Health & Advice

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services

 

  Q. Sometimes, in my job, I have to say things that make people mad. You often talk about how to be diplomatic with coworkers. Is there a way to deliver bad news that doesn’t annoy people?

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services

 

  Q. I have a job where the same thing never happens twice. I end up making a lot of mistakes. My boss says mistakes are just part of the learning curve, but I get so upset I shake when I realize I messed up. How can I develop more self-confidence?

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services

 

  Q. I’m the one at work no one likes. I’m the one that’s hard to get along with, yet I am always respectful and nice to everyone. I am not a gossiper. This has been going on my whole work life. Within one to two weeks of starting a new job, it feels as though whatever “test” I have been given, I failed. And anything after that is just people putting up with me because I’m very good at what I do. Any advice?

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services

 

Q. I’ve noticed a lot of people in my workplace seem to play it fast and loose with the truth. They often cover up their mistakes and play up their strengths. My coworker says this is marketing, I think it is lying. Who is right?

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services

 

 Q. I’m generally overwhelmed by the number of problems I face at work every day. I’ve been to time management classes. I know how to prioritize. I still see no way to actually fix the mountain of issues that face me every Monday morning. Is there some way not to start out behind every day I go to work?

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services

 

  Q. I work with a very smart guy who seems to make everything complicated. We often have to explain projects to customers. How do I get him to dumb it down, so we don’t lose projects, without insulting him?