How do you know if you work for a Slave Driver? Easy – he’s the boss who likes to schedule meetings on a Saturday afternoon, who wants to review your memo at 7:00 am on a Monday morning, and doesn’t seem to bat an eye about calling you on your vacation to discuss an upcoming project. Hard working? Sure, but the Slave Driver takes it to a scary new level, where it seems there is little else that matters more to him than work...

If you work for a Slave Driver, you’ve got to master the art of saying ‘no’ the boss…without saying ‘no.’ Here are a few tips, smoothie:Let your boss know how much you care about getting the job done – and how much you value working “smart” – instead of just working “hard.” Try: “John, I’ve noticed how much extra time we put in on weekends and evenings to get the job done. Would you be open to having me come up with a few a...

We’ve been told to be assertive, and ask for what we want – but do we cross the line when it comes to our careers? As a former fundraiser, I was taught to ask for the money – we can’t expect people to read our minds or to hand over their checkbooks. And, I’ve seen enough ‘Oprah’ by now to know that, no, I can’t expect my husband to know that, yes, I really did want to get a huge bouquet of flowers for Valentine’s Day, not...

It’s review time at the office and your boss has asked you to complete a self-assessment – those forms that ask you to rate yourself on your own work performance. Here’s where you’re going to have to walk the gauntlet like never before. After all, you’re being asked to step back and consider how your work on the product launch, or office reorg, “exceeded” or “met” expectations (or, God forbid, only met the “minimum” requi...

If 2010 is going to be your year, then get serious about fixing bad career and workplace habits that are dragging you down. Here are a few to think about: Bad Career Habit #1: Not Networking Let’s agree on one point – most of us would rather pull out our eyelashes than network. If you’re a networking champ, then skip this paragraph. Otherwise, consider the fact that one of the reasons you may avoid networking is simply...

Here’s a workplace rule we all know, but sometimes forget: Don’t Assume They’ll Just Tell You That There’s a Problem.Whenever I deliver any kind of seminar, whether it’s about communication, business etiquette, or anything else for that matter, there are always a couple of cranky folks in the audience who provide the same feedback: “I don’t need this! I’m fine! I would never show up to work wearing or doing anything unprofe...

As the economy starts to slowly get back on its feet, companies are also slowly starting to rehire. You loved your old job and would like nothing more than to be rehired by your former employer. How to get back on the short list when your company starts hiring again? Here are a few ideas to consider: Here’s the good news: You’re well-positioned to be a top contender for a shot back in the door at your former employer. Af...

When I work with my individual coaching clients, I like to bring a little bit of Broadway into the mix. Partially this is because I know the words to way too many showtunes, but mainly it’s because I believe in the concept - and action - of rehearsal. After all, practice - especially when it’s focused and targeted - makes perfect.When it comes to your career, whether you’re looking for work or want to make more out of th...

At a doctor’s appointment for my son, I was struck by a comment his terrific pediatrician made to me during our visit a few years ago. When I mentioned that my son “wouldn’t” eat some sort of vegetable I was trying to push on him at the time, the doctor gently said, “Remember, you’re in charge.” That comment stopped me in my tracks: Oh yeah…I was the mom…and my then six-month old son didn’t know a vegetable from a violin....

I. Do the math first. Getting an MBA, for instance, can impact your future earning potential (and expand your skill set and network), but crunch some numbers before you consider applying. After all, not all grad schools are created equal, and an advanced degree doesn’t guarantee the big bucks or juicy job offers - just ask those MBAers who are graduating this May. Bottom line: Tough economy or not, going to grad school isn’...