Q: Some of my co-workers have been spreading false gossip about me. I’m aware of what’s happening, and highly upset about it. However, I’m trying to maintain my professional demeanor and not openly confront them in the office. I don’t have any tangible proof of this, and also fear retaliation.
A: Dear “GossipVictim”,
This reminds me of one instance when I had to suffer through this as well. I never confronted those who spread false gossip about me, and ended up regretting it afterwards. Yet, hindsight being 20/20, I’m glad I kept my professional attitude and demeanor throughout the whole ordeal.
Unlike I did, don’t feel like you have to take it laying down. You can address toxic situations at work while still keeping your professionalism intact. You can also confront co-workers (and even bosses) in a very professional manner that will earn you more respect than you think.
I would first address it in a very informal, yet decisive way, by sharing with these co-workers what you’ve heard is being said about you. Casually ask them if they would know the origin of these lies, and not to believe them if they ever heard them. This will help making them understand, in an understated yet still professional manner, that you’re aware of the rampant rumors in the office.
Most likely, they will not confess to spreading these rumors. If the conversation escalates and you’re met with blatant hostility, do not push the issue. Instead, politely excuse yourself and walk away.
If the situation becomes so unbearable and the rumors keep worsening, consider talking to your manager about it. However, avoid direct accusations and finger pointing, as it’s counter-productive. As a very last resort, consider talking to Human Resources.
Wear to Work: Striped Poplin Twist Top – Photo credit: anntaylor.com
Our Wear to Work feature presents various pieces of workwear at different price ranges and sizes.
We always need an easy, crisp poplin top for work we can pull out at any moment, like this striped poplin twist front top from Ann Taylor. I love the flattering twist on the front that adds a modern touch to an otherwise chic and classic top. The fresh stripes are perfect for summer, while the jewel neck and short sleeves keep it fun and practical.
This top is a must-have in any wardrobe, and can be easily paired with your favorite pencil skirt, slacks, or jeans. It’s currently priced at $69.50 at Ann Taylor.
What pieces of workwear would you like us to feature? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
This post contains affiliate links and The Corporate Sister may earn commissions for purchases through links in this post. Thank you!
Our Coffee Break features answers to everyday work-related questions (otherwise known as watercooler/coffee break talk)! Send us your questions at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
Q: I have a side hustle that I love. I want to start promoting it at work to my colleagues and friends. Is it OK or am I crossing some ethical/human resources line here?
A:Dear “Side Hustler”,
This is such an important question these days. As an ex-side hustler, I know so many employees have side hustles nowadays. It’s virtually close to impossible to avoid talking about them at work. It’s challenging not to tell your co-workers about this great beauty product, health and wellness find, or whatever it is that you’re promoting.
In many workplaces, it’s more than acceptable, and is done company-wide. It’s also usually non-invasive and harmless. From selling your daughter’s Girl Scout cookies, your children’s fundraiser items, or collecting donations for a charity walk, selling or soliciting in the workplace usually doesn’t need to be addressed.
However, certain workplaces have strict policies to limit selling or soliciting during work time. You may want to check if your company does fall under this category. If so, make sure to clearly understand what is allowed and what is not. Yet, most policies do not cover lunch time or breaks, and you may be able to use these to promote your side hustle in this instance.
Wear to Work: Seersucker Skirt Suit – Photo credit: macys.com
Our Wear to Work feature presents various pieces of workwear at different price ranges and sizes.
A well-tailored, flattering suit is a must-have in any corporate wardrobe. I especially like this LeSuit seersucker skirt suit from Macy’s, with eye-catching details such as a curved shawl collar and slimming piped princess seams.
The pencil skirt hits right above the knee, for a streamlined and professional silhouette. Overall, this is a great pick for the office and after-hours, and it’s also got great reviews. The best part? It’s on sale for $59.99 (down from $200) at Macy’s.
What pieces of workwear would you like us to feature? Email us at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
This post contains affiliate links and The Corporate Sister may earn commissions for purchases through links in this post. Thank you!
Our Coffee Break features answers to everyday work-related questions (otherwise known as watercooler/coffee break talk)! Send us your questions at corporate@thecorporatesister.com!
Q: My co-worker is incredibly loud! She talks on the phone most of the day, and the volume of her conversations beats anything I may be listening to. When she’s not talking on the phone, she’s interacting with other co-workers in the same loud manner. I can’t focus because of the noise, and I don’t know how to address it.
A:Dear “Noise Survivor”,
I hear you! Having a co-worker who’s incredibly loud can prevent you from concentrating on your own work, or even aligning two thoughts in a row for that matter! I had a similar experience, and felt like I personally knew this co-worker’s entire life and work! If you’re no longer able to sustain this environment, consider approaching her in a nice and diplomatic way first! Gently hint at the fact that the office can be so loud that it’s hard to focus and get anything done. Hopefully, she gets the hint!
If she doesn’t and continue to act in the same way, consider politely asking her if she could keep the volume of her conversations down. Cite privacy reasons first, and make it seem like you’re trying to help her protect her personal information.
If she still doesn’t get it and keeps behaving in the same manner, talk to your manager about it and discuss possible ways to approach the issue. As a last resort, consider getting Human Resources involved, but not until you’ve exhausted all possibilities.
Our Wear to Work feature presents various pieces of workwear at different price ranges and sizes.
A sleek sheath dress is always in style, in and out of the office. This Eliza J Ruffle Sleeve Sheath Dress combines a playful edge with a winning classic look. The fitted waistline is flattering on all shapes, while the ruffle sleeves help balance the whole look for a lean silhouette. It’s available at Nordstrom in black and cobalt, and has great reviews! It’s $148 at Nordstrom.
Career transitions are hard. It’s not easy changing jobs, being relocated or jumping into a new career. It’s especially true when it affects our work. Considering we spend the majority of our time at work, change in our careers can be destabilizing.
Career transitions have always been challenging for me. I get attached to people and places. As a result, moving to a different job or career always takes a toll on me. Yet, I’ve come to understand that without career transitions, there is no career growth.
The reason why so many of us avoid career transitions is because we’re afraid of change. As a result, we stay stuck in jobs we hate, spending our precious time and energy on careers we loathe. We’re too afraid to go for the next job or take a leap of faith into the unknown.
Here are seven of the most prevalent myths that keep us away from career transitions, and keep us tuck:
Career transitions are too hard.
The #1 myth around career transitions is that they’re too difficult. We think it’s going to require too much time and energy to start at the bottom in a new career. Or to look for and get a different job. Or even to ask for that rise or promotion.
Yes, there is a level of effort and discomfort involved in undergoing any transition. Yet, the ROI on your effort might very well be rewarded with significant career advancement. Or you may just remain where you are, stuck…
What to do: Make peace with the fact that you may have to put in some work. Make a list of all the advantages that will come with your career transition. It may learning new skills, making more money, or finding fulfillment. Comparing the benefits with the costs will give you the courage to make a change.
It’s not the right time for a career transition
In between your busy schedule, the kids’ calendar and the never-ending laundry, there are not enough hours in the day. Never mind trying to go through a career transition of any kind…
Life only gets busier as we go. There will never really be a right time for any type of change. The only way to know what will happen Is simply to get started.
What to do: Stop waiting and preparing to no end! Instead, start taking action towards achieving the transition you’ve been thinking about. Ask for the promotion or raise. Start looking for a job in your dream company. Start saving money to take the leap in your own business. Just start….
I don’t know the right people to make a career transition
Many of us think we have to know the right people to get ahead. When we start thinking of career transitions, we also think about who can help us. Who can help you get that interview for the new job you’ve been eyeing for months? Who can you contact to mentor you to start your own business?
When making career transitions, networking is an important skill. Not knowing the right people stops so many of us from making the career switches we need to.
What to do: Not having all the right contacts should not stop you from starting your career transition. As a matter of fact, it’s the sheer act of starting your career transition that will get you closer to the people who can help you. Make an inventory of all the people in the career, department or company you plan to transition in, and start by following them on social media. Find out about networking events they attend, or common acquaintances you may have. Leverage these events and common contacts to reach out to them and gain more information about their field of work.
I don’t have the money to make a career transition
Some career transitions can be expensive. When I decided to leave Big Corporate to start my own business, I had to make sure I had a financial cushion to support me during the shift. Moving to a different state or country to get the job of your dreams can also be costly, although your company can decide to pay for it.
Attending networking events, job searching, even improving your wardrobe can all be expenses you’ll incur when transitioning careers. Yet you should not let it stop you from finding and doing work you enjoy.
What to do: If you haven’t already, start aggressively saving! Make a budget and track all unnecessary expenses. Make an inventory of all the unneeded expenses you can save instead, and set a monthly savings objective.
What are people going to think about me?
One of the most common of our worries when effecting a career transition is people’s opinion. What will people think if you change careers? Or change jobs? Or transition to a new department or new company?
What to do: Make peace with the fact that your decisions may not please everyone. Instead, focus on your long-term vision and plans to make necessary changes. As a litmus test, simply ask yourself: “Will it matter in five years?” If the answer is no, then do not worry so much about it.
I don’t have ALL the skills required to make this career transition
Did you know that men will go for a job they’re only 60% qualified for, while women will wait to be 100% qualified to apply for the same job? Not having all the skills required for a given job or career should not prevent you from making the transition. You can always acquire new skills, and gain more knowledge and experience over time. However, some missed opportunities are hard to re-create or come by again. Don’t let the appearance of missing skills keep you from a great career transition.
What to do: Evaluate the skills you have for the job, career, or whatever transition you’re planning to make. Refrain from focusing so much on what you don’t have. Instead, leverage the formal and informal capabilities you’ve acquired over time to make the best transition possible.
What If I Fail?
The fear of failure keeps most of us from making career transitions that could otherwise be beneficial for us. Instead of planning for success, we tend to imagine all the possible negative scenarios. As a result, it keeps us from researching or even attempting any career transition at all.
What to do:Keep your eyes focused on the prize. Visualize positive outcomes, and see yourself successfully completing your career transition.
