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

A person in my team had a birthday last week and someone pooled money for a gift. No one asked me to contribute and I didn't realize a collection was being taken up. When they presented the gift, I was embarrassed because my name was not listed on the card. I'm mad for being left out and feel paranoid since I've never been excluded before, as far as I know. How can I handle this? – 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 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 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