How to (Kindly! Gently!) Tell Users That Their IT Problems Are Their Own Fault

April 27th, 2012

Posted on 2012-03-27

It’s not that you mind being called over when their monitors are unplugged. It’s that it’s happened multiple times — to the same users. Herein, I explain how to let users know they’re idiots without a) telling them they’re idiots and b) getting a reputation as a jerk.
Yes, it’s possible. Read the story. 

What to Do When an Employee Cries (Legal) Wolf

February 15th, 2012

There are nightmare employees who threaten legal action on flimsy grounds, including charges of racial, gender, or disability discrimination. How do you defend your company? Conversely, are you sure they’re not right? Read the feature story on HP Input/Output. 

Would You Fire This Person?

December 29th, 2011

In this case study, I present you with a problem employee. You are hereby invited to help his frazzled boss either a) deal with this employee or b) show the guy the nearest exit. I solicited input from a bunch of IT bosses and management experts regarding how they’d respond, and at the end I reveal the true fate of this real-life IT worker. Check out the story at Input-Output.