Q.: I’m a manager with a financial company, and I need some help encouraging my team. We just finished our busiest time of the year, and our department did not reach the sales goals that were set for us. My team members are now showing a lack of interest in coming to work, and I need to find a way to lift their spirits. I have a great team, and we work in the most challenging department of the company. I need help. – Frustrated Manager, Jersey City, N.J.
A.: Especially in a down period, it is important for leaders to find ways to show their teams their potential. Do the analysis and let your team know that success is around the corner. Remind team members that the opportunity is before them to make record sales. Encourage them constantly. Create activities that show you care about them and provide incentives, if you can, to make success more appealing.
Q.: There is a person on my job whom I really like. This man is what dreams are made of. I’m having trouble concentrating on my work because I’m dreaming about him. As far as I know, he is single, and he makes all the women on the job swoon.
Here is my dilemma: My company frowns on interoffice relationships. I really like this guy, and I want to date him because I feel like he is the one for me. What is a girl to do? – Smitten, South Orange, N.J.
A.: You have a bad case of "the hots" for this man. My best advice to you is to get over it.
Clearly, he is smooth and charismatic. You say that "he makes all the women on the job swoon." That means he is a charmer who knows what he’s doing. Try your best not to get caught up in his Web.
Focus on your work. Limit your interaction with him. As tempting as he may be, trust that he does not have your best interests at heart. The "one" for you is someone who has only you in his sight. Your perfect partner is not someone who is entrancing every woman he meets.
