Articles from Interpersonal EDGE
Interpersonal EDGE: Stop Office Grapevine
By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services
 
Q. Sometimes I get really exhausted dealing with people issues at work. Other people don't seem to find the politics so tiring. Am I just a wimp?
Read More Sunday, January 29, 2012
Interpersonal EDGE: Balancing Pregnancy and Work
By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services
 
Q. My organization is not family friendly, and I just found out I'm pregnant. I am superb at my job, have a good track record, and don't want to stop working. Do you have any suggestions for women about balancing babies and career?
Read More Sunday, January 01, 2012
Interpersonal EDGE: Sailing Through Workplace Change
By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services
 
Q. I started out my career planning to be in one industry but have ended up in another. It seems that every time I get my goals planned in one direction, another direction opens up and messes up my plan. How do you recommend people deal with careers when every plan is subject to change?
 
Read More Sunday, December 18, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Too Many Bosses, Too Little Time

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. My organization has been bought three different times in the last five years and I currently have three different bosses that I report to. The problem is every boss acts like they are my only manager. I cannot possibly get through the list of responsibilities they each give me every week. How do I avoid getting fired?

Read More Sunday, December 04, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Stop Paying for Coworker Mistakes

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. Is incompetency the new normal? Every time I turn around at work, somebody is dropping the ball, making a mistake or just being plain being stupid. I am really tired of having to pay for everyone else's mistakes. How can I stop having my job impacted by other people not doing their jobs?

Read More Sunday, November 20, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Naked Honesty Not Best Corporate Policy
By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services
 
Q. I have a coworker who believes honesty is the best policy, and he is also a regular bull in a china shop. He is smart, competent and uniformly disliked because he seems to compulsively tell the truth. I like him, he makes my job easier, and I'd like to help him succeed. Is there anything I can say?
Read More Sunday, November 06, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: How to Ride the Pony of Corporate Change

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. I'm a baby boomer and am simply exhausted at the pace of change that keeps happening in my workplace. I've paid my dues, worked hard and even went back to get a graduate degree. When do I get to a point where I have the luxury to stop being forced to change?

Read More Sunday, October 23, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: What to Do When Work Hands You Lemons?

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services
 
Q. I have had several really out of the blue work crises this year that have me feeling shocked and dismayed. I was raised to think good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people. The worst part is that I've had smug coworkers with better fortune saying I must deserve my bad luck. Am I cursed, and how do I turn my work life around?
Read More Saturday, October 08, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Handling Snakes in Corporate Grass

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. Several years ago I was accused of falsifying documents by a male coworker. My managers knew my coworker was untrustworthy, so the accusations were ignored. Now my accuser works in another division and talks frequently with my staff. How do I protect myself from a repeat of slander without appearing slanderous myself?

Read More Saturday, September 24, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Stopping Epidemic of Huffiness at Work
By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services
 
 
Q. I've been a union steward for years. During conflict, I've noticed people sometimes make accusations because they are losing. One worker claimed another worker was "crossing her out" because he had his arms crossed and then refused to work with him. How do you keep a conversation focused on solutions not blame?
 
Read More Saturday, September 10, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Tired of Bad Luck? Read This!
By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services
 
Q. I am feeling demoralized and depressed about the way my career has gone for the last five years. It seems like every time I get a break, it turns out to be disappointing in the end. Why does work (and life) need to be so hard? Other people seem to have it easy. What am I doing wrong?
Read More Saturday, August 27, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Tired of Bad Luck? Read This!
By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services
 
Q. I am feeling demoralized and depressed about the way my career has gone for the last five years. It seems like every time I get a break, it turns out to be disappointing in the end. Why does work (and life) need to be so hard? Other people seem to have it easy. What am I doing wrong?
 
Read More Saturday, August 13, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Help Co-Worker Bent on Self-Destruction?

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. I have a good friend at work who lately seems to be on a path of self-destruction. She is showing up late at work, not submitting her work on schedule, and generally is putting her job at risk. I've been trying to cover for her, but that is starting to put my job at risk. I can't afford to lose my job, but I feel bad for my friend. How can I deal with this?

Read More Saturday, July 30, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Can Co-Workers Be True Friends?

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. I have several co-workers I consider friends whom I've talked with quite candidly about how I feel about our team and personal issues in my marriage. Now I'm hearing some of this information in our office grapevine, and I'm really upset. How can I make sure that what I say to my friends stays private?
 

Read More Saturday, July 16, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Out of Options with Rude Co-Worker?
By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services
 
Q. I work with one rude co-worker and have tried everything to get along with him. It seems like the nicer I am, the worse he acts. Do you have any suggestions on how to shape up an especially rude co-worker?
 
Read More Saturday, July 02, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Deflating Co-worker Defensiveness

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. No matter what I do with one of my co-workers, he tells me the job I did is not good enough. He also finds some flaw in everything I do. I'm ready to either give up or scream at him. I love your advice and thought you might have a better idea. Help!

Read More Sunday, June 19, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Global Unrest: Boon or Bust for Business?
By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services
 
Q. All the news about the unrest in Egypt and the ripple effect in the Middle East makes me nervous about the fallout global change will have for business. I'm tempted to just stop paying attention to the news but I know not having information is not a solution. How do you advise your clients on controlling their careers with so many big events happening that are not within their control?
Read More Saturday, June 04, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Is Criticizing 'Fat People' Workplace Harassment

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. I work with a guy who has lost a lot of weight and now is constantly running down "disgusting fat people." In every conversation, he brings up his healthy food choices and criticizes fat people. I'm overweight and starting to dread going to work. My co-worker brings up the topic at every chance (even in front of clients). My husband says this is harassment. What can I do?

Read More Sunday, May 22, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Tricks for Running Workplace Marathon

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. People in my industry are starting to believe we're coming out of the recession, but everyone at my job is still expected to do more with less. We laid off people, cut budgets, and reduced our resources. I'm exhausted! How can I cope with this job stress until the economy rebounds?

Read More Sunday, May 08, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Fear of Conflict Can Create Big Messes

  By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services
 
Q: In a recent column, you talked about why avoiding conflict at all costs is expensive. We'd all like lions to lie down with lambs but that occurs in Eden, not the workplace. I've been hired to replace a Human Resources Director who never dealt with conflict. How do I shape up the organization?
 
Read More Thursday, April 21, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Manage Attacking Co-Worker By Being Bored

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q: I've been in a long-term conflict with a co-worker. We've both been promoted to the management team of my company. At every meeting, this guy starts a fight, insulting me or undermining my authority. How do I get him to stop?

 

Read More Friday, April 08, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Thawing Cold War with Coworker
By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services
 
Q. I have a coworker who gets quiet and withdraws whenever I ask a question. I think she feels criticized. Should I ask her why she is behaving like this?
 
Read More Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Help for Workplace Politics is Here!

 By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services
 
Q. My workplace is super political. Every day I go to work, I'm trying to figure out what is going on between people just to get my job done. I don't have much interest in psychology and leave work exhausted most days. Lately, I'm just ignoring politics, but now my boss says people think I'm "difficult." How can I get my workplace to change?
Read More Thursday, March 17, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Give Criticism But Skip Crisis

  By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services
 
Q. I'm the manager of a large department under enormous production pressures. When I give bad feedback, employees get defensive, resentful or openly hostile. How do I deliver criticism without demoralizing my staff?
Read More Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Miscarriage-Urban Legends

 

Miscarriage-Urban Legends

1. If I have a miscarriage it must mean that I can’t ever have children. This is not true.  The odds are overwhelmingly in your favor to have a successful pregnancy after having a miscarriage.  Studies show that 70% of women successfully conceive after miscarrying.

 

Read More Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Discomfort is Birthplace of Success

 

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services
 
Q. I've had a career for 20 years and believed it would get easier the longer I worked. Instead, I find the work is easier and the people issues harder. How can I stop wasting time feeling so uncomfortable and frustrated by people at work?
 
Read More Tuesday, February 01, 2011
Interpersonal Edge: Help! I'm a Mommy Not a Manager!

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. I am a manager and I feel like more of a mommy. I am constantly nagging employees to do their job, and I'm exhausted. Is there a better way to motivate employees to do what I ask?
 

Read More Sunday, January 16, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Is Spirituality Good for Success?

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. I've gone through a tough year, and I've been seeking ways to make sense of all this chaos. I'm looking at joining a church and researching different spiritual traditions. Is there any research that says what the impact is of spirituality on success at work?

Read More Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Interpersonal EDGE: Does Gray Hair Ruin Career?

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. I recently attended an unemployment workshop, and the teacher told us that if we had any gray in our hair we should run out and color it. Doesn't this advice amount to supporting age discrimination in the workplace?
 

Read More Sunday, December 19, 2010
Retire Smart: Silicon Valley Entrepreneur Rides to the Rescue of Investors Paying High Fees

By Mark Miller
Tribune Media Services

Most investment advisors measure their success by a yardstick called assets under management-the amount clients have entrusted them to invest. Mitch Tuchman is more interested in the dollars he's been able to bring "out of management."
 

Read More Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Is Job Loyalty for Better or Worse?

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. I have worked for my company for 10 years, and the manager I loved just retired. The guy that took his place is a jerk! I feel disloyal, because even though my company has been good to me, I'm flirting heavily with the idea of leaving. Should I stay or should I go?
 

Read More Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Management Strategies for Generation Tech Obsessed


By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. I supervise a number of younger workers. They seem to have grown an appendage for texting on their cell phones and have the attention span of a gnat. How do I motivate them to focus on their jobs?
 

Read More Sunday, November 21, 2010
On the Road with MoJo Table-for-Two Reviews: FRAN'S HAMBURGERS

 

 
 
1822 South Congress
Austin, TX 78704
 
Price Range: 
$5.95 - $10.95 
Traditional diner atmosphere with friendly customer service
 
 
[Mo:]  When you think about old school, traditional burger join
ts, what thoughts come to your mind?
Read More Sunday, October 10, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Become a Wizard of Multitasking!

Q. All the managers in my company are being asked to do more with less. Most days I just feel like tearing my hair out! Do you have any suggestions about multi-tasking especially when you manage people?

Read More Sunday, October 10, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Get Even by Doing Well

 By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services
 
Q. I ended up getting squeezed out of my last job by an underhanded coworker and a malicious boss. I have to admit that revenge fantasies are consuming most of my time, even though I found a better job. How do I handle wanting to get even?
Read More Sunday, September 26, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Workplace Suffering Can Result in Enlightenment

By Dr. Daneen Skube
Tribune Media Services

Q. There are so many things wrong with my current job that it would take a book to list them all. I know a lot of people these days are saying it is good for my peace of mind and spiritual development to be in the now. How do you "be in the now" when reality sucks?

Read More Sunday, September 12, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Sexual Tension Complicates Workplace

 Q. I work with a guy and can tell we are both extremely attracted to each other. We are both married and I don't want an affair. How do I handle the sexual tension?

Read More Saturday, August 28, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Fixes for Soured Workplace Friendship

Q. I've been buddies for a couple of years with a coworker. I think she's avoiding me. I consider her a good friend and want to fix the problem. What's the best way to mend the rift?

Read More Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Is Rage Over Political Correctness PC?

 Q. I used a common phrase around a female coworker and was immediately attacked for being sexist. I didn't know this phrase was offensive to her. I'm an older white guy and becoming paranoid about opening my mouth. How do I deal with a workplace that is increasingly politically correct?

Read More Friday, July 02, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Co-workers' War Wrecking Productivity? Here a Plan!

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services
 
Q. I'm working with a team composed of people from different departments assigned to implement a new program. Two individuals seem more interested in fighting with each other than getting the job done. Nobody wants to get in the middle. Ideas?
Read More Sunday, June 20, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Change Boss from Superchicken to Superman!

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services
 
Q: My boss is a chicken and allows this one employee to walk all over him. Should I step in and tell my coworker to shape up?

 

Read More Saturday, May 08, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Breathe Life into Your Old Career!

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services
 
Q: When I started out in my career, I guess I was idealistic. Now I just feel tired and burnt out. After what happened to the stock market, I'm now stuck with working longer. How do I breathe new life into an old career? 
 
Read More Friday, April 23, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Reduce Anxiety to Engage Stonewalling Co-worker

 Q. What can you do or say to a person when you have an office conflict if they refuse to engage you in dialogue, and gossip about you from afar? Aren't there some people who just won't talk about problems?

 
Read More Monday, April 12, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Drowning in Disappointment? Here's Your Way Out

 

Drowning in Disappointment? Here's Your Way Out
Read More Saturday, March 13, 2010
Freedom of Information Act - Your Right to Know

Journalists and citizens who file Freedom of Information Act requests often expect delay or denial, unfortunately, that can impact  your daily life. Oftentimes, the lack of information provided by governmental agencies limit the ability to investigate issues, protect individuals or open the doors of justice. istockphoto

Read More Friday, February 26, 2010
Sunshine Week: Your Right to Know


Did you know that you can ask for the documents below under FOIA (Freedom of Information Act)?

Read More Friday, February 26, 2010
Interpersonal EDGE: Workplace Achilles Heel: Do You Know Yours?

By Dr. Daneen Skube

Tribune Media Services
 
Q. I have a coworker who is talented, smart and proactive. He also flies off the handle any time he thinks anyone is controlling him. How do I make it clear I am NOT trying to control him?
Read More Thursday, February 25, 2010
Spring Urban Fashions 1-9

Lot's of bold flashy vibrant colors are what we want for 50% of our summer wardrobe. Look for combinations of stripes, flowers, faces, maps, geometric shapes and any and every pattern that comes to mind, just focus on the colors.

Read More Sunday, June 02, 2002
Spring Urban Fashions

         Summer is definitely around the corner.  Weddings, graduation parties, back yard barbecues, baby showers, birthdays and social gatherings are awaiting you. We will not stand in front of our closets pondering over that big question of what to wear!

Read More Sunday, May 19, 2002
FASHION: How to Shop Wisely for Diamonds for Mother's Day & Other Special Occasions

NEWSTREAM -- It's that time of year... when mothers are appreciated just a little more, love is acknowledged in special ways, and graduations are rewarded.

Read More Sunday, May 05, 2002
New "iTeller(TM)" Will NEVER Charge a Usage Fee and Offers an Array of Services!


No More Passwords or Debit Cards -- City-Money's New ATM -- iTeller -- Requires Only Thumb Print or Eye Scan

Read More Sunday, May 05, 2002