Weekly Advice for the Working Stiff: Having problems with people at work? Does your boss suck? Do your co-workers drive you crazy? Tim McClure and Chris DeSantis are here to help. Each week Tim and Chris take on your most outrageous workplace questions and concerns. Their advice is sometimes spot-on, sometimes salty, and sometimes funny. (Funny, as in “haha” not as in “I’m funny how? I mean funny like I’m a clown? I amuse you? I make you laugh?”) They’re good guys, not Goodfellas.
Tune in to hear Chris and Tim discuss “Lessons in Strategery Part One and Two.” You’ll understand the title when you hear the podcast. We’re here to help you succeed! Send us your workplace dilemmas or career questions. Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com or tweet us: @cubicleconfide1. All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent... Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn!
Tune in to hear Chris and Tim discuss “Lessons in Strategery Part One and Two.” You’ll understand the title when you hear the podcast. We’re here to help you succeed! Send us your workplace dilemmas or career questions. Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com or tweet us: @cubicleconfide1. All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent... Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn!
“ Oops you made a mistake, that’s all … and making mistakes is never fun ” was a jingle from a decades-old cartoon series. Truer words were never sung. Blunder … error … gaffe … mis-step … oversight … blooper … many terms share that singular, sinking feeling when you realize you messed up in a big way. We help listeners own up and make amends when things go awry at the office. Jack shares the story of an impromptu acoustic performance that saved a concert waylaid by technical difficulties. Segme...
Leading a high-profile initiative can be daunting … even more so when you’re coordinating team members scattered around the globe. We help listeners tasked with getting the job done while navigating different languages, cultures and work styles. In honor of July 4th, the Cubicle Crew reminisces about the magic of fireworks. Segments in this episode: We’re Not in Kansas Anymore - “Help! I’m about to lead a global initiative and this will be my first time traveling outside the U.S.” Here, There an...
As the saying goes, “ Life unfolds at the office .” Feeling sad or down is a normal reaction to disappointing or difficult times. But when a low mood stretches from days to weeks it can be difficult to sleep, think or work. If you feel depressed, take the first step by talking to a mental health professional, your doctor, a friend or loved one. This week we hear from a listener reluctant to disclosure his struggles even as they impact his performance. Another listener expresses concern for a col...
A new title, more responsibility, better pay and perhaps a little prestige … what could be bad about getting promoted? This week we help listeners grappling with the complexities and consequences of “moving on up” the corporate ladder. Chris probes Tim about his quasi-agrarian roots. Segments in this episode: Down About Moving Up In Bloomfield - “I got promoted and now my work friends are giving me a hard time” Up For Grabs In Chattanooga – “I’m one of four vying for two promotions, how should I...
Honesty is the best policy, but … the early bird gets the worm. Which idiom can save a listener from being an idiot? Next, an honest mistake does real harm … how to handle damage control when you unwittingly spill the tea about a job change. Is it just me, or has tipping gotten more complicated? Plus, a wild and wonderful tale from Wildwood. Segments in this episode: A Wasted Opportunity in Omaha - “If the boss is drunk, thinks you’re someone else, and offers you a high profile project, do you a...
This week we help listeners master the mid-day meal: one wants in on the action, while another wrestles with the cost of lavish lunching. Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive. Reflections on different types of lies. Segments in this episode: Not Clicking with the Clique in Chicago - “How do I crack the boy’s club at lunch?” Food for Thought in New York City - “Eating out with my boss is costing me a fortune!” The Gist: “Do You Believe In White Lies?” by Barbara Fiel...
What to do when work travel gets awkward? How to deflect when another couple wants to join your vacation. How to navigate a work trip when teammates become roommates. Chris reflects on his time as an instructor at a school for new consultants and the classical motif puer mingens makes a surprise appearance. Segments in this episode Two’s Company, Four’s a Crowd in Cleveland - "I am taking my girlfriend to Europe and my work pal wants to make it a double date” Budding Bedroom Blues in Las Vegas -...
Religion … money … politics … in the modern workplace almost no subject is off limits. This week we help a listener in Texas do the two-step when his new teammates talk politics. The Gaylord hotel, the Curse of Knowledge and the toppling trees of the biosphere are a few more ingredients in this week’s stew. Segments in this episode: Damned if You Do, Damning if You Don’t in Lubbock - “My new coworkers talk politics all day … do I dare reveal myself as being on the other side of the aisle?” Chris...
This week we help listeners shake up the status quo. What to do when your comp doesn’t match your contribution to the business? Next, how to start a job change when you think you’ve found some greener grass. In honor of Mother’s Day: Chris, Tim and Jack share memories of traditions both old and new. Science Corner: Butler’s Law of Conservation of Self-esteem. Segments in this episode: Hacked or Hacked Off in New Jersey - “My boss is trying to commandeer my commission” Word of the day: An adjecti...
Given the transient and mobile nature of the modern workforce, is poaching an ethical dilemma or a smart sourcing strategy? We help a restaurant owner contemplate countermeasures when an upscale rival raids his roster. Next, Chris and Tim help a consultant calm the waters when he is accused of aiding and abetting a defection. Also, a spirited point-counterpoint on the concept of “brunch” and a few confessions about runny eggs. Segments in this episode: Dine and Dash in Austin - “The restaurant u...
Tim’s much-maligned reference shelf includes the American Heritage dictionary which defines a crush as: “a usually temporary infatuation.” This week we help listeners work through the twists and turns of office obsessions. Chris waxes poetic about the rotary phone and the dating scene at Illinois Bell. Plus: back by popular demand – the word of the day! Segments in this episode 2Good 2Be 4Gotten in Tulsa- "My boss is hot. Can I? Should I? How do I?” Word of the day: A noun … 10-letters … defined...
Sometimes it’s hard to stand out from the crowd, sometimes it’s hard to hide. We help listeners chart a course into -- and out of – the spotlight. Plus: an apology to Sean Evans, the “pretend agent” that launched a career, and the all-too-common confusion around Patrick Stewart and Patrick Swayze. Segments in this episode: TV NV in NYC - “I want an internship but I’m not in Kansas anymore” Kitemath is an award-winning design team specializing in corporate communications. They work across media t...
Recreational marijuana is all the buzz but what happens when Mary Jane dances a little too close to the office? We explore the complicated tapestry of state law, company policy and individual liberty. Is pot the new alcohol or is it a little more complicated? On a completely unrelated topic … Chris, Tim and Jack talk about their favorite binge-worthy snacks. Segments in this episode Taking the High Road in Durham - “I saw my employee smoking a joint!” Purely Hypothetical Scenario: If – for whate...
When does a stretch goal become a fool’s errand? This week listeners share their challenges with unrealistic expectations both foreign (from a client) and domestic (from the boss). Chris shares one of his favorite tools for assessing personality types and channels his inner Ross Perot. Segments in this episode Baffled in the Bay Area - “S.O.S., the boss is setting beyond-audacious growth targets!” Fishing for Sponsors: DiSC® is a personal assessment tool used by more than one million people ever...
Intelligensia Artificialis is not a real phrase but it should be. We tackle two takes on the omnipresent A.I. system, Chat GPT. How can a freelance writer stay relevant? If you find time in your day, should you ask for more work (or just play)? We close with a quick tour of A.I. trends for 2024. Bonus quiz: what do acoustic guitar, snail mail and cloth diaper have in common? Segments in this episode Man vs. Machine in Philly - "How can I keep A.I. from taking my writing gigs?” Fishing for Sponso...
What to do when a co-worker’s pride and joy becomes your noisy nemesis? A cry for help as the office devolves into a petting zoo. In a first for the podcast, we help two listeners from the same company! Plus, an homage to a dark chocolate-enrobed peppermint confection. Segments in this episode Hound from Hell in Accounting - “How do I handle this furry miscreant?” An interlude: waxing poetic about the York Peppermint Patty (and the other Peppermint Patty) To Hell with this Menagerie in Accountin...
Sharing the gym – and the locker room – with coworkers can lead to some uncomfortable encounters! Tune in to hear Chris and Tim help listeners avoid pulling a hamstring when access to amenities gets awkward. Segments in this episode Exorcised in LA - “My boomer boss wants me to be his workout buddy” Fishing for Sponsors: The StopAlong serves impressive pizza, burgers and more! The Wicker Park and Logan Square locations are both walking distance from Tim’s house … how great is that? Check out the...
Did you know the number one fear in America is glossophopia? Chris and Tim help a listener manage their high anxiety. Next, they discuss how to tap the brakes on an unreserved rookie without crushing his spirit. Segments in this episode Naked Below the Waist in Boston - “I am so nervous about presenting to senior management” Fishing for Sponsors: A live, on-air taste test of banana candies from Serbia and Croatia, made possible by our friends at The Exotic Snack Guys Loud and Proud in Savannah -...
In this episode, Chris and Tim offer advice on collaborating with co-workers from around the globe. The hosts discuss a resource for assessing and developing “cultural competence.” Are you a Gemini? You are if you like great food served in a comfortable, welcoming setting! Segments in this episode Defending or Offending in St Paul - "How do I help a non-assertive co-worker without playing into a stereotype?” Fishing for Sponsors: Gemini is fabulous American restaurant in Chicago's beautiful and ...
Tune in to hear Chris and Tim help listeners navigate the sense and sensibility of eating at the office and weigh the risks and rewards of drinking with clients. Is there a new sponsor on the horizon? Only time will tell … Segments in this episode Flabbergassed in Baltimore - “The new girl is stinking up our office!” Fishing for Sponsors: Freeze-dried crunchy bears? The Exotic Snack Guys scour international marketplaces for unique and limited items! Check them out at www.ExoticSnackGuys.com Thre...
How do you deal with a little old lady who happens to be a liar and a slacker and a favorite of the owner? Can you advance as the nice guy at a firm full of cut-throat alphas? In this episode Chris and Tim share advice for dealing with office a-holes. Segments in this episode Sweet Old Lady My Ass in Omaha - “She’s a total jerk but the owners love her!” Nice Guys Don’t Even Get in the Race in Boston - “I need to be an asshole to get promoted?” The Gist: “5 Proven Tactics For Dealing With Jerks A...
This week Chris and Tim give tips on starting a job search and navigating changes to the work from home policy. We also talk through some practical advice for a smooth re-entry after a vacation. Segments in this episode Frozen in Place in Pasadena - “I’m done with my job but can’t get past my fear of leaving!” Tag, I’m IT in Wichita - “Help! My office is about to end our work-from-home policy.” The Gist: “Going Back To Work After A Vacation: 5 Tips” by Beth Braccio Hering We want to hear about t...
In this episode we wade into the waters of the grumps, the grumblers, the bellyachers and malcontents. Chris and Tim offer advice on dealing with whining in the workplace and share takeaways from an article on dealing with chronic complainers. Segments in this episode Flabbergast In Fremont … "OMG, my new staff person just asked for an easier assignment!” STFU in Jeff City - "My neighbor in the office complains about everything and everyone!" The Gist: “6 Ways To Deal With Chronic Complainers” b...
This week we hear from listeners struggling to toe the company line when they have reservations about the products they’re asked to sell. Tune in to hear Chris and Tim discuss navigating company misfires and reflect on some epic marketing fails. Segments in this episode Electrifying Bad in White Plains … “Our dealership just got the new EV and it sucks!” No Tips if you Do, No Job if you Don’t in Geneva “What if our lunch special isn’t so special?” RIP: New Coke and the American Airlines AAirpass...
Tune in to hear Chris and Tim discuss “Lessons in Strategery Part Two.” You’ll understand the title when you hear the podcast. These next two weeks will be a little different here at Cubicle Confidential. Tim McClure, the owner of Blue Oak Consulting LLC will be the substitute co-host with Chris De Santis while Mary wraps up a very busy year at her firm Careerstone Group. While Mary will be missed, all is not lost. We’re going to take this opportunity to learn about strategy, a topic Chris find ...
These next two weeks will be a little different here at Cubicle Confidential. Tim McClure, the owner of Blue Oak Consulting LLC will be the substitute co-host with Chris De Santis while Mary wraps up a very busy year at her firm Careerstone Group. While Mary will be missed, all is not lost. We’re going to take this opportunity to learn about strategy, a topic Chris find interesting but knows little about it, luckily Tim does, and he’s got stories to prove it. Tune in to hear Chris and Tim discus...
During a recent Managing Up presentation, Mary received some questions about dealing with a variety of bosses. She thought it would be fun to get Chris’ input on them, too! Tune into this week’s episode to learn how to work with an impulsive boss, ask for help when you’re spread too thin, share your achievements with your manager, and so much more! We’re here to help you succeed! Send us your workplace dilemmas or career questions. Email us at: info@cubicleconfidential.com or tweet us at @cubicl...
This week we hear from a listener trying to figure out how to select a candidate for a promotion, one seeking to climb the corporate ladder, and another one who realized their new role isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Tune in to hear Mary and Chris’ advice surrounding giving promotions and getting promoted! King Solomon’s Redux in Virginia has two perfectly suited candidates for a promotion but only one slot. They’re both outstanding at managing their respective retail stores and this promotion ...
