet with many of your coworkers in a short amount of time, he may rush the review or not express himself clearly. This can result in vague statements and misunderstandings. You shouldn't leave the meeting confused or puzzled, so don't be afraid to ask for clarification or specific examples. You can't improve your work performance when you don't fully understand the issue.

3. Understand Your Employer's Expectations

If you don't receive a good performance review, the problem may have nothing to do with lack of effort, but rather different expectations. In your mind, you're hitting the mark and helping the company succeed, yet your boss thinks otherwise. For example, maybe you put a lot of time and energy into meeting deadlines, but your boss feels you don't take the initiative or contribute to the team in other ways. To maximize the takeaways from a performance review, ask your boss to clarify her expectations. Based on this information, you can set short and long-term goals to improve your performance.

4. Take Notes During the Review

Your employer may have a lot to say during a performance review, and you may forget some of the important points. Therefore, come prepared to take notes. You can jot down your weaknesses, as well as your strengths. This way you'll get a clear picture of how you're performing as a whole. Taking notes also leaves a good impression with your employer. This shows that you're committed to improving and growing as an employee and giving 100% to the job.

5. Don't Slack After a Positive Review

Performance reviews aren't always negative. Your employer may have nothing but good things to say about your work performance. You might meet all his expectations, and you might be the best worker on the job. It's okay to give yourself a pat on the back, but don't let a perfect review go to your head. Let this be your motivation to continue on the right path. This isn't the time to slack off or think you don't have to work as hard. You want to continue to impress your employer so that your next review will be equally positive.

6. Summarize Key Points

To show your boss you were listening during the review, end the meeting by summarizing in your own words his suggestions for improvement. Briefly explain how you plan to address these issues moving forward.

7. Schedule a Mid-Year Review

If possible, don't wait until your next performance review to track your progress. During the initial meeting, discuss goals with your employer and then see if you can schedule another meeting in the upcoming months to evaluate your progress thus far. If your employer conducts annual performance reviews, maybe you can schedule another meeting in six months. Or if your employer conducts reviews every six months, perhaps he can schedule a follow-up review in three months.

What do you do to maximize your performance review? I'd love to hear some of your tips in the comments below.

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

9 Ways to Job Hunt Without Getting Caught

Mikey Rox — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 11:15:12 +0000

Applying for a new job is often a Catch-22: You've got to put yourself out there as a candidate, but you don't want to get caught by your current employer for fear of being prematurely fired. Yes, it's a fine line to walk for career advancement, but you can totally perfect this skill with these nine ways to conduct a stealthy job search.

1. Keep Your Social Media Profiles Current at All Times

If you're active on social media in general, your various profiles are probably up-to-date on the regular. If they're not, and you update them out of the blue, it could raise suspicions, particularly on LinkedIn and if you're connected to coworkers — which you probably are.

Ian Cluroe, director of global brand and marketing for Alexander Mann Solutions, warns against this sudden attention to your social media profiles.

"Keeping your social profiles up-to-date ensures that you don't raise flags when you're the one actively searching, and enables you to be found by sources who may have an opportunity that you're the perfect person for but you would have otherwise known nothing about because your outdated profile made you impossible to find," he says.

2. Don't Send Resumes to Blind Ads Online

If you don't know who the recipient of your resume is, do not send it. I repeat, DO NOT SEND IT. You don't know who is on the other end, and serendipity has a way of biting you in the butt for not being careful.

"A woman once told me that her coworker responded to a blind ad and then was confronted a short while later by someone in the company from Human Resources," reveals certified career coach Cheryl E. Palmer. "The HR professional asked her if she was looking for another job. The woman lied and said no. The HR professional responded, "I got your resume." It turned out that the job that this woman had unwittingly applied for was at her own company."

3. Be Cautious When You're Networking

Of course you have to network when you're searching for a new position — just be smart about it. Be very careful to whom you're telling your plans to switch jobs, because you never know who you're talking to. As a rule, don't go to networking events at a bar where you're going to have a couple drinks and become less inhibited. That's a recipe for certain disaster.

4. Don't Let Your Attire Give It Away

Here's a prime example of amateur tactics that absolutely raise red flags: When your everyday work attire is chinos and a button-down and you all of a sudden show up to work in a suit and tie. The jig will be up immediately, and you're better than that, bro.

"Dressing up more than normal can be a real giveaway that you are interviewing for another position," says Palmer. "To avoid suspicion, put your interview clothes in your car and change in a discreet location before the interview. It's also a good idea to schedule interview appointments during times when your absence won't raise questions. Taking too much time off from work can signal that you are interviewing at other companies."

5. Don't Tell Your Coworkers That You're Looking

I'm sure there are coworkers you trust to keep the secret that you're looking for a new job, but my life motto has fared me well so far — trust no one, and fear everyone. Besides, you don't know what plans they have in mind for their own career advancement. They may view your undercover search as an opportunity to swoop in and take your job right out from under you. And if that happens, you'll kick yourself for being so loose-lipped. Ruthless comes in all shapes, sizes, and smiles.

6. Consider Having an Executive Recruiter on Your Side

If you're afraid of getting caught searching for a job (and you should be), there are ways to ease your anxiety. Hiring an executive recruiter is one such solution, and it won't even cost you. Recruiters are paid by employers, and their fees are usually based on your starting salary. Depending on the type of job you're seeking — like CEO or VP of Somethingorother — working with a recruiter is often the only way to go.

Zach Brown, a senior sourcing recruiter for David Brown International, details a few of the benefits of using a recruiter.

"A skilled recruiter can leverage their network and industry connections to get your resume and portfolio in front of employers in your field that are looking for top talent," he explains. "Going this route will get you exposure with the right companies without having to post your resume everywhere for all to see. Look for an established recruiter that specializes in your career field and has worked with the types of organizations that you are interested in working for."

7. Keep Your Search Quiet, Especially on Social Media

As a professional, you should be mindful of what you're posting to social media, in general — no more drama! – but you should particularly be conscious to keep your job search updates off Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other sites. Even if you're not connected to your boss or coworkers online, what you post has a mysterious way of popping up in places you don't want it to be seen — security settings, be damned.

8. Don't Use Anyone at Your Current Job as a Reference

If you don't want to raise a red flag that you're looking for a new job, WHY would you use one of your coworkers as a reference? Surely you have three other people with whom you're not currently working who can vouch for you, no?

9. Search for Your New Job on Your Own Time and Equipment

And, finally, don't be sketchy and use company time to search for a position with another company. That's not only dumb, but also disloyal and rude. Use your own computer and other resources on your own time. Get caught and you're likely to get fired on the spot. The only silver lining is that it will seriously speed up your job search. You don't want it to go down like that.

Palmer says, "You should never put your work email or work phone number on your resume. Also, you should use a personal email address that sounds professional — i.e., ralph.smith@[emailservice].com, not wonderboy@[emailservice].com — and list your cell phone number so that communication with potential employers will remain private. In addition, you should use your computer at home to send emails to hiring managers. Using the computer at work is risky since many companies monitor their employees' computer use."

Do you have tips on how employees can search for a new job without raising a red flag? Let me know in the comments below.

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

6 Skills That Helped Your Boss Get Ahead

Sarah Winfrey — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 17:00:11 +0000

Do you ever look at your boss and wish you had his or her job? Or maybe you wonder how in the world they got to where they are, given the fact that you are struggling with your own position.

The fact of the matter is, somehow your boss got ahead. They stood out from the rest. Here are some of the skills that helped them land that big promotion — and that can help you, too!

1. Cut the Negativity

No one likes being around someone who is always negative. It's hard, and eventually you either get dragged into their negativity, or you have to put distance between the negative person and yourself. So don't be that person!

Yes, every workplace probably has something to be negative about. Maybe it's a rough time of year, or you're currently being asked to do someone else's job on top of your own. But keep the negativity to yourself.

Being negative drags everyone down, and companies don't promote people who are going to make teamwork harder. When your boss got promoted, it's likely that he or she was known for being positive or, at least, for keeping negative comments in. Do the same if you want to get ahead.

2. Line Up the Right Support

Most of us can't be the lone wolf at work. We need some sort of support to be able to do our jobs successfully. When we aren't getting that, we won't perform as well and, therefore, will be less likely to get ahead.

In today's work environment, it often falls to the individual to find the support he or she needs to get the job done. Be proactive and ask your boss for a meeting. Go over expectations, especially if you feel like these aren't clear. Ask your boss how they prefer to manage and work from there. For instance, a boss who prefers weekly check-in meetings may be willing to let you have two weeks between meetings, especially if you've proven yourself trustworthy and can show how the extra time would help you do your job better.

Getting the support they need is something your boss most likely excels at, and one of the skills they used to do their job well enough to get ahead. Figure out what you need in order to exceed expectations and ask for it.

3. Take on Challenges

Taking on something that is new, different, or difficult is scary, especially when you feel like your livelihood may depend on it. However, being willing to take on a challenge, being the person who steps forward and says "I'll do it!" makes a huge difference when it comes to getting ahead.

Think about it this way: When you are considering who you want to lead something, do you want a person in charge who isn't daunted, who can outthink and outmaneuver obstacles, or do you want someone who is afraid, stuck in an old way of doing things, and who can't think outside the box? Most of us want the first kind of person.

Even if your boss seems stuck in her ways now, it's likely she was once willing to innovate and take risks. Be the person who steps up to the challenge, and you can be the one who gets ahead, too.

4. Understand the Current Goals

If you want to get ahead, make sure you understand your organization's current goals and how your job fits into those. See your work as part of the whole and make sure you are doing your best to make the whole function well.

It's easy to get lost in the details of your job and to forget about the role you are playing in the overall company. It's also easy to misunderstand where your company is currently focused. For instance, you may think that your company is trying to land new accounts, when the current focus is actually on giving existing clients a better experience.

Most people who get ahead in a company do so because someone thinks they will be able to help the company achieve their current goals. You boss probably focused on these when he was working to get ahead, and doing the same should help you, too.

5. Take Responsibility for Your Mistakes

It may seem counterintuitive to think that owning your mistakes will help you get ahead. However, taking full responsibility for yourself and your actions generates trust, and so it helps you build stronger relationships with both your coworkers and your clients/customers.

Before you can take responsibility for any errors, you need to know your own role. Make sure you really know it, inside and out, so that you can honestly tell someone whether a mistake was yours or whether it occurred elsewhere. If you did make a mistake, be sure to apologize and, if necessary, change the way you do things so that it doesn't happen again.

Most managers have, at some point in their career, demonstrated their ability to own their role, including any mistakes that are made. If it helped your boss get to where she is today, it can help you get ahead, too.

6. Find the Right Communication Style

Different people communicate in different ways. We use different words, different tones, and even different body language when we talk to one another. When you use your boss's communication style, you are more likely to get ahead because you'll be more likely to persuade him of the points you try to make and because he will see you as compatible with the overall company.

Before you do this, you have to determine how your boss communicates. Listen to the words he says, whether he speaks quietly or loudly, quickly or slowly, and how he uses his hands, face, and body when he is speaking. Then try to do some of these same things when you are communicating with him and with your team.

Matching communication styles probably helped your boss get ahead, and working to do it will help you, too. Don't worry about being false, because the ideas you want to communicate will be the same as they would be if you were using your natural communication style.

How are you trying to get ahead at work? Is it helping you?

This article is from Sarah Winfrey of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 8 Worst Things Good Employees Do

Mikey Rox — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 10:00:12 +0000

Most of us like to think of ourselves as good employees. We show up for work on time, do our jobs to the best of our abilities, are team players, and put in more than enough hours. But, even good employees can commit career sins — and most of the time we don't even know we're doing it. (See also: 12 Reasons You Deserve to Get Fired)

Read on to learn the eight worst things good employees do.

1. Buckle Under Pressure

Some jobs are super high stress — and that can take a toll on an employee after an extended period of time. But as a professional, it's your duty to take these situations in stride and weather the storm to the best of your ability. The last thing you want to do is send the impression that you're just not cut out for your position.

"There are times when the environment of the workplace, company culture, or pressure from coworkers, peers, and upper management may influence [good employees] to act outside of their normal behavioral pattern," says Michael Lan, senior resume consultant at Resume Writer Direct. "Being pressured to meet a quota within a certain deadline, or accomplishing a number of set goals and tasks increases an employee's stress level. Some employees will consequentially buckle under this pressure and make questionable or 'bad' decisions in order to keep up with demands."

You should always strive to handle yourself with poise, but if you think your work demands are consistently unreasonable, schedule a meeting with your boss to discuss.

2. Make Too Many Excuses or Apologize Too Much

"Over-justifying or over-communicating why something isn't ready is a horrible habit I've seen employees fall into," explains Michelle Brammer, marketing manager for eZanga. "When employees over-justify or give too much communication as to why a task isn't complete, I'm left questioning their judgment or dedication to their job."

As a result, Brammer says, the barrage of apologies may come off like you can't manage multiple tasks or responsibilities — and that's never a good look. Instead, simply reaffirm your commitment to completing the over-due task ASAP and deliver. If there's something meaningful preventing you from timely completion, by all means do discuss it with your boss.

3. Blend Into the Crowd

Know what happens to the rank-and-file? They get lost in a sea of nobodies just doing their jobs. Is that who you want to be? Let's hope not.

"Between being a showy braggart and muffling your hard work, there's a comfortable middle road that you must find in order to claim the benefits of your labor," offers Constance Dunn, communication and manners expert and author of Practical Glamour: Presenting Your Most Beautiful & Polished Self. "Otherwise, you might find yourself plodding about in the same role, year after year, while others — perhaps less talented others — sprint ahead with promotions and raises."

In an effort to avoid this trap, Dunn suggests making it your business to socially congregate with co-workers, even if it's standing around the coffee machine or going for a coffee run with the pack.

"Don't wait for them to ask you what you're working on; go ahead and offer interesting tidbits about your current projects in a conversational way," she says. "This is one strategy to increase your visibility and communicate your competency in the workplace."

4. Rest on Their Laurels

Becoming a sheep is one thing, but giving up on career advancement altogether is a whole other ballgame — and one in which you ought not be participating. You don't want to be just a good employee; you should get up every morning to be the best employee. That's the only way you'll see the kind of promotion you dream of — but you have to work for it.

"The worst things good employees do is to not tactfully push to advance their careers," says David T. Waring, editor of FitSmallBusiness. "Often times good employees trust that good work will be rewarded automatically. Especially in larger companies, this is not always the case, and often times it's the squeaky wheel that gets the grease. While good employees do not want to turn into whiners, making sure that you keep yourself top of mind with those that have the power to advance your career is simply good business."

5. Allow a Lack of Self-Confidence to Hinder Success

Ever had an idea in a meeting, but were too afraid to lay it out there for fear of sounding stupid or getting that condescending "Really?" look from the boss? I have, so I feel your pain. But keeping mum on a creative or productive idea is never going to help your cause — ever.

Jason M. Schulz, benefits consultant and retired U.S. Army Captain, agrees.

"[Some employees are] afraid to speak up when appropriate to do so for fear that they will be ostracized, but then complain later around the water cooler," he says. "Truth is, most of those employees that think their idea is great when they hear it at the water cooler, really want them to voice their opinion when asked by the boss. And managers aren't just asking for ideas for their health; they genuinely want to see things from the workers' perspective."

6. Micromanage

I quit a job because I was being micromanaged; it's bad news for a control freak like me (who also has a tendency to micromanage; I'll admit it). The people with whom you work don't like it either — trust me. So if you have a propensity to be this kind of pest — yes, I said a pest — stop it immediately.

John J. Brady, executive director and principal of Protem Partners, reminds us that if you can't identify the micromanager in the office, it might just be you.

"Most micromanagers do not realize that this label applies to them. They get great feedback as they hold themselves and members of their team to a very high level," he says. "The problem is, they fear anything less than perfection will hurt their hard-earned credibility, and their very image of perfection gets distorted such that they fail to see the inefficiencies they create and, in most cases, the errors they create by sending a message that only they are competent. Dysfunction and burnout are the usual results."

7. Work More Than They Contribute

Brady also details the fine line between working and contributing — two very different things — that could be holding you back.

"Many employees feel insecure about their station at work and, as such, never take vacations, send emails at crazy hours and, in an effort to make sure their commitment is known, talk about it [incessantly]," he says. "Every major study shows that quality and productivity falls after a certain number of hours and without proper breaks from work. The result is that they do good work instead of great work, and they come off as a martyr to management and to colleagues. It doesn't help their career, let alone anyone else's, and isolation is a frequent result."

The takeaway? Relax, boo, you got this. Strive for success, but not too hard, and enjoy a day (maybe a week even) to yourself once in a while.

8. Fail to Think About the Boss's Objectives

Most of us are so busy at work concentrating on our own tasks that we don't give a second thought to what may be on other people's plates, particularly the boss's. It's in your best interest to squash this bad habit today.

"Many excellent employees get nothing but stellar feedback, but wonder why they never get promoted," Brady explains. "At a minimum, you need to think about the business from at least one level up, and then frame your work to fit that set of objectives. Doing a great job at one level doesn't lead management to presume you could excel at the next level, unless you are consistently showing that you know how your current work fits into a larger framework."

Something to consider the next time you're up for review.

Are any of these habits yours? Or are there other worst things you've seen your good coworkers do?

This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Best Money Tips: How to Ask Your Boss for a Raise

Ashley Jacobs — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:00:31 +0000

Welcome to Wise Bread's Best Money Tips Roundup! Today we found some stellar articles on how to ask your boss for a raise, frugal ways to move, and getting the best price when selling back textbooks.

4 Ways to Bug Your Boss for More Money – and Get It!

Linsey Knerl — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:00:08 +0000

Everyone knows we're in a recession, but let's face it: You may deserve to get paid much more than what you're getting now! Before you blow off the idea that your work is worth a bump in the pay scale, check out these four clever tips for putting in a good word about your worth. (See also: Underpaid? Here's How to Fix It.)

Wrangle References

This is an area where having an effective networking style can really pay off. Asking your current customers, co-workers, and colleagues for a few kind words about your performance isn't just useful during a hunt for new work. It can be a powerful tool in moving up your current career ladder, as well. You don't have to be transparent in your reason for asking; a simple "Would you mind sending an email with your thoughts on our working relationship?" will do. Save the best in a file to arm yourself with at your next performance review or compensation discussion.

Research Rates

Some companies are large enough to set their own industry rates — and get them. Others are completely oblivious to what someone in your position should be making. If you've caught wind that your job tasks are on par for the course of a higher-ranking (and higher-paying) position, bring this up to your boss. Explain that you realize that they may not have the cash to pay the going rate for someone with your expertise, but would they meet you halfway?

Value Added

Often, it's not about what they hire you to do that matters. If you are especially well-connected, possess a task or skill that puts you at a unique advantage, or have a willingness to perform beyond your peers (24/7 availability, maybe?), it's something that you should be paid well for. Demand that you get compensated for this value by letting management know how much they are getting!

Show Them the Money

For many companies, it's really just about dollars and cents. Did you save the company $X over last year? Would a process you helped to develop bring in extra money over time? What's the bottom line of your individual worth to the company? If it's well over what they are paying you, now's the time to document and sell your potential return on investment (ROI) with examples of how you can continue to grow in value.

Once you've gotten the OK to discuss a pay raise with your boss (in the form of a performance review or other scheduled meeting), come prepared with facts for each of the four methods above, and be sure that there are no outside distractions that could derail your attempts. Be confident, make positive forward-thinking statements, and never apologize for your request for more cash. Remember, you're worth it — now it's time that your boss knew, too!

This article is from Linsey Knerl of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

10 Important Signs That Your Job Sucks

Troy Hadley — Wed, 02 May 2007 01:18:57 +0000

I appreciated Sarah's post today about determining the positive aspects of a work environment. You should read that post before you read this one.

As someone who has had to make the decision to leave more than one lousy job, here's my counterpoint top 10: how to know when to leave. I don't take the decision to quit lightly, and I don't think anyone should. See if the problems can be fixed first.

Some of my advice here involves big ideas (Ask for a raise!) that should not be undertaken lightly. Research tactics first before acting.

1. You dread coming to work in the morning.

You wake up and want to cry yourself back to sleep. This ONLY happens on the days you work, and didn't happen with other jobs you've held.

Fix?: Ask yourself if there was anything else that you could be doing at the same company that wouldn't suck so much. Staying with one company can be good for your career, but sometimes you need to change responsibilities to alleviate boredom.

2. You are putting lots of energy into the job, but not making the kind of project and/or overall progress that you feel is reasonable.

Fix?: Ask yourself if you are putting energy into the right areas. Are you spending all of your time arranging meetings and conference calls and not able to put your all into the actual work? Unless you are a project manager, arranging people-to-people face time can take up lot precious work time. Can someone else handle that for you? If your company can't provide reasonable support, you might want to look for one that can.

3. You are putting no energy into the job because doing so makes you want to stab your eyes out with a sharpened number 2 pencil.

Fix?: Put down the pencil. If you hate the job with the passion of a thousand burning suns, ask yourself why, honestly answer yourself, and find a job in which the same problem can not occur.

4. Your lunch break is spent bitching to your coworkers about how much you hate being where you are.

This is a really bad sign, even if you are being goaded into disliking the work even more by listening to other department's woes.

Fix?: Stop bitching to your coworkers. Change the subject, talk about positive things. Listen to people, but give NOTHING away, especially when it comes to criticizing your boss or peers. Word gets around. Shut yer trap.

5. Your boss irrationally hates you.

This happens sometimes - some people feel that their bosses hate them when their bosses are merely being, you know, bossy.

My first job straight out of college was for a company that did a lot of field sales and merchandising. It so happened that the head of my department was out on maternity leave when I was hired. I was in charge of managing dozens of sales accounts from around the country. The system that was in place was really archaic, and I was working weekends just to keep up with the demands of the sales people.

When the department head returned to work after about 3 months, I could tell from the second we met that she had it in for me. Nothing I did was right, no amount of work was enough. While receiving rave reviews from coworkers and other supervisors, I could tell that this particular boss was going to wear them down with her constant complaining about my work.

I gave my two weeks notice 48 hours after she returned to work, paving the way for her to hire her nephew for my position. She was elated. Such is life.

Fix?: Politely quit, or if you have the time, let them fire you and sue the pants off of them.

6. You've bounced laterally around the company for years without a promotion.

Fix?: Have you gained any skills during your career mambo around the corporation? Think about it - do you really bring valuable skills to the table? Are you unfairly being denied a promotion, or do you work for an industry (government, civil service) in which it's damn near impossible to fire you? If you think you're worth it, you often have to ask for a promotion. Make a list of everything that you have done to make your workplace better. If it's not much of a list, put your nose to the grindstone.

7. You're not being given what you were promised.

When you first started working, did they tell you that they had an educational fund for employees that seems to have disappeared? Did that 401K never materialize? Are other employees sensing that they were sold a fantasy job, too? During the dotcom boom, it was really common for companies to more or less offer to pay for your MBA as long as you kept working with them - then they blew their cash on limo trips to the vineyards and off-site gatherings for the sales team in Vail.

Fix?: If you had a goal in mind for this job, but the job is keeping you from the goal, consider finding something better. If you can achieve the goals on your own, such as taking night classes to earn that extra degree or certificate, then do it on your own and find a better job with your newfound skills.

8. You've slept with one, or more, of your coworkers and things ended badly.

First of all, don't do this. But if you do, get out while the gettin's good.

Fix?: Apologize if you can. Try to set things right if you've wronged them.

9. There's this exiled Nigerian businessman's widow who's wiring you a bunch of money, and you get to keep a few hundred thousand.

Seriously, you should quit your job and move to Canada if this happens.

10. You're making the same amount of money that you were when you first started working for the company. Five years ago.

Fix?: Ask for a raise. Even if you are doing the same work, as long as you are a valuable employee, you should be eligible for some kind of raise.

11. You've just found a better deal.

Better pay is nice, but really fun jobs don't always pay well. The high-paying jobs are often the most tedious, so money alone isn't everything. My buddy Richard finally left his little non-profit job because he wanted to make some real money, but it was an all-around good decision. And I mean, for everyone. Richard wanted to be the manager of his team, and his team hated his pushy leadership style. So finding another position was a win-win - he gets more money and more leadership potential, and his old team can breathe a sigh of relief and go back to smoking pot on their lunch breaks.

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This article is from Troy Hadley of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How to Get Fired

Andrea Karim — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 14:59:29 +0000

In honor of the recent end of my employment, I thought I'd find some good tips on how to... well, to end your employment! Here are some of my favorites from around the interwebs:

Arrive late for work. Being on time is for wimps. Drag yourself out of bed whenever you feel like it. Stop to run an errand on your way to the office.

Don't forget the coffee. No not for your boss -- for yourself! You're already late so why not stop for a cup of coffee on the way to work?

Don't forget to get a muffin or a roll too (crumbs on your tie look really good).

Eat at your desk. I mean your coffee and roll, not your lunch silly. Why would you want to work through lunch anyway? And take your time — you're in no hurry to start working.

Take a long lunch. An hour for lunch? Are they nuts? That can't possibly be enough time to get together with an old friend and run a few more errands.

Have a drink. What's lunch without a couple of beers? It'll relax you. So what if you smell like a brewery?

Make personal phone calls. If you can't make your phone calls from the office, when else will you find the time? Don't make those calls short and sweet -- chat away.

Whenever a co-worker asks if you want coffee, say, "No thanks, it doesn't mix well with thorazine."

Bring several large mason jars to work and fill them part way with water and yellow food coloring; display them conspicuously around your work space. Tell anyone who asks about them that you are just taking part in an efficiency study that your boss came up with to cut down on the time employees spend away from their desks.

Tell your boss that you intend to spread out your vacation time by taking off one minute out of every 25. Spend all your time 'planning' your vacations.

Secretly replace the coffee your boss usually drinks with new Folger's Crystals.

Keep a tally of what your boss wears on 'casual' Friday. when you see a pattern develop, distribute the tally to co-workers and start a weekly pool.

Dress like a pirate for the office halloween party. Dress like a pirate every other day of the year as well.

Set everyone's desk and PC clock ahead one hour and go home early.

Some more good firing stories to be found here.

Forbes actually has some really helpful information on how to negotiate a decent severance package here. It's actually aimed at women, because much like negotiating a good salary, women aren't always that good at negotiating their golden parachute.

Who knew?

The best way to get fired like a man is to get hired like one. That means knowing the market value of the position so that you can position yourself from the start. Packing your parachute entails negotiating the best severance package possible. This should happen as salary and benefits are negotiated too, ideally before you even take the job.

(Picture by mozzercork)

This article is from Andrea Karim of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: