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Cubicle Confidential

Author: Tim McClure & Chris DeSantis

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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.

137 Episodes
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Foreign to Me

Foreign to Me

2024-03-0634:24

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 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 grab or grab a burger while relaxing at the bar. Learn more at www.GeminiChicago.comA Dream Team in Dallas - "How do I break the ice with my new, multi-national team?"The Gist: “Cultural Competence: The Nuts & Bolts of Diversity & Inclusion” by Mercedes Martin and Billy Vaughn from Diversity Officer MagazineWe want to hear about the drama, the dilemmas, and the conundrums that you face at work! All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent.Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com, tweet us: @cubicleconfide1 and connect with us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter!
Food and Drink

Food and Drink

2024-02-2832:09

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 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 that likes to imbibe”The Gist: “12 Do’s and Don’ts for Drinking with Clients” by Andrew SealeWe want to hear about the drama, the dilemmas, and the conundrums that you face at work! All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent.Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com, tweet us: @cubicleconfide1 and connect with us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter!
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 For Dealing With Jerks At Work” by MeiMei FoxWe want to hear about the drama, the dilemmas, and the conundrums that you face at work! All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent.Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com, tweet us: @cubicleconfide1 and connect with us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter!
Back to the Grind

Back to the Grind

2024-02-1431:36

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 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, the dilemmas, and the conundrums that you face at work! All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent.Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com, tweet us: @cubicleconfide1 and connect with us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter!
Sour Gripes

Sour Gripes

2024-02-0730:50

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 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 conundrums that you face at work! All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent.Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com, tweet us: @cubicleconfide1 and connect with us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter!
Ready, Aim … Misfire

Ready, Aim … Misfire

2024-01-3131:46

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 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, the dilemmas, and the conundrums that you face at work! All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent.Email us: info@cubicleconfidential.com, tweet us: @cubicleconfide1 and connect with us on LinkedIn. Thanks for listening!Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter!
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 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 or Twitter!
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 @cubicleconfide1.  All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent...Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter!
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 will elevate one to regional manager. Beyond filling the regional manager slot with a qualified candidate, they’re also tasked with adding more diversity to the management cadre. How can they keep both of these fantastic performers while only promoting one? Do This Not That in Texas works for a retail chain and excels in product placement when stocking shelves.  They’ve increased sales by 10-15% on certain products based solely on where they put them. Unfortunately, their manager never gives them the credit they deserve. Being at the bottom rung of the ladder, how can they get the attention of senior management and supercharge their career?Charles Doesn’t Want To Be In Charge in Spokane just got promoted and discovered they HATE managing other people. They’re tired of dealing with their scheduling needs, questions, and sucking up. This clearly isn’t the job for them, but the pay is significantly better. They’d much prefer to just do their old job. Is there any way they can make this work or should they just look for a new job that pays the same without the added responsibilities?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 @cubicleconfide1. All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent...Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter!
Holidaze

Holidaze

2023-12-0632:36

Do office holiday parties get you in the festive spirit or turn you into the Grinch?Our listeners are navigating some ho, ho, horribly awkward holiday situations at work.Tune in to hear Mary and Chris’ advice on how to handle this season with a little extra joy and cheer!Shit Canned at Christmas in Atlanta got laid off from his job and his fiancé—who works at the same company—wants him to attend the annual holiday party with her as if nothing happened. How can he get through this event and answer the question “how’s it going” when things aren’t going well.Santa’s Secret Is Safe in Stanford in participating in the company’s annual Secret Santa. Unfortunately, they drew the name of their boss’ boss. The spending cap is set at $20 for a gift and the present is supposed to be funny. They work for a health sciences lab which is an industry that doesn’t lend itself to people with great senses of humor. Is there a way they can make a favorable and fun impression?In The Spotlight, Again, in Fremont got a little bit out of control at their annual Christmas outing last year. They were overserved and ended up as the talk of the office for months. Eventually, the chatter died down but now everyone is making jokes at their expense again. They even received a visit from a person in HR who reminded them what is considered appropriate at office functions. Should they attend the party again this year and if so, how do they overcome last year’s shame?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 @cubicleconfide1. All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent...Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter!
Home of the Brave

Home of the Brave

2023-11-2928:06

When was the last time you did something brave in your job or career?This week, we hear from listeners trying to find their voice in meetings, harness extra energy for a retreat, and confront an executive about bogus expense receipts…Tune in to hear Mary and Chris’ advice on how to channel courage in the workplace!A Sleuth on The Loose in Chicago just started his first real job out of college in a firm where everyone but him has a business degree from a fancy Ivy League school. In meetings, he feels intimidated by the business school crowd—who take up all the air space and seem to do nothing but state the obvious. How can he share what he knows without freezing up and being talked over?Sharing Is Scaring in Buffalo has to attend a weekend firm retreat in Florida. The retreat is part team-building and part learning. She doesn’t mind the learning part, but she loathes the idea of team building for an entire weekend. There will be networking sessions between offices, levels, and affinity groups. As an introvert, she finds the thought of all this overwhelming. How can she survive all these days and nights without losing her energy (and her mind)?Pocketing Change in Philadelphia works in accounting for a consulting firm. They handle invoicing and reimbursing employees for expenses. Recently, they noticed that a senior employee’s expense reimbursement requests consistently lack the necessary receipts for things like cabs, meals, etc. This person does this way more often and in greater quantities than anyone else in the office. Word among the staff is that he may run this firm one day. Is this issue even worth bringing forward?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 @cubicleconfide1. All names will be changed to protect the guilty and innocent...Thanks for listening! Connect with us on LinkedIn or Twitter!
Awkward!

Awkward!

2023-11-2235:12

What work situations make you cringe?Some of our listeners find themselves stuck in awkward situations and need support to figure out what to do!Tune in to hear Mary and Chris’ advice about job changes, connection requests, and honest feedback. Worried About a Gaffe with The Government works for the government with a good job that boasts a great salary and benefits. Unfortunately, their job is being phased out. They interviewed for a highly prestigious position, but this organization expects them to accept the job without providing salary information. Should they take a chance and accept the offer hoping for the best or should they voice their concerns?Avoiding The Awkward in Arkansas has a “friend” who is launching a new business and has asked our listener for her help in securing new business through introductions to our listener’s client base. The problem is that our listener doesn’t want to help. After multiple unsettling personal and professional interactions, they don’t want to have their name associated with this person and certainly don’t want to waste their clients’ time with someone they don’t respect. How can they gracefully decline this request?Is Honesty the Best Policy in Hanover has their annual review coming up, and in addition to sharing a narrative on their accomplishments and challenges, their boss wants them to give him feedback on his management style. The problem is that he’s not a very good manager and they suspect he’s not very open to feedback based on their history with him.  How honest should they be with their feedback and what’s the best way to deliver it to him?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 or Twitter!
It's Time to Go...

It's Time to Go...

2023-11-1432:50

Decisions, decisions!This week, our listeners are trying to decide if they (or others) should stay in their jobs or move on to greener pastures… Tune in to hear Mary and Chris’ advice on retirement, switching jobs, and making other big career choices (for yourself and others!)A Few Cards Shy of A Full Deck in Denver has spent 45 years at the same company--working their way up from the mailroom to the C-suite. They now find themselves at a crossroads – either retire or continue to work as a contract employee. They don’t need the money, so they could easily retire but they can’t picture themselves sitting around. If they stay, they’d report to a former direct report who isn’t the sharpest tack in the box. Can they tell the powers that be that this project manager shouldn’t be managing at all?A Curtain Call in California works in HR and has the unwelcome task of talking to senior partners about retiring. They don’t have a formal retirement age, so some partners stay way past their expiration date. Their contributions have been declining and they cause angst in the other partners. How do they go about having this difficult conversation?Painted Into a Corner in Houston’s father started their paint business nearly 53 years ago and it has grown into a seven-store chain. Now, it’s being run by second and third-generation family members but their father still comes in every day. If he doesn’t like what’s going on in a store, he’ll grab the employees and make them do things the way he thinks they should be done. Our listener is supposed to confront his Dad about this, but it’s still his business. Is there any way they can get Dad to see things differently?We’re here to help you succeed! Send us your workplace dilemmas or career questions. Email us: at 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 or Twitter!
The Fame Game

The Fame Game

2023-11-0830:01

Do you strive for fame and fortune?Some of our listeners do, too and others have already achieved it.In this week’s show, Mary and Chris address the wins and woes of being famous!Too Big for His Breeches in Boise runs a management training company. Their business is booming. To meet client demand, they farm out much of the work to subcontractors, and one of their most popular contractors is using his reputation to demand more money than the other subcontractors. How can they keep him in the fold without ruffling any feathers with the rest of the contractors?The Big Bang Theory in Trenton had an employee perform an amazing act at one of their production facilities recently. She caught an error that literally prevented the plant from exploding. However, she’s not the best worker otherwise – so bad, that she’s actually on a Performance Improvement Plan. After this big save, she thinks she’s untouchable. How can they convince her or management she needs to be moved on or moved out?What Wood You Do in Minnesota has a side hustle that’s growing in popularity so much so that they might have a shot at being an influencer. They take their knowledge from their full-time job and relay it to their side hustle. They’re worried because the company they work for doesn’t allow part-time jobs and they’re very private in how they operate. What should they do if, and/or when their company finds out?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 or Twitter!
What's Your Status?

What's Your Status?

2023-10-2531:48

All human beings have a neuropsychological need for status. We need to feel that we are worthy and valued in the eyes of others. So, what happens when people lower our status? Or when we feel our status gets in the way of positive workplace relationships? A Star is Made and Born in Kentucky feels his increased status and success as a professional in the big city has impacted his ability to connect with her hometown friends and family. You Talkin’ To Me in Upstate New York just got snubbed by some executives at her company. She was invited to attend a planning meeting with upper-level management only to be talked over and dismissed. Should she say something?No Tall Poppies in Poland believes that touting one’s accomplishments to others is arrogant. They were brought up to be humble and unassuming. However, now they worry that their exaggerated humility may be hurting their career…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 or Twitter!
Trust Me

Trust Me

2023-10-1832:04

Do you know the number one aspect of creating high-performance organizations?If you said trust, you nailed it!This week, we hear from listeners who want to earn trust or learn to trust. Tune in to hear Mary and Chris’ advice on creating a culture of trust in the workplace.Catering To My Needs in Portland is the first to admit they’re a micromanager. Paying attention to details has gotten them to where they are now. Their recent promotion means they’ll do more managing and less “doing”. Quite frankly, they don’t trust the people reporting to them to produce the same quality work that they did. How can they learn to let go and still maintain control from on high?Fool Me Once in Fremont works in accounts payable and is tired of getting thrown under the bus by a senior manager in another department. Out of the blue, that same senior manager wants our listener to co-lead a corporate-level process improvement initiative to streamline invoicing. It’s an opportunity to be seen by the higher-ups but knowing this manager’s history, they fear they could end up just being the fall guy. Can they say yes and if so, how do they avoid the bus?Faking It in Phoenix has been asked to go to college campuses to do recruiting. They have been paired with someone they find arrogant, loud, and inappropriate. The problem is that the other guy acts all charming around potential recruits, but when they’re not in front of recruits, he’s a total jerk. They’re supposed to look like teammates, but our listener has a hard time pretending to like this guy. Any advice on how to get past his obnoxiousness?We’re here to help you succeed! Send us your workplace dilemmas or career questions. Email us: at 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 or Twitter!
On this week’s re-release schedule, we have a fan favorite from Season Two – “It’s Not Me, It’s You.” This episode is all about dealing with annoying people because, unfortunately, they always have been and always will be a fact of life at work.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 for culture fit is just as important as hiring for skills. How does she make her case and change their minds?Serenity Now in Santa Ana has a business partner (who is also her husband) who barrages her all day long with texts. How can she get him to stop or at least organize them into a semblance of a to-do list?  Join us next week for an all new episode!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 or Twitter!
Promotion Motion

Promotion Motion

2023-10-0430:26

This week, we’re re-releasing our most popular episode from Season One and third most popular episode of all time – Promotion Motion. If you’re here to accelerate your career, you came to the right place and won’t want to miss this greatest hit!Are you trying to climb up the corporate food chain? Trying to crack that promotion code? Or are you tired of being passed over for promotions? If so, then this episode is for you!Mary and Chris answer questions on how to power up your promotion prospects. Hint: Just doing your job isn’t enough…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 or Twitter!
My Boss Sucks...

My Boss Sucks...

2023-09-2732:56

Next up on our re-release schedule is a timeless classic! We’re heading all the way back to the Season One for this fan favorite – “My Boss Sucks” to help our listeners deal with their bad bosses.“Conflicted on the Crew” wants to know if and how he should intervene on a difficult boss. “Recovering in Rhode Island” needs advice in dealing with a gaslighter. Tips abound in this episode for navigating difficult and toxic bosses!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 or Twitter!
I Need Some ME Time!

I Need Some ME Time!

2023-09-2031:09

Did you know that only 48% of Americans use all their vacation days?You have paid time off for a reason, and taking a vacation reduces stress, improves well-being, and boosts productivity, so it’s important to capitalize on that benefit!This week, we hear from listeners who don’t want to let their PTO go to waste. Tune in to hear Mary and Chris’ advice on how to ask your boss for some me time.Use It Or Lose It in Atlanta hasn’t taken a vacation in seven years, so they’ve been banking their time off. Recently, their company changed their PTO policy to a “use it or lose it” system. Their existing 14 weeks of vacation time must be used within the next 24 months, or they lose it. If they want to use it all up at once, they could be gone for weeks or months at a time. They recently received a promotion, so they fear taking their PTO time now could leave a bad taste with their company. Can they fulfill their dream of sitting on the beach while staying in the company’s good graces?Anchors Away in Charlotte received an invitation to speak at a nonwork-related conference in Oslo. The company they work for has several big plants in Germany, so they thought they could use their work budget to pay for their trip to Oslo. Is it ethically dubious to mix work with personal and what’s the downside if someone finds out about the nonwork-related conference?In Need of A Little Me Time in Honolulu is supposed to be on vacation yet they find themselves sitting with an open laptop answering emails. They’ve been fielding questions from their boss and subordinates almost every day and, with the time differences, they’re working into the evening. While they can put aside the questions from their subordinates, they feel obligated to address their boss’ questions. How can they tell their workaholic boss that they need some me time?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 or Twitter!
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