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Cubicle ConfidentialRe-Issue Lessons in Strategery Part TwoTune 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! 2024-07-2433 minCubicle ConfidentialRe-Issue Lessons in Strategery Part OneTune 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! 2024-07-1833 minCubicle ConfidentialCulture WoesLeading 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 and Everywhere in New York- “I have real concerns about coordinating a virtual team...2024-07-0333 minCubicle ConfidentialPromotion BluesA 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 rate my competition during our 360 review process?”The Gist: “Explaining Game Theory” – the Cub...2024-06-1933 minCubicle ConfidentialAngling for a Better OpportunityThis 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 adjective … 11-letters … meaning “next to last” (but in the...2024-05-1530 minCubicle ConfidentialTo Poach, or not to poach; that is the questionGiven 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 up the road is swiping my servers”Scrambled not Poached in Spartanburg - “My client thi...2024-05-0835 minCubicle ConfidentialCrushesTim’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 episode2Good 2Be 4Gotten in Tulsa- "My boss is hot. Can I? Should I? How do I?”Word of the day: A noun … 10-letters … defined as “the tendency to perceive a specific, often meaningful image in a random or ambiguo...2024-05-0133 minCubicle ConfidentialIt’s 420 (discussing weed at the workplace)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 episodeTaking the High Road in Durham - “I saw my employee smoking a joint!”Purely Hypothetical Scenario: If – for whatever reason – you suddenly get the munchies, what is your go-to snack?Dazed and Confused...2024-04-1742 minCubicle ConfidentialBody TalkSharing 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 episodeExorcised 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 menu www.TheStopAlong.comMy Private Parts Stay Private in Jersey - “I’m the only o...2024-03-2030 minCubicle ConfidentialFear NotDid 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 episodeNaked 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 GuysLoud and Proud in Savannah - “The new kid is sharp but chimes in early and of...2024-03-1335 minCubicle ConfidentialForeign to MeIn 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 episodeDefending 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 historic Lincoln Park neighborhood. Chris heads there to enjoy a juicy steak or grab a burger while relaxin...2024-03-0634 minCubicle ConfidentialFood and DrinkTune 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 episodeFlabbergassed 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.comThree Sheets to the Wind in Phoenix - “Trying to close a deal with a client t...2024-02-2832 minCubicle ConfidentialEverybody’s Got One …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 episodeSweet 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 F...2024-02-2132 minCubicle ConfidentialBack to the GrindThis 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 episodeFrozen 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 HeringWe want to hear about the drama, t...2024-02-1431 minCubicle ConfidentialSour GripesIn 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 episodeFlabbergast 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” by Gwen MoranWe want to hear about the drama, the dilemmas, and the conundru...2024-02-0730 minCubicle ConfidentialReady, Aim … MisfireThis 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 episodeElectrifying 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 AAirpassWe want to hear about the drama...2024-01-3131 minCubicle ConfidentialLessons in Strategery, Part 2Tune 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 interesting but knows litt...2024-01-1033 minCubicle ConfidentialLessons in Strategery, Part 1These 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 discuss “Lessons in Strateg...2024-01-0333 minCubicle ConfidentialWhy I Find You IrritatingWe’re taking a little trip down memory lane to revisit one of our most popular episodes! This week, we’re traveling back in time to Season Two to relearn how to navigate generational friction at work – which is essential to succeeding in today’s multi-generational workplace!Do generational differences have work have you perplexed? Annoyed? Confused? Do you look at other generations at work and think to yourself WTF?Well, Chris De Santis is here to help! In honor of his newly published book Why I Find You Irritating: Navigating Generational Friction at Work...2023-09-1333 minCubicle ConfidentialAgeism in the WorkplaceAge is just a number! Well, until it isn’t.Our listeners are feeling some of the pains of getting older – and we don’t mean back aches. We’re talking about ageism at work.Tune in to hear Mary and Chris’ advice about how to deal with ageism in the workplace.Aging Angst in Manhattan recently saw Chris DeSantis speak where he asked the audience who were the Boomers in the room. They didn’t raise their hand because they think that their firm is trying to push out the Boomers and...2023-05-3131 minCubicle ConfidentialPower Dynamics: Man VS. MachineMary is shifting the power of this episode…And she’s making Chris answer three questions he’s never seen before with an added twist!Chris DeSantis is going up against ChatGPT in this Man vs. Machine duel.Who do you think will give better advice? The man or the machine?! Does Artificial Intelligence have the power to run us out of business? Tune in to hear Chris’ and ChatGPT’s answers to these questions:New Guard in Northern Ireland recently landed her dream job in the childcare...2023-05-1032 minCubicle ConfidentialPeople Say the Most Annoying ThingsPlot twist! Mary is keeping Chris on his toes by giving him the title of the episode without sharing the questions with him in advance – leaving him no time to prepare.How annoying is that?!In this episode, listeners share their frustrations at work in the hopes that Mary and Chris can alleviate their annoyances.Fuhgeddaboudit is 68 years old, still works, and still sends handwritten thank-you notes. He endeavors to be kind every day but feels confused when someone responds to a “Thank you” with the phrase “No problem.” Whatever happened to a graci...2023-04-1930 minCubicle ConfidentialLiving Out Loud: Social Media and Your CareerInstagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn – oh my! For better or worse, social media plays a large role in the modern work world. Can what you post influence hiring decisions? Should you leverage social media as a marketing tool?In this episode, Mary and Chris answer questions about showing up on social media (and the positive and negative implications of it…)Having Second Thoughts in Secaucus just interviewed the most amazing job candidate for a top spot in a sales department. After doing some due diligence, he discovered some appalling social media posts that he does...2023-02-2230 minCubicle ConfidentialLooking for LoveWork and romantic relationships – are they a perfect match, or should you stay away? In honor of Valentine’s Day, Mary and Chris dish out their best dating advice. Tune in to hear from listeners who are feeling the love (or lack of it!) in the air:Miffed in Murfreesboro is re-entering the workforce and is searching for a new job. She heard about an opening at the company where her husband works. He’s been there 17 years and seems to love it, but he suggests it’s not a great place to work des...2023-02-1529 minCubicle ConfidentialStage FrightBelieve it or not, not everybody loves being on stage (which is a sentiment that Chris and Mary do not share). Giving presentations can be very stressful for many people. In this episode, Mary and Chris help listeners sharpen their presentation skills and get over their stage fright. Petrified about the Panel in Pennsylvania has been invited to sit on a panel and is terrified! They’ve never spoken in front of an audience this large (800 people!) and their boss keeps telling them that this is a GREAT opportunity. Petrified needs a little guidance from Ch...2023-02-0133 minCubicle ConfidentialLet's Get Ready to Rumble!Conflict at work can be healthy—if done well. Exploring different viewpoints is essential to innovation, progress, and problem-solving. In this episode, Mary and Chris challenge each other to take completely opposite answers to listeners’ questions. It’s time to rumble. Tune in to decide whose answers are best to:Torn in Toronto has a colleague who is just plain rude, snarky, and snippy. They’re tired of being nice and only getting the cold shoulder. Should they tell him how they feel and see if he changes, or should they just return the rude...2023-01-2533 minCubicle ConfidentialCulture ClashCulture—both organizational and national-- has a huge influence over how people behave and operate in organizations. In this episode, Mary and Chris answer questions related to navigating cultural differences. Tune in to hear their answers to:Looking for a Little Dutch Comfort in Charlotte supervises an employee who is just too direct, too brusque, and well too off-putting. ABC-ing in LA is struggling with the cutthroat culture of their financial services firm. What can they do?Every Day is a Bad Hair Day in Baltimore...2023-01-1833 minCubicle ConfidentialCheap and DirtyWhat’s the difference between being cheap, stingy, or frugal? And when is it a problem at work? How do you deal with In this week’s episode, Mary Abbajay and Chris De Santis hear from three listeners who are trying to navigate the financial failings of others. And as a special treat, they also field a question about an employee’s dirty bathroom habits. Yes, Mary and Chris are going to talk about poop...Tune in to hear their answers to:My Boss is a Cheapskate in Chesapeake is embarrassed and a...2023-01-1131 minCubicle ConfidentialToo Public or Too Private? Finding the Right Level of Disclosure...What’s your comfort level with personal disclosure at work? Do you lean more private or more public? Is sharing caring? Or is sharing TMI? When does a lack of sharing become a problem and when is oversharing, well, just too much? In this week’s episode, Mary Abbajay and Chris De Santis answer listeners’ questions about how to navigate the private-public continuum.There’s a fine line between transparency—which can build trust—and oversharing which can diminish trust. Close the Open Book in Chelsea has an employee who clearly overshares. This employee fee...2023-01-0434 minCubicle ConfidentialThe Ho Ho Ho Holiday ShowIn this year’s special holiday episode, Mary and Chris help listeners navigate the Ho Ho Horrors of office life during the holidays. Should you attend the office holiday party? Should you bring an unwilling spouse with you? Should you buy your boss a gift? If so, how much should you spend?In this episode we hear from:Scrooged in Seattle has a husband who is grumbling about attending her law firm’s holiday party. Should she make him suck it up and go anyway? Or will his grumpy attitude be more...2022-12-2130 minCubicle ConfidentialDo Our Meetings Have to Suck?Do you have to attend meetings that suck? If so, you are not alone. Businesses and organizations in the U.S. hold 11 MILLION meetings a day and 55 MILLION each week. Yet, research shows that over 50% of the time spent in meetings is considered wasted or unproductive by the attendees. An estimated $37B a year is lost due to unproductive meetings. In this week’s episode, Mary & Chris use their combined 40 years of experience as professional facilitators to answer listeners’ questions about how to create productive and positive meetings. In this episode we hear from:Firs...2022-12-1432 minCubicle ConfidentialIt's A Mystery to Me...In this week’s episode, Chris has culled a series of listeners’ questions into a mystery theme to see if Mary can guess the theme of the show. What do all these questions have in common? Can Mary guess the theme? Can you? Play along with us and see if you can guess the theme before Mary does…In this episode we hear from:Writer’s Blocked in LA who is frustrated by his writers’ group who keep criticizing his “perfect” ideas? How dare those other writers question his genius?!A Prett...2022-11-3033 minCubicle ConfidentialOffice Hookups, First Impressions and Bad Breath...In this episode, Chris and Mary share listeners’ thoughts and LinkedIn poll results on various workplace and career topics. Check out this episode to learn what you and other listeners think about office hookups, first impressions, networking etiquette, limp handshakes, and other topics!Show us your love! Please give us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. 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...Thank...2022-11-2332 minCubicle ConfidentialI'm So Stressed Out!Workplace stress appears to be at an all-time high. 55% of Americans report being stressed throughout the day and one million Americans miss work each day because of their stress levels. Working women report higher levels of stress than men and the Millennials and Generation Z reported the highest levels of stress—and the most difficulty in managing their stress. So, it’s no wonder that Chris and Mary receive lots of listener questions on how to manage and navigate workplace stress. In this episode we hear from:Running on Empty in Edina who need...2022-11-1633 minCubicle ConfidentialFOMO, Regret, and Hot MessesDo you have a fear of missing out (FOMO)? Do you have career regrets? Do you feel envious when your friends succeed? In this episode, Mary and Chris answer listeners’ questions about FOMO (fear of missing out), career envy, regret, and one hot mess for cleanup.Rethinking My Life in Minneapolis is green with envy over a friend’s success. Her FOMO is causing her to rethink her entire life. How can she get past this to find her dream job?Not Good at Doing Good in Dallas manages philanthropy for an in...2022-11-0934 minCubicle ConfidentialSticky SituationsThis week’s show is all about sticky situations at work. Mary and Chris try to help listeners navigate some tough “between a rock and a hard place” types of workplace dilemmas.Help Me Say No in Nebraska has been asked to recommend a friend for a job. The problem? Our listener doesn’t think his friend is qualified for the job and doesn’t know how to handle it…Not Your Secretary in San Antonio is an office manager at a mid-sized accounting firm where one of the senior partners keeps taskin...2022-11-0231 minCubicle ConfidentialOn the Road AgainTravel today sucks. And sadly, so do many of our fellow travelers. In this episode, Mary and Chris share their favorite travel tips, biggest pet peeves, and also make time to answer listeners’ questions about how to have an expeditious and stress-free experience on the road.But the big question is this: do you recline your seat when you fly?Missing Miss Manners in Memphis wants to know how best to handle rude seatmates or other passengers who are loud, rude, or encroaching into her space. Down on the Farm in...2022-10-1232 minCubicle ConfidentialQuiet QuittingIs Quiet Quitting a real thing? And what does it really mean? Is it a call to action or just an excuse to be a slacker? Is it media hype and should organizations be concerned? In this episode, Mary and Chris attempt to separate hype from reality.I Call Bulls**t in Baltimore thinks “quiet quitting” is just an excuse to be a slacker. Is he right? Man In the Middle in Milwaukee worries that his company’s fears about quiet quitting is driving their decision to begin using digital tracking softwar...2022-10-0534 minCubicle ConfidentialPromotion Demotion: When Good Promotions Go BadThis week’s episode is all about promotions. Or, rather, when good promotions go bad. We call this “Promotion Demotion.” What if you don’t want to be promoted? Or if you do get promoted and then realize, that “yikes!” it isn’t the gravy train that you thought it would be? Or, if someone gets promoted that you don’t think deserves it. What to do? What to do?Too Much Too Soon in Trenton got what they asked for—a promotion! And now they have cold feet. Suddenly they must manage their former peers—and nobody h...2022-09-2833 minCubicle ConfidentialAuthentic AuthenticityAuthenticity is a huge buzzword in today’s workplace. Leaders are encouraged to be more authentic by being more vulnerable and transparent. Employees want to be able to bring their full true selves to work. But what does it really mean to be authentic? According to Webster's, Authenticity is about “being true to one’s own spirit or character.” But does that mean that we are the exact same person in every situation? How much authenticity is too much? What if being authentic feels risky? In this episode, Mary and Chris tackle what it means to be true to yourself...2022-09-2135 minCubicle ConfidentialAuthentic AuthenticityAuthenticity is a huge buzzword in today’s workplace. Leaders are encouraged to be more authentic by being more vulnerable and transparent. Employees want to be able to bring their full true selves to work. But what does it really mean to be authentic? According to Webster's, Authenticity is about “being true to one’s own spirit or character.” But does that mean that we are the exact same person in every situation? How much authenticity is too much? What if being authentic feels risky? In this episode, Mary and Chris tackle what it means to be true to yourself...2022-09-2133 minCubicle ConfidentialIt's Not Me, It's YOU!Let’s be honest—sometimes other people are just a pain in the a**. In this week’s show, Mary and Chris address a myriad of listeners’ challenges in navigating difficult colleagues and situations. Feeling Like a Highschooler in Scottsdale is being iced out by her colleagues. They treat her like an outcast. Is there any way she can turn this situation around? Should she tell her supervisor? Confront the mean girls? Or just call it a day?Happy to See You in Hoboken is trying to convince her colleagues that hiring fo...2022-09-1434 minCubicle ConfidentialTell Me More...Tell Me More…Listeners write in to learn more about topics such as self-promotion, managing up, and the merits of a four-day work week. Bewildered in Boulder disagreed with our recommendation to include a professional headshot-type photo in one’s LinkedIn profile. She thinks that including a photo just opens one up to wants to bias and judgment. Mary and Chris stand by their recommendation—and more importantly, they explain their reasoning... Two Heads Are NOT Better than One in Omaha has two bosses who are opposites. How does...2022-09-0731 minCubicle ConfidentialSetting Boundaries (Is That a Real Thing?)Setting BoundariesWhat does it mean to set boundaries in our professional and/or personal lives? Are boundaries rules for others or rules for you? How do you even begin to know what your boundaries are? In this spirited discussion, Chris and Mary help listeners learn how to determine and set boundaries. Even in difficult situations….Making it Happen in Michigan is starting a new job—how does she begin to set boundaries with her new boss and team? Working for a Workaholic in Washington has a boss...2022-08-3136 minCubicle ConfidentialFor Arguments SakeThe ability to engage in “healthy” conflict at work is essential for promoting and encouraging diverse viewpoints. But how much conflict is too much? And what if your team doesn’t ever disagree with each other? Is that just as bad? In this episode, Chris De Santis and Mary Abbajay tackle listeners' questions about how to disagree without being disagreeable… Put a Lid on It in New Hampshire has an employee who likes to argue about everything with everyone. His constant contentiousness and criticisms are driving his boss and his coworkers crazy. What can be done? How...2022-08-2434 minCubicle ConfidentialFriends With Benefits?Research repeatedly shows that having friends at work can boost employee engagement, productivity, and happiness. In a recent study, most people say having a best friend at work makes work more enjoyable. We see coworkers nearly every day, collaborate with them on important projects, maybe even share inside jokes about our boss—but do we consider these people friends? Should we? In this episode, Mary & Chris answer listeners’ questions about navigating workplace friendships.Alone But Not Lonely in Louisiana wonders why she needs to have work friends. She’d much rather stay in her rem...2022-08-1734 minCubicle ConfidentialYou Can't Say That Anymore!Are you using common words and phrases that are now considered socially inappropriate? Culturally appropriated or insensitive? Derogatory? Overly gendered? Non-inclusive? Or just annoying and overused? If so, you are not alone. In this episode, Mary and Chris explore words and phrases that are now deemed problematic.We’d love to tell you what they are, but we don’t want to get in trouble with the language police, so you’ll have to listen to learn what is acceptable and what isn’t in today’s enlightened and more inclusive world. Don’t say that we didn’t warn...2022-08-1032 minCubicle ConfidentialThe Worst Advice EverAdvice is cheap. And sometimes bad. In this episode, Mary and Chris try to help listeners sort through good advice and bad advice. And one listener writes back to take us to task about our advice! Damned if You Do in Dubuque took advice from a mentor that backfired. The problem? The male advice giver didn’t consider how his advice to his female protege would play into a gender-biased workplace. While his advice may have worked well for a man, for a woman, not so much.Their Way...2022-08-0337 minCubicle ConfidentialLIar, Liar, Pants on FireHow honest are you? While you might like to think you’re an honest person, statistically speaking we are all liars. Researchers estimate the average person lies a minimum of once to twice per day. But when do those little “white lies” become problematic? In this week’s episode, Chris and Mary explore listeners’ concerns about lying, cheating, and stealing at work!Mum’s the Word in Maryland suspects that one of their employees is handing in fake expense receipts. The problem? The employee in question happens to be the granddaughter of the owner. Yikes! Think...2022-07-2030 minCubicle ConfidentialPut ‘Er There, Partner!This episode marks the first anniversary of Cubicle Confidential! So, in honor of this celebratory “podiversay” event, Mary & Chris answer listeners’ questions about—you guessed it—partnerships!Am I Being Cheesy or Whiny in Washington wants to know if it is a good idea to open a wine and cheese shop with their best friend? Is this a good idea or recipe for disaster?Until D&I do We Part in Pittsburgh has learned that their consulting business partner is cheating on them. And by cheating, we mean that their part...2022-07-0634 minCubicle ConfidentialIf It Bleeds, It LeadsHow susceptible are you to clickbait? Are you a sucker for catchy headlines? In this special episode, Chris DeSantis quizzes Mary on real and fake headlines. Tune in and play along! Show us your love! Please give us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. 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! 2022-06-2933 minCubicle ConfidentialI Know You Are but What Am I? The Opinion of OthersHow important is the opinion of others? Do you care what other people think of you at work? Should you? What is the balance between caring and not caring? In this episode, Mary and Chris take a deep dive with listeners who are struggling with what others think of them…Baby Faced in Baltimore is a seasoned professional who looks way younger than they are and thus people don’t give her the respect she is due. People assume she is too young to know what she is doing. It’s a nice problem to have...2022-06-2233 minCubicle ConfidentialMy Boss is a Ghost (and Other Tales of Woe)Ghosts, Wimps, and Implusives, oh my! Have you ever dealt with a boss or colleague who ghosts you? Or a boss who is so wishy-washy that you want to pull your hair out? Or how about the boss or co-worker who is always changing their minds or chasing shiny objects? If so, this episode was made for you. Chris and Mary hear from listeners who need their help dealing with these difficult dynamics. Ghosted in Galveston is frustrated by her ghost boss. He’s never around when she needs him, and it is beginning to imp...2022-06-0829 minCubicle ConfidentialNo Balls, No Babies: Women in LeadershipDespite tremendous gains made by women in the workforce, women still face many structural and personal barriers to success—especially in leadership roles. In this episode, Mary and Chris hear from several female listeners who are struggling with gender and leadership issues and expectations. Raising the Roof in Tulsa is up for promotion to District Manager. She is also the only woman at the management level. Even though her district outperforms her peers, her boss told her she needs to make a more “compelling case” to win the promotion. WTF???Woman on the Ver...2022-06-0134 minCubicle ConfidentialIn the Age of Ageism: Too Young, Too Old, or Just RightLet’s be honest. The workplace can be very ageist. Very ageist. Being seen as “too young” or “too old” can stymie your career. How do you manage perceptions that you are “over” qualified or that you don’t have enough experience based on your age? In this episode, Mary and Chris provide advice to listeners who are dealing with ageist perceptions and perspectives.Gambling with My Future in Vegas keeps being told that they are “overqualified” for jobs. How do they neutralize this perception?Big in Bedford Heights is NOT happy that her new m...2022-05-2532 minCubicle ConfidentialYou’re Wearing That? Dis-Dressed for SuccessAfter two years of wearing our dress shirts with pajama bottoms, it’s time to dress up for work again. Which for many of us, means the reappearance of the fashion crisis. Just exactly what does “business casual” really mean? And can I still wear my yoga pants to work?In this week’s show, Chris De Santis and Mary Abbajay help listeners navigate the new rules of office dress-up. Hint: the days of mullet dressing are over…Dapper in Delaware wonders if he is just a bit too well dressed for the office. Sho...2022-05-1832 minCubicle ConfidentialWhy I Find You Irritating: Navigating Generational Friction at WorkDo generational differences at work have you perplexed? Annoyed? Confused? Do you look at other generations at work and think to yourself WTF? Well, Chris De Santis is here to help! In honor of his newly published book Why I Find You Irritating: Navigating Generational Friction at Work, Chris and Mary answer questions from multiple generations about how to deal with each other.Ants in My Pants in Ann Arbor wants to turn down a promotion in order to travel the world. After 4 years in the workforce, they feel they need a break. W...2022-04-2733 minCubicle ConfidentialThe Brand of You: How to Build an Authentic Personal Brand & ReputationHow important is having a personal brand for career success? What’s the difference between your brand and your reputation? How do you know if your brand is working for you? What letter comes after X in the alphabet? Chris and Mary lay out the do’s and don’ts of creating an effective personal brand to ensure a positive reputation. Young and Virtual in Vermont wonders how to build a personal brand in an entry-level position?Building My Brand in Buffalo is concerned that a polished and professional brand will make him/her/them see...2022-04-2033 minCubicle ConfidentialAnd the Survey Says....In this special episode, Chris and Mary share listeners’ thoughts and LinkedIn poll results on various workplace and career topics. Check out this episode to learn you and other listeners think about Pay Transparency, Introversion and Extroversion, Family Leave, Big Ideas, Workplace Appreciation, Micromanagers, and other topics!Show us your love! Please give us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. 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 i...2022-04-1331 minCubicle ConfidentialCan I Pick Your Brain? The Art of Asking for FavorsWhen it comes to favors, are you a giver or a taker? Do you make it easy for people to say yes to favors? Do you reciprocate? Are you tired of people asking you for favors? If so, this episode is for you. Chris and Mary give out some tough love on the art of asking for and receiving favors. Don’t break your favor bank!Unimpressed with the Unprepared in L.A. has a big problem with people asking to meet with him to “pick his brain” and then these people show up late and un...2022-04-0631 minCubicle ConfidentialShould I Speak Up or Shut Up? Dealing with Annoying ColleaguesHow do you annoy me? Let me count the ways! In this episode, Mary and Chris address listeners’ complaints about their annoying co-workers. When dealing with bothersome behaviors in others, should we speak up, shut up, or suck it up?Pompous Panelist in Pasadena wants to know how to deal with a fellow panelist who is obnoxious, pompous, and overly self-promoting. Should they say something? How can they hold their own with an air hog?Should I Say Something in St. Louis can’t help but notice that her husband is well...2022-03-3031 minCubicle ConfidentialWhere Did My Mojo Go? Tips to Get & Stay MotivatedHave you ever lost your mojo? Has two years of remote work left you feeling unmotivated and unconnected? Are you trying to get back in the groove? If so, you are not alone! This week’s episode answers listeners’ questions about how to get and stay motivated. In other words, how to get your groove back.Rudderless in Raleigh has lost her mojo. Is it her? Is it her Job? Or is it just this &#$#@ never-ending pandemic?Just Plain Stumped in Jackson manages a remote team that seems to be out of j...2022-03-2334 minCubicle ConfidentialWhy Can't We Be Friends? Navigating Workplace FriendshipsWorkplace friendships are the topic of this week’s show. The workplace is a social system--but does that mean that we HAVE to be friends with the people we work with? How much friendship is too much friendship? How much friendliness is too little? Is it okay to be best friends with your boss? Mary and Chris help both the friendless and overly friendly navigate this tricky landscape.Friendless and Fabulous in Fremont doesn’t want to be friends with their co-workers. Is it wrong to not pursue workplace friendships? Does it make her a Grin...2022-03-1633 minCubicle ConfidentialWhat's The Big Idea? How to Get Others to Love Your Ideas!Are you an idea person or are you an idea implementer? How can you get others to buy into your ideas? In this episode, Mary and Chris offer strategies to get your great ideas heard and implemented! Bewitched in Boulder loves (his) big ideas. The problem? He doesn’t like to implement them. Is there a way that he can job craft himself out of implementation?Workplace Newbie in Wisconsin can’t get her “older” managers to buy into her new work ideas. How can she get her ideas “heard” by senior folks...2022-03-0931 minCubicle ConfidentialIntroverts Are Humans Too: Tips for Working With OppositesIn this episode, Mary and Chris help introverts and extroverts cross the great divide of communication and collaboration. Talk to Me in Tallahassee is frustrated by their introverted colleague--who just doesn’t seem to communicate enough. Need My Space in Needham dreads having to return to the physical workplace because of the dreaded “open space” office plan. Introverted in Indiana has been told that they must “get over” their introversion to be a good boss. WTF???Show us your love! Please give us a review wherever you l...2022-03-0233 minCubicle ConfidentialShow Me the MoneyLet’s talk about money. In this episode, Mary Abbajay & Chris DeSantis discuss why talking about money is so taboo and they answer listeners’ questions about how to get paid. If you want your work to show you the money, then this episode is for you. Exhausted in El Paso is frustrated because they are being paid less than their colleagues--how can they get what they are worth? Is this an example of gender pay disparity? First Time Raise in Racine asks for advice on how to ask for her fir...2022-02-2333 minCubicle ConfidentialThe Family Circus: How to Balance Career and KidsIt’s hard out there for working parents--especially for working mothers. Mary Abbajay and Chris DeSantis tackle listeners' questions about balancing the duties of parenthood with career goals. "Bundle of Nerves" wants to know when the right time is to tell her boss that she is pregnant. "Kid Proof" is annoyed that their boss’ kid is constantly derailing team meetings. "Mom’s the Word" struggles with the uneven playing field at work between working mothers and working fathers. Chris DeSantis recommends these books to help working parents:Unfinished Business: Women Men...2022-02-1630 min