Aunty B
It’s outrageous – my employee asked me to do some of his work!
Someone might be blinded to a few things by having one part of their anatomy stuck up another.
Help! It’s performance review time – what should I do?
It might be worthwhile asking a few questions other than ‘can I get a pay rise?’
My only employee abandoned me at my time of need! Why?
You love your business like a child, but your employee may have a different set of priorities.
Should I fire an employee who is late on their first day?
Weigh up what this new employee has to say to you before making any rash decisions.
I complained about bullying but management seem to think I’m the one at fault! Help!
You need to employ the classic Aunty B method for dealing with bullies in this scenario.
How do I book holidays without looking slack?
You don’t sound at all like a slacker, and you might be even more productive with some rest and recreation time under your belt.
What should I be looking for when hiring a new employee?
Aunty B has downed many a G&T over the years despairing at the hasty hire that we now can’t get rid of – here are the red flags to look out for.
My manager has scuttled my hopes of a new job with a terrible reference. What do I do?
You need to go straight into damage control mode here and find out why this manager has said these things.
My staff are downloading torrents at work, what do I do?
You need to get tough – this isn’t just a company issue, it’s a legal one.
I already know my manager will pull a sickie before the long weekend. What do I do?
Time to implement a sick leave policy and to get the honey and lemon tea ready – or perhaps something a little stronger.
Is my wife’s boss putting the moves on her?
Women and men should be able to go out to a business lunch together without anyone coming on to anyone.
I can’t come up with an elevator speech! Help!
Here’s some good news – a traditional elevator speech might not be the best way to make a positive impact on a potential customer.
My boss just liked my updated profile on LinkedIn. Does he know I’m job-hunting?
The bad news is that your boss is certainly aware of why you just updated your profile – so here’s what you need to do.
How should I handle an employee who hasn’t returned after a death in the family?
Sitting down and having a chat might be a good first step here.
How do I handle a boss who says my girlfriend is no good?
If your boss focuses on your private life over your work, it might be time to separate – with him.
How do I tell my employee she’s annoying the hell out of everyone?
There are worse things than paying attention to detail, but this employee might need a little help with perspective.
Help! My boss has canned my bonus!
I would think you have pretty solid ground for complaint in this scenario.
The mothers in my workplace keep dumping work on me. Help!
A reasonable amount of overtime is expected at any workplace, but it’s probably time your colleagues realised you have a life of your own too.
My workaholic employee has 10 weeks’ leave and won’t take a holiday! Help!
What is wrong with these people – as soon as I get the chance I’m down on the beach sipping a gin.
How can I leave the family farm and start my own life – without offending my parents?
You need to sit down with your traditionalist parents and have a conversation about what you want to do with your future.
Help! My stalker ex-boyfriend has applied for a job where I work!
You have not just a Facebook stalker but a real-life stalker on your hands – make sure your boss is aware.
Should I give our useless intern a reference?
Tell her to put your phone number down as a reference – then tell potential employers the truth.
Should I trade my pay rise for some new computers at work?
Far from seeing your offer in the magnanimous way you intend, your boss will probably feel insulted – so don’t do it!
My employees won’t stop gossiping
You need to tell your gossipers their behaviour is unacceptable – but if you want all your staff to sing Kumbaya, you’re in for a nasty surprise.
Should I stalk my mentor?
Finding the right mentor can be hugely helpful to your career, but there are certain ways to go about doing it.
Am I being persistent or just a pest?
Your enthusiasm is to be commended, but it’s a fine line between persistent and pest.
Home troubles have made this employee unemployable. What do I do about it?
There comes a point when your sympathy and understanding can only extend so far with this person.
How do I overcome my loathing for ‘networking’?
These days, you can do most of your business networking on a smartphone, allowing you to save your efforts for occasions when you can make a real connection.
Is this bullying? Help!
Your boss is a control freak who feels out of control, uncertain, scared of the future and is terrified of making a wrong decision.
Shall I whack the office mole?
You need to realise your marketing manager is bullying you in a nasty, passive aggressive way.
Will I breach the Privacy Act by producing bitchy emails?
It is not your job to come to work, spy on people's emails and then pick fights with your fellow employees.
What do I do about my nasty colleague?
I’m usually the first person to tell you to stay away from these types of office dramas – but not this time!
They are bitching about me in the office. Help!
I was about to tell you to ignore it when I noticed that you are the boss! So that's easy.
My manager is “freezing out” a staff member – is she a bully?
Psychologists who deal with workplace stress point out that women who bully often resort to “freezing” someone out as a method.
Where can I find a mentor?
Make sure you take advantage of the small business resources available in your state.
Can I start an online business selling replica designer stuff?
Not only are there legal problems with this idea, but there are also moral questions you need to think about carefully.
What can I do about the office kitchen pigs?
Unusually - and actually for the first time - I have no solution to offer. Absolutely none.
The new Gen Y employee refused to get coffee!
What? You still expect Gen Ys to get your coffee? Are you nuts? Don't you understand that he is a young master of the universe?
How do I curb the domineering behaviour of a busy-body manager?
Bossy people are the absolute worst! (As if I’m one to talk…)
Am I really that loud and annoying on the phone?
Why not really shake things up and meet people in person!
I’ve bought a business but the ATO is after me. Help!
You’ve got yourself into a real pickle with this company you’ve purchased.
I sit next to an annoying co-worker and spend my days in quiet rage. Help!
You need to make this about your ability to work effectively, not about the annoying mannerisms of your co-worker.
How do I stop my employee being (just a little) late all the time?
You must urge your employee to get in early – before it’s too late!
I’m working in a company where bullying is the norm. Help!
Bullying might be accepted in your company, but that doesn’t make it right.
I think I’m being underpaid. Where do I go for help?
Underpayment is illegal and you have every right to report your employer for this.
Can I sack my salesperson for being off sick all the time?
In many regards, it comes down to whether this person is performing effectively.
My boss keeps getting overruled. Help!
It sounds like there’s a bigger battle going on – and you’re suffering the collateral damage.
One of my employees swore at a client. What do I do?
You need a policy in place for dealing both with difficult clients and frustrated staff.
Will we lose our personal assets if we close our business?
The decision to close a business is never easy and you will need to take care of loose ends.
How do I deal with my cocky Generation Y employees?
Try not to confuse minor generational communication differences with more serious problems.







