I'm based in the U.K. and my boss and four other team members are in Canada. Despite my efforts to be part of the group, geographical barriers and personal problems have made it hard for everyone to work cohesively with a consistent strategy. There's no team-building spirit or inclusiveness. What should I do? – read answer

I read your column last week and was intrigued by what Jon from Paris said about never receiving feedback or indication about his performance. I'm in the opposite situation. My boss seems to compliment me on everything I do. It's getting hard for me to determine if he's sincere. Is there anything I can do?  – read answer

I recently interviewed with a hot-shot company in my industry for a job that would put me in a fast track to the top of my field. I interviewed with two managers to whom I would report directly and they're eager to bring me aboard. However, when I met with the head of the organization, I endured the most toxic interview one could imagine. I'm sure it was meant to be one of those "stress" interviews, but now I'm having second thoughts about this employer. Afterwards, one of the managers called to tell me that I shouldn't let this person influence my decision to join the organization, that he was a manic-depressive, that I wouldn't have much contact with him and that he was being "isolated" from the rest of the staff. I'm used to high-stress work environments and can take a lot of guff, but this seems weird. Still, this job would be great for my career. They've made me an attractive offer. What should I do?  – read answer

I work closely with another person -- we're a team responsible for our work together. I'm a generous sort and my partner takes advantage of this. I do over 70% of the work, while she does only the rest. I've tried to raise this issue with her several times in a pleasant way, but I'm getting nowhere. I hate to report to my boss about this problem -- that's not my style. Is there an alternative? – read answer

I'm a manager at a family-owned business, which is run by the two sons of the deceased founder. They're competent professionals. The company is majority-owned by the founder's widow, the sons' stepmother. I'm trying to do what's best for the business, but this woman is constantly interfering. She knows nothing about the industry or how a company is run. How can I maintain my sanity and keep my job without getting involved in the family affairs? – read answer

My boss is a workaholic who keeps ungodly long hours and seems to believe everyone working for him should, too. I'm a driven, ambitious professional, but I also need some time to have a life. How can I please my boss without driving myself into the ground? – read answer

I was told that I'm being transferred to another department and the department head invited my spouse and me to dinner to get to know us better. I'm concerned since my spouse is extremely shy and doesn't like social functions. I could make excuses and not bring my spouse, but I think this wouldn't look good. I don't want my spouse to just sit there and be uncomfortable either. What should I do? – read answer

I love my job and take a lot of work home with me on nights and weekends. I don't know if I should tell my boss. Will it look like I can't do my job or that I'm a reliable employee?  – read answer

I was recently hired as a manager of an information-technology department with about 15 people working for me. I've looked at the personnel files of my staff and noticed that their performance reviews, for the most part, haven't been very positive for the past few years. This concerns me and I'm not sure what to do. My inclination is to ignore the reviews, but I'm afraid if I do, my superiors will judge me as arrogant and think that I feel I know more than my predecessor. What should I do? – read answer

I recently had a heated discussion with my boss and I broke down in tears in front of him. How do I recover from this? – read answer

I like my job but not my boss. He treats his employees poorly. Is this enough of a reason to look for another job? Will leaving send my boss the signal that he should change his behavior?  – read answer

I have what might be an unusual career problem. My boss doesn't seem to like being a manager and I can't get any direction from him. He avoids being in the office and seems to try to have as little interaction with the staff as possible. I'm new to the company and have considerable career ambitions, but feel like I may have made a mistake joining this group. The morale of my co-workers is low and there are unmistakable improvements that could be made to the operations here. What should I do? – read answer

My boss asked me a terrible and exciting question: could you replace me during 2 weeks since I will be out of the office. What should I do to get ready? – read answer

I work for an assurance company as a customer-service representative and have an undergraduate degree in economics law. My communication skills are strong and I work well under pressure. My goal is to become a negotiation expert but trivial issues and people problems seem to be preventing me from achieving it at my firm. Should I change jobs, and if so, how can I get started? – read answer

I was responsible for a large project at my company, which required input from other team members. I communicated what was needed and when, yet nobody followed my directions. When the project went sour, my manager held me responsible for its failure. Can you help me? – read answer

I got a new job and joined a group of already established workers. I'm having trouble getting the team to include me. What I should do? – read answer

I work in an office of about 24 people in the real-estate sector. I like my job and most of my co-workers, except one. He's obnoxious and always eager to belittle me and others. He seems to take delight in making people feel inadequate. I know this might sound like no big deal, but having to deal with him day in and day out is ruining my life. What can I do? – read answer