http://www.officearrow.com/forums Learn how to better manage everything – yourself, your boss, even your email – with sound advice from our resident career consultant. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 20:26:56 GMT vBulletin 1 http://www.officearrow.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.officearrow.com/forums http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4835-challenge-your-potential-competent-leadership-part-3-a.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 21:59:49 GMT Courage is a fundamental piece of being a strong leader. Discover why it matters and how to demonstrate true courage in the workplace. The Career... Courage is a fundamental piece of being a strong leader. Discover why it matters and how to demonstrate true courage in the workplace. The Career Consultant provides inspiration and some practical guidance for those looking to build their leadership skills one step at a time.

View The Full Article ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant LisaOlsen http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4835-challenge-your-potential-competent-leadership-part-3-a.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4768-ask-career-consultant-am-i-office-kiss-up.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:55:28 GMT Afraid your compliments are being mistaken for brown-nosing? The OA Career Consultant is here to help. Learn about the grapevine approach, which will... Afraid your compliments are being mistaken for brown-nosing? The OA Career Consultant is here to help. Learn about the grapevine approach, which will allow you to give compliments and spread positivity without being seen as a kiss up.
View The Full Article ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant LisaOlsen http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4768-ask-career-consultant-am-i-office-kiss-up.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4686-challenge-your-potential-competent-leadership-part-2-a.html Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:05:16 GMT Think laughter has no place in the office? Think again. Successful leaders embody many traits, one of which is a sense of humor. This month's challenge is all about looking at the lighter side, and using humor - respectfully and appropriately - to improve your leadership skills.

View The Full Article ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant LisaOlsen http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4686-challenge-your-potential-competent-leadership-part-2-a.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4664-help-im-underpaid.html Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:38:06 GMT Hi, I was hoping to get some help in asking for a sizable raise at my annual review. I know I am under paid for my postion at my company, and I... Hi,

I was hoping to get some help in asking for a sizable raise at my annual review. I know I am under paid for my postion at my company, and I know the partners know it. They are great guys to work for and I do not want to leave the company. I just would like to be compensated for what I do. My review is coming up in about a month and a half, so I was thinking of sending a letter/e-mail or talking to them a bit before hand about my salary. I have been doing some research as to the mean and median and such. I'm just not sure the best way or time to approach this. I have no interest in leaving the company and I know I am a very vauled employee. I was basically hiried to answer phones and now my job has evolved into being much, much more, I am now more of an Exceutive Assistant to the partners of the company.Some suggestions would be really helpful. ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant pwagner http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4664-help-im-underpaid.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4641-ask-career-consultant-got-blahs.html Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:46:30 GMT Do you ever just feel ambivalent about work? In today's environment, it's pretty common. Learn how to overcome negativity and ignite your passion for your career once again. Our Career Consultant shows you how.

View The Full Article ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant LisaOlsen http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4641-ask-career-consultant-got-blahs.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4629-aa-interview-advice.html Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:46:02 GMT I have my final interview tomorrow with the SVP that I will be working for. My 2 interviews tomorrow prior to the VP are separate with his 2 prior... I have my final interview tomorrow with the SVP that I will be working for. My 2 interviews tomorrow prior to the VP are separate with his 2 prior AA's. Both have been promoted and stll work within his dept. Any advice and all advice please. I am all ears! Do I utlize the Q & A session part of the interview time with the 2 prior AA's to ask specific questions about the SVP? Should I inquire about the SVP's personality, likes/dislikes, what specific skill set or personality is he looking for?

Never had been in this position before. Your advice and direction will be greatly appeciated.

Mz Spunky ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant mzspunky http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4629-aa-interview-advice.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4342-august-challenge-you-competent-leader.html Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:20:39 GMT What does it take to be a leader? The answer is - a lot! Our Career Consultant is walking you through all the characteristics of a successful leader... What does it take to be a leader? The answer is - a lot! Our Career Consultant is walking you through all the characteristics of a successful leader and challenging you to step up to the plate! Are you ready to lead?

View The Full Article ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant LisaOlsen http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4342-august-challenge-you-competent-leader.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4329-ask-career-consultant-ready-give-up.html Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:47:55 GMT Yes, the job market is tough. But don't give up just yet! If you're struggling to get that job offer, the OA Career Consultant has some advice to get you back on track and out of the unemployment line!

View The Full Article ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant LisaOlsen http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4329-ask-career-consultant-ready-give-up.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4274-planning-management-retreat-part-2-put-your-plan-action.html Thu, 30 Jul 2009 17:57:11 GMT Put on your "Event Coordinator" hat - it's time to plan a management retreat! Don't worry about a thing. We're sharing all the insider tips you need to organize a memorable event and pull it off without a snag.

View The Full Article ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant LisaOlsen http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4274-planning-management-retreat-part-2-put-your-plan-action.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4259-planning-management-retreat-part-1-simple-guide-get-started.html Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:02:19 GMT With the economy in the dumps, many companies are doing away with professional event coordinators and turning to their administrative professionals... With the economy in the dumps, many companies are doing away with professional event coordinators and turning to their administrative professionals to organize management retreats. In this two part series, we'll look at how to effectively plan and execute such an event.

View The Full Article ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant LisaOlsen http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4259-planning-management-retreat-part-1-simple-guide-get-started.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4222-ask-career-consultant-bad-review-recovery.html Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:25:06 GMT Have you ever been the victim of a bad performance review? It's not fun, but it doesn't have to be a thoroughly negative experience. Our Career Consultant teaches you how to turn it around and use a bad review to your advantage.

View The Full Article ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant LisaOlsen http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4222-ask-career-consultant-bad-review-recovery.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4099-june-challenge-think-big-try-you-ll-like.html Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:12:10 GMT Are you stuck in a small mindset, looking only at the "here and now" and never seeing the "big picture"? If so, the OA Career Consultant is challenging you to break the habit this month. Find out what steps you need to take to open your mind and start thinking big.

View The Full Article ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant LisaOlsen http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4099-june-challenge-think-big-try-you-ll-like.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4016-ask-career-consultant-how-not-annoy-your-boss.html Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:05:33 GMT Do you ever feel like your boss considers you a nuisance? If so, our Career Consultant has helpful advice on how to handle this potentially... Do you ever feel like your boss considers you a nuisance? If so, our Career Consultant has helpful advice on how to handle this potentially problematic situation. Read on to learn how to deal with a moody boss and establish a mutually beneficial relationship.

View The Full Article ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant LisaOlsen http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/4016-ask-career-consultant-how-not-annoy-your-boss.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/3944-may-challenge-becoming-boundary-hunter.html Thu, 21 May 2009 13:42:59 GMT This month, our Career Consultant explores the age-old question of whether it's truly possible to achieve work-life balance. And, guess what? She says it's time to ditch this antiquated notion. After all, balance is out; harmony is in. Learn simple ways to become a boundary hunter and experience inner harmony in May.

View The Full Article ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant LisaOlsen http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/3944-may-challenge-becoming-boundary-hunter.html http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/3024-how-do-i-answer-question-why-did-you-leave-your-last-position.html Fri, 17 Apr 2009 20:02:40 GMT I was at my last position for almost 6 years. We had at least four Regional Directors, when the last one was hired she brought a lot of conflict... I was at my last position for almost 6 years. We had at least four Regional Directors, when the last one was hired she brought a lot of conflict into the office.

Prior to her hiring, I received excellent reviews and notes from the owner of the company saying: :"We all know who runs South Mountain Region, thank you for your loyalty", etc. I also received complimentary emails from clients and collateral's.

Six months before my yearly review was due, I was called into the Regional Directors office, and the first things she said to me was: "Darlene (State Director) wants you fired,and she wanted to come down and do it herself but I saved you from that. I know your resignation is on your computer, and you don't really need the money."

She went on to tell me that my co-workers were afraid of me because they thought I was homicidal, I yell at people on the phone, when I would call for information I would demand it. She also said that if I stayed I had seven days to improve.

All of this was a shock to me, although it shouldn't have been. There was a previous mass exit of upper management, and others had been fired.

Unfortunately, I know exactly what precipitated this, I know exactly who told the tales out of school, and why. It all boils down to the person I advocated for to fill a position was jealous of my relationships with those in the company, and her need to be the center of attention.

What I don't know is how to answer the question: "Why did you leave your last position?" I have been unable to find a job for over two years. I have excellent skills, I don't jump from job to job.
I know this is lengthy, but I needed to tell all of it in order to get a reply that is appropriate.

Thanks for your help.

Eilene Fryer ]]> Lisa Olsen: The Career Consultant Eilene http://www.officearrow.com/forums/lisa-olsen-career-consultant/3024-how-do-i-answer-question-why-did-you-leave-your-last-position.html