What is something only managers know and no low-level employees are aware of? One thing that many low-level employees are often not aware is how performance evaluation, salary discussions, raises and bonus are actually decided. Most employees think their manager is the only input into their performance evaluation and salary opportunities. This is not true. Quotas Most companies have performance...

What is the difference between program, product, and project manager roles? I’ve been both a program manager and a product manager at IBM. While day to day activities tend to vary from team to team even within the same company here’s a quick overview of roles. Technical Program Manager: Responsible for driving the day to day execution of a agreed-upon...

What should I do if my manager is taking advantage of me? I’ve been working at a small firm for a few months. The owner quickly found out that my skills surpass the job, so she’s overworking me with no change in pay or title, while she works less. One thing that is working to your disadvantage is that you...

What should I do if I’m realizing being a product manager is not for me? Discovering early that you’re not doing what you enjoy (or aren’t succeeding at it) is probably a gift. Two possible situations: You know what you’d like to do (or try) next. Have a frank but humble discussion with your current manager about it. If there’s...

Hello, this is Laura Lee Rose – author of the business and time management books TimePeace: Making peace with time – The Book of Answers: 105 Career Critical Situations – and I am a business and efficiency coach that specializes in time management, project management, and work-life balance strategies. I have an employee who starts work at 7 am and...

This question came from a busy professional. How do I tell my boss I am leaving (when it seems like the company will crumble when I leave)? I admire your loyalty to your boss, but the bottom line is that it should be strictly a business and professional decision. Consider the following: No one is truly indispensable Company survived before...

This question came from a professional. If you are the boss and one of your employees calls in the morning and says that they “didn’t feel good” when they woke up that morning so they’re taking a sick day, would you accept that excuse as given or would you probe for a more detailed answer? There are some reasons to...

This question came from a job seeker. I was recently fired from a company. What things do I need for a job search? Everyone realizes the need for a resume and they may even remember to update their LinkedIn profiles and contacts. They may even meet with recruiters for assistance. But rarely to people take all the necessary steps to...

This question came from a busy business owner. What’s the simplest way to do market research? Hello, I want to sell certain electronic devices and I just want know the basics steps if I do market research before launching them. Appreciate if someone could share the best practices on how to get started doing market research. We will guide you...

This question came from a job seeker. I was recently fired from a company. My old boss just contacted me asking work-related questions. Should I respond? Absolutely. But it’s the way you respond that is critical. Answer them as a consultant, only. You want to stay professional at all time Since you were fired, you should not be speaking to...