Problem Solving (Archives)

What Is Problem Solving?

The Problem Solving column addresses short questions from readers about interpersonal and ethical issues in the workplace. It appears every second Wednesday in the Careers section of the Globe and Mail. Readers can send in short questions (100 words, no attachments) to spinker at globeandmail.com.

If their question are selected for the column, a pseudonym will be used; the reader will not be identified by name in print. Susan Pinker regrets that she cannot address questions that the reader does not want published in the newspaper, nor can she give clinical advice by email. Clinical questions should be addressed to a family doctor or psychologist in your area.

2008

Dog days at the office? Not if you can help it: Globe and Mail, August 20, 2008
Ah, sun, sand, and arguing over the damn PDA: Globe and Mail, July 30, 2008
A lack of class comes out in the school staff room: Globe and Mail, July 9, 2008
You are what (and where) you eat: Globe and Mail, June 25, 2008
Courtesy is but flotsam in a sea of e-mail: Globe and Mail, June 11, 2008
Honesty is more than sums of the partnership: Globe and Mail, May 28, 2008
Valuable expertise need not go to waste: Globe and Mail, May 14, 2008
A united front against meanness: Globe and Mail, May 7, 2008
Emotional pain: the silent killer of spirit: Globe and Mail, April 23, 2008
For women in law, sole survival poses challenges: Globe and Mail, April 16, 2008
Double trouble: Spouses vying for a job: Globe and Mail, February 27, 2008
When office affair blooms, no need to reach for DDT: Globe and Mail, February 13, 2008
Retiring early may not be a great escape: Globe and Mail, January 30, 2008
Cheap shot? Consider where it comes from: Globe and Mail, January 16, 2008

2007

All in the family - except for a nephew: Globe and Mail, December 19, 2007
Christmas bonus may be nice, but it's also knotty: Globe and Mail, December 5, 2007
Data softens ride when flying by seat of your pants: Globe and Mail, November 11, 2007
Promotion becomes exile in 'administrivia': Globe and Mail, October 24, 2007
Reading, writing, and the worker who can't: Globe and Mail, October 10, 2007
Adults say the darnedest things - about having children: Globe and Mail, September 26, 2007
Stutterers, worry not in isolation: Globe and Mail, September 12, 2007
Three's a crowd, but you must make space: Globe and Mail, August 29, 2007
Dealing with difficult people is an art: Globe and Mail, August 15, 2007
Too old for long-term plans ...too young to be put out to pasture: Globe and Mail, July 25, 2007
I forget, have we discussed memory loss before?: Globe and Mail, May 2, 2007
When e-mail is not for your eyes: Globe and Mail, April 18, 2007
Sometimes, you have to look out for No. 1: Globe and Mail, April 4, 2007
The persistent prevail with consumers' rights: Globe and Mail, March 21, 2007
Bully boss wreaks havoc, but is there another side to the story?: Globe and Mail, February 28, 2007
Your darkest day, as seen through rose-coloured lens: Globe and Mail, February 21, 2007
Sealing e-mails with a kiss? Only if you mean it: Globe and Mail, February 7, 2007
Getting green with envy over a junior staffer's green: Globe and Mail, January 17, 2007

2006

She uses sarcasm, she knows all the tricks...: Globe and Mail, December 13, 2006
Immigrant job ghetto can turn into a Velcro rut: Globe and Mail, November 29, 2006
What's it going to be: money or meaning?: Globe and Mail, November 15, 2006
Show him the money? First, he must show the credentials: Globe and Mail, November 1, 2006
Need a mentor? Best to find your own: Globe and Mail, October 18, 2006
When a key employee proves to be a handful: Globe and Mail, October 4, 2006
Women naturally 'tend and befriend': Globe and Mail, September 23, 2006
A team player by any other term would rock the boat: Globe and Mail, September 6, 2006
Think you're not the real thing? It could be all in your head: Globe and Mail, August 23, 2006
Degree can make a poor pedestal: Globe and Mail, August 2, 2006
Female aggression can be deep-seated, tricky to deal with: Globe and Mail, July 19, 2006
That old job may seem better, but nostalgia will take you only so far: Globe and Mail, July 5, 2006
Stop pleasing others and please yourself instead: Globe and Mail, June 21, 2006
As new manager, scan the terrain before throwing your weight around: Globe and Mail, June 7, 2006
Drawing the line when doing the firm's dirty work: Globe and Mail, May 24, 2006
Who's in the loop when it's time to go: Globe and Mail, May 10, 2006
Legalities and realities of mat leave: Globe and Mail, April 26, 2006
Get help deciding what's most important in a job: Globe and Mail, April 12, 2006
Internet won't give you answers to problems : Globe and Mail, March 29, 2006
When bosses are 'an item,' here's how to tread : Globe and Mail, March 1, 2006
Depression doesn't have to mean unemployment : Globe and Mail, Feb. 15, 2006
Is it chicken to keep quiet about racist remarks? : Globe and Mail, Feb. 1, 2006
A blog can be an interview tool : Globe and Mail, Jan. 18, 2006
Don't put off dealing with your procrastinating issues : Globe and Mail, Jan. 4, 2006

2005

Your partner's too lazy to get a job? Maybe not: Globe and Mail, Dec. 21, 2005
It's the small things that bug us -- no, really: Globe and Mail, Dec. 7, 2005
Angry reaction to boss could spark backlash: Globe and Mail, Nov. 23, 2005
Less Can Be More When Balancing Work and Parenting: Globe and Mail, Oct. 26, 2005
Creative restlessness can take you to the top: Globe and Mail, Oct. 12, 2005
Women dance to different tune on raises: Globe and Mail, July 20, 2005
Too nice for your own good: Globe and Mail, May 11, 2005
Kinder, gentler sex?: Globe and Mail, June 8, 2005
Team work swallows up strong and weak: Globe and Mail, May 25, 2005
Take the stress out of vacation: Globe and Mail, June 15, 2005
Snap decision by boss are okay: Globe and Mail, June 1, 2005
Post Martha, say thanks with just a note or a lunch: Globe and Mail, Sept. 14, 2005
Look at yourself before you leap: Globe and Mail, July 6, 2005
Female bosses discriminate, too: Globe and Mail, June 10, 2005
Depression on the workplace: Globe and Mail, May 18, 2005
When the next cubicle is a broadcasting booth: Globe and Mail, August 31, 2005
Sick of covering up for a co-worker: Globe and Mail, August 17, 2005
What's to blame, burnout or the boss?: Globe and Mail, August 3, 2005
Bed rest means no work stress : Globe and Mail, June 22, 2005
Revealing one's faith at work can be positive step for all: Globe and Mail, Sept. 28, 2005

2003

Consider the Cost of Loyalty: Globe and Mail, Dec. 3, 2003
Coping with Bull Sessions and Burnout: Globe and Mail, Nov. 26, 2003
Mediator can Reframe Issue: Globe and Mail, July 2, 2003
What do Salary Secrets Hide: Globe and Mail, June 20, 2003
Who Me? I'm Perfect, Thanks: Globe and Mail, April 2, 2003