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Tattoos Are Here To Stay

art direction franke james; licensed tattoo photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Francis wong chee yen

BY JOHN A. CHALLENGER

Even as a slowdown in the economy threatens to curtail hiring, recruiters across the country still face difficulty finding the right people with the right skills to fill job openings. With skilled labor shortages worsening as baby boomers leave the workforce, employers will be left with no choice: they will have to welcome the growing number of tattooed candidates with open arms.

Body art, including tattoos and piercings, are becoming more popular, especially among the generation entering the job market now. With some surveys indicating that more than one third of young people sport tattoos and other forms of body art, companies will be forced to become more accepting.
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Hell at work since my manager is my boyfriend

Text by Franke James; Fire kitchen photo ©istockphoto.com/Scott Leman
“Dear Office-Politics,
Firstly, I would like to say thank God for such a website as recently I have been blazing through a couple of war and backstabbing episodes.” Timothy Johnson responds, “Regardless of his relationship to you – personal or professional – verbal and emotional abuse is not healthy in the home or the office, so let’s discuss some strategies for how to handle this guy. Unfortunately, a cast iron skillet to the noggin is frowned upon in polite society.”

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Boss prefers my BF. Thinks I am good for nothing

Homeless Photo and text © Franke James, MFA.

My boyfriend is a very outspoken, jovial and interactive person. On the contrary, I am a bit of an introvert…. Although as far as work is concerned, my boyfriend and I are both equivalent. But from my Boss’s behavior it seems that she considers him better, and that I am good for nothing.” Jennifer Glueck Bezoza responds “Your situation sounds complicated in that there is a triangle of personal and professional relationships involved…”

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Ever wondered what coaching advice CEO’s receive that keep them going at full speed?

seldman

How do CEO’s balance maximum effort at work with demands in their personal life? In this interview with co-author of EXECUTIVE STAMINA, Marty Seldman, we discover some of the coaching tools he uses with his clients (explained in depth in his new book). My favorites are ‘shifts and drifts’ and the three bucket system.

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I have made some horrible office politics mistakes

Composite illustration by Franke James, MFA.; shark swimming towards viewer ©istockphoto.com/Roberto A Sanchez, fish-eye lens woman ©istockphoto.com/Sharon Dominick, shark profile ©istockphoto.com/roberto adrian

“I have to admit that I know nothing about office politics and have made some horrible mistakes… After working for 16 years for a company, I was forced by the owner to leave.”Co-authors Marty Seldman, Ph.D. and Joshua Seldman respond: “Your letter seems to indicate that you have some important values and strengths. These include high standards, honesty and a clear sense of integrity coupled with the “courage of your convictions.

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My sister is making my work life miserable

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My sister “Katty” got the job. Fast forward, Katty works here and has been making my work life miserable ever since. She constantly says inappropriate things in the office.” Franke James, Inventor of The Office-Politics Game responds: “Clearly your problem is not just office politics, it’s family politics too. Unfortunately, family politics can be even worse because it can last a lifetime… Let’s look at your options. You’ve said you’re prepared to lay down an ultimatum to HR. Either Katty leaves the company or you do. It sounds logical and decisive but is it smart politically?

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How do I approach my boss to discuss a raise?

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I do not know how to approach my boss to discuss a raise. One more thing complicates things: My company is currently in the process of being bought out, and we are not financially sound… Timothy Johnson, Author and Consultant responds: “You have a very precarious situation with the company’s financial status and the current economic outlook. You’ve brought up some very good issues about managing your own economic worth in difficult times…”

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The Office-Politics Letters that appears as a feature of this Website are an educational and discussion oriented column designed to help the reader better understand ethical issues. The matters discussed in the letter are reviewed in a summary and abbreviated way and are only meant to foster thinking on the part of the reader. If a person decides to adopt or implement suggestions, they do so at their own risk. No representation or warranty is provided in relation to suggestions or the contents of the advice letter. Neither the authors of the advice letter, Franke James, John W. Burton, Rick Brandon, Marty Seldman, Timothy Johnson, Jennifer Glueck Bezoza, Gregory Ketchum, Erika Andersen, past advisers, guest advisers or the owners of this Website accept any liability whatsoever for any opinions expressed in the letter or for errors and omissions. All submissions to www.officepolitics.com will remain anonymous. No email addresses or identifying names will be published. Submission of letters to the Office-Politics Forum grants the Publisher, Nerdheaven Ltd. the right to reproduce, republish, repurpose and excerpt the submission in any and all other media, without compensation or contacting the author. Copyright The James Gang, Iconoclasts Inc., 2002-2026.

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