Ask a Manager

By iHeartPodcasts and Alison Green

Need expert advice on handling workplace dilemmas and dramas? Alison Green, founder of the popular website AskAManager.org, is here to help you resolve your toughest, most frustrating, or just plain weirdest work predicaments. Each week, she takes calls and talks directly with listeners about how to successfully tackle clueless coworkers, toxic bosses, impossible employees, crazy clients, and much more. Learn more at AskAManager.org and subscribe now!

Episodes

My employee lied about a reference

An employee who lied to get a reference, avoiding hugs, and lots more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27/03/19•28m 20s

How to say no to your boss

Contrary to popular belief, you CAN say no to your boss -- as long as you do it the right way. Alison walks you through how to do it, what to say, and what not to say. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20/03/19•25m 13s

Help! I work for a micromanager

Is there a way to get a micromanaging boss to back off? Maybe. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13/03/19•33m 25s

I saw an email I wasn’t supposed to see

The hazards of having access to your boss's email, touchy-feely coworkers, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06/03/19•31m 6s

Tone in Job Interviews

The power dynamics in job interviews can make job seekers overly deferential. Don't do it! Today we talk about nailing your tone in an interview. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27/02/19•28m 36s

My coworkers overshare -- and it gets really personal!

Coworkers who tell you way more than you want to hear, references you didn't offer, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20/02/19•28m 2s

My coworker is unbearably negative

Being around negative people who complain all the time can be exhausting, especially when they're a coworker and you're trapped in the office with them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

13/02/19•27m 23s

My coworkers say my boss is in love with me

Addressing problematic gossip from coworkers, negotiating salary when you get a written offer, a boss who freaks out when you're a few minutes late, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

06/02/19•27m 30s

How can I be a good manager?

Being a good manager is hard, and managers often don’t get a lot of guidance. Our guest is a new-ish manager who wants to make sure she’s doing a good job. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

30/01/19•34m 33s

What's Wrong With Being Chilly at Work?

Why should you have to be social with coworkers, managing two employees when one is much stronger than the other, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23/01/19•26m 50s

We're All Awkward Creatures

Alison talks with awkwardness expert Melissa Dahl about the things that make us cringe. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16/01/19•25m 21s

I Don't Want to Become the Office Secretary

When you're getting stuck with all the menial work, a rambling boss, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

09/01/19•24m 52s

How Do I Start a New Job on the Right Foot?

Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking and awkward. Here's everything you need to know about being the new person. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02/01/19•33m 23s

Where Are They Now? Updates from Past Callers

Questions about office holiday parties and gift-giving, and stories of times that office holiday celebrations went terribly wrong. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26/12/18•27m 10s

Holiday Mayhem at Work

19/12/18•29m 42s

Will I Ever Find a Job I Like?

Will you ever find a job you like, what to do when you're asked to report on your boss, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/12/18•29m 47s

The Weird World of Interviewing Teenagers

The principles that you use when you’re hiring adults don’t always work when you’re talking to teenagers. Alison talks with a summer camp owner who hires lots of teens about how interviewing teens is a whole different world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05/12/18•25m 21s

I'm the Boss and I Messed Up

Recovering from a mistake as the boss, letting an employee change their mind about quitting, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28/11/18•26m 11s

How to Cope with a Work Problem You Can't Change

When you're stuck in a difficult situation at work and you don't have the power to change it, how do you hold on to your sanity? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21/11/18•24m 38s

Do You Have to Be a Jerk to Succeed at Work?

Do you have to be a self-interested jerk to succeed at work, what you're supposed to talk about in one-on-ones, and more Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19/11/18•25m 43s

Your Office is Filthy (with Jolie Kerr)

Jolie Kerr, of Ask a Clean Person, joins us to talk about cleaning at work: How much clutter in your office is too much? Why is the office microwave so gross? And much more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14/11/18•39m 32s

My Coworker Gets Away with Everything

Dealing with a coworker who can do whatever she wants, leaving a career you love, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/11/18•25m 55s

My Team is Overworked - and I'm the Boss

You're a manager and your team is working way too much -- how can you get their overwork under control? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

07/11/18•36m 6s

My Boss Uses an Offensive Slur

A boss who uses an offensive slur, juggling job offers, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05/11/18•24m 21s

When Work Gets Spooky

A special Halloween episode, where we talk about Halloween in the office – and hear from callers who have had spooky experiences at work. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

31/10/18•25m 43s

My Boss is Burning Out

How to stop a boss from burning out, an employee who goes over your head, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29/10/18•29m 48s

My New Job Isn't What I Signed Up For

If your new job turns out to be different from what you thought you’d be doing, is there any saving the situation? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24/10/18•24m 49s

Toilet Trouble

Dealing with the office non-flusher, personality tests in hiring, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22/10/18•24m 32s

My Boss is a Jerk to Me

If your boss is horrible to you -- but only you -- is there any way to fix it? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17/10/18•34m 2s

I'm Drowning in Too Much Work

What to do if you're overworked, weird comments on weight loss, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15/10/18•25m 36s

People Say My Tone Sounds Mean

Getting your tone right makes a huge difference in how you come across to people. Today’s guest is worried that her tone at work sounds too confrontational and is making people feel defensive. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10/10/18•31m 3s

My Coworker Sucks at Her Job

What's this? We're moving to two episodes a week. In this one, Alison tackles a bonanza of questions, including dealing with a coworker who can't do her job, an excessive apologizer, and more. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08/10/18•25m 11s

Am I the Annoying Coworker?

We've all had annoying coworkers before -- and today's guest worries she might be the culprit! We investigate. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

03/10/18•23m 40s

I Don't Have Enough Work

Not having enough work to do can be incredibly boring and can make the work day really drag. Today’s guest finds herself chronically underworked. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26/09/18•24m 22s

The Yelling Boss

What can you do if you have a boss who yells? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19/09/18•19m 3s

I'm Bad at Taking Feedback

Do you handle negative feedback poorly – get defensive, upset, or shut down? It can be hard to change your reaction, even if you want to. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12/09/18•27m 57s

I Need More Confidence at Work

A lot of us struggle with worries that we’re not good enough at our jobs – and when things go wrong, it can feel like proof of that. Plus, if you struggle with confidence, sometimes that can bleed into the way you deal with coworkers too. Here's how to handle it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05/09/18•25m 42s

How Can I Control My Emotions at Work?

Part of being professional is keeping your emotions in check – but that doesn’t mean that you magically stop having them. Our guest is worried she has a habit of emotional outbursts at work and wants to try to stop them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29/08/18•25m 23s

Evil HR Lady, Bedbugs at Work, and More

Bedbugs at work, invasive interview questions, and bosses who can't stop emailing from vacations. Suzanne Lucas of Evil HR Lady joins us to help advise. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22/08/18•36m 13s

My Assistant Keeps Mothering Me

In the market for a mom? This week's guest has an assistant who can't stop mothering her colleagues Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15/08/18•21m 58s

I'm So Burned Out at Work

If you're exhausted and overwhelmed at work, how can you tell if it's fixable or not? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

08/08/18•21m 14s

I Want More Feedback

If your boss only praises you and never gives you any constructive criticism, that's not as nice as it might sound at first. Here's how to get useful feedback. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01/08/18•19m 6s

I'm the Boss's Daughter

What if you’re getting direction from two different people, and they’re not always telling you the same thing? And what if one of those people just happens to be your dad? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25/07/18•22m 49s

The Talkative Intern

If your intern rambles on and on, is there a kind way to rein her in? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18/07/18•20m 1s

The Lazy Coworker - with Han and Matt

If you're friends with the office slacker, are you obligated to intervene? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11/07/18•30m 33s

Getting Your Tone Right as the Boss

If you're the boss, people will pay a ton of attention to your tone. Here's how to get it right. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04/07/18•21m 50s

The Angry Coworker

What should you do when your coworker is angry, disruptive, and a little scary, and your employer isn't acting? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27/06/18•21m 44s

The Clingy Coworker

It can be awkward when a coworker you’ve become friends with wants a more intense friendship than you do. Our guest this week has a coworker who’s a little too clingy for her. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20/06/18•22m 20s

Am I Showing Off at Work?

This week's guest wants to show off at work, and is trying to figure out why and how to keep it under control. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

01/05/18•17m 12s

How to Get Your Tone Right in Tricky Work Conversations

Tone really matters when you're raising something awkward or tricky. This episode has a bunch of examples of how to get your tone right. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25/04/18•12m 44s

What Should Salary Negotiation Sound Like?

What do you say when negotiating salary, and what should your tone be? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18/04/18•18m 9s

Am I a Mansplainer?

After I asked for volunteers, a man who worries that he might be a mansplainer was brave enough to come on the show and talk about it. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11/04/18•17m 18s

Behind the Scenes with Captain Awkward

In episode 7 of the show, I talked with Jennifer Peepas of the Captain Awkward advice column. Here's some of our conversation that didn't make it into the show. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

05/04/18•5m 38s

The Maligned Coworker - with Captain Awkward

You thought you were helping an unfairly maligned coworker ... but the situation wasn't what it seemed. Featuring Jennifer Peepas of the Captain Awkward blog! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

04/04/18•16m 59s

Do I Like Bad Bosses?

If you like managers who your peers dislike, what does that say about you? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28/03/18•15m 20s

Happiness and Work - with Gretchen Rubin

Best-selling author Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project and The 4 Tendencies joins us to talk about how to be happier at work. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21/03/18•20m 38s