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Transfers

Here are the questions filed under this category. To read Ken's advice on any item, click on the link "Read Ken's Answer."


I work in inside sales for a large retail outlet, and I like my job. The people in my area are great, and the work is pleasant. A few days ago, my manager said that one of the other departments could use me, and he asked me if I would be willing to transfer. I don't want to transfer, but I don't want to create problems if I refuse. What should I do?
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I just received word that a problem employee is going to be transferred into my department. I have a very nice group of people here, and I am concerned about the impact this individual is going to have. What steps can you suggest to help make this transition smooth?
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I work for a law firm and have to deal with a bipolar attorney who changes moods and is just plain difficult. He likes to be in control and will not let others work as a team. I have lost all respect for him. Is changing jobs the right thing to do?
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I recently transferred into another department, and the manager and some of her pals keep telling the same old stories and referring to the same old in-jokes. You would think they'd tire of this, but they don't. Is there anything I can do to fit in?
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I have been doing market research here for about a year, and one of my co-workers is assigned to be my mentor. He reviews my work and advises me. I disagreed with what he wanted me to do on a recent project, but I went along with it. It turns out that I was right and he was wrong. Should I tell this to our boss?
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There is a very popular employee in my department. She is well-liked by her fellow employees and by many of my peers in management. The problem is her work. It is often sloppy and late, and she does not seem concerned about it. I have talked to her about this, but she seems to think that she is so well-liked that nothing can happen to her. I am ready to terminate her, but I am concerned about the backlash against me. Any suggestions?
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I enjoy working for this company, and management just offered me a very good job opportunity. The problem is that it is in a different state, and I do not want to move. I have family and friends here, and I have visited the location, spent time in the office and area, and I don't want to be there. How much of a problem is it when employees reject this type of offer?
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I am a supervisor for a small manufacturing company. While I was on a trip, my lead man and a shop employee had a conflict, and this is not the first time. The lead man said the employee questions everything he says. The employee said the lead man is mean and shows no respect. I have met with them individually and separately, and we agreed to work together, but now I am at a loss for what to do.
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I supervise a new employee in my department, and she is single and so am I. We ran into each other outside of work and now we see a lot of each other. We have a good time together, and I don't feel like ending it just because the company frowns on this type of thing. Is it much of a problem if we keep our relationship quiet and keep it completely out of the workplace?
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Over the past couple of years, several employees have transferred out of my department and into others. This means I have to spend more time hiring and training new staff, and it is difficult to get departmental continuity. I am concerned that the large number of transfers could be a negative reflection on me. What do you think?
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I have an employee who is performing poorly, and it looks like I will have to terminate him. Are there any last-ditch efforts you suggest before terminating someone?
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I have to drive with a coworker for 3 hours each day, 15 hours a week. I have been forced to hear all about her dysfunctional/abusive childhood. So as an adult, she is 54 years old, she is, well, dysfunctional. She twists the truth, and will embellish a story to the point of lying. Help! I am worn out having to listen to her. I have applied for three other jobs, asked at work to be transferred and have run out of patience. Now she is focusing her drama at me. I made the mistake of mentioning that her eating onions and garlic daily, (she claims it is "healthy and her thing") makes my nose run because the odor is so strong, and she became offended and said that garlic and onions do not make her breath smell bad and that I must have a auto immune disorder along with severe allergies in order to even smell it. And now she is threatening to go to my boss and tell him about my "dysfunction". I am stunned by her outrageous response. How can I deal with this type of personality? The stress of dealing with her is distracting me when I'm not even at work.
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