The Difference Between Kind and Nice

The Difference Between Kind and Nice

Question: I struggle to be the kind of boss my employees will respect and like. But, I am often confronted with shoddy work, poor employee attitudes and mistakes that shouldn’t be happening. What I am supposed to do? Can I continue to be nice while things fall apart?

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Stepping Into the Same River Twice

Stepping Into the Same River Twice

Question: I have been doing international contracts for the past decade. Many of them have been with affiliated organizations. Recently, I saw a great opportunity with an NGO with which I worked several years ago. I want to apply, but I hesitate. Is there some rule against working for the same employer twice? Will the recruiter see I previously worked with them and screen me out?

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Where On the Map

Where On the Map

I am an international development professional. I have worked many years on economic development issues for NGOs in Eastern Europe and Africa. It’s time for me to launch myself as a leader.

I just saw a Director role that has been posted for two locations, Tanzania and South Africa. Both roles look alike. However, the role in South Africa pays almost double that of the other. As well, the South Africa office seems to be the organization’s headquarters. I am interested in both. Please advise.

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Career Trade-Offs

Career Trade-Offs

I am a CFO, and a well-respected, local nonprofit is looking for an operations person with a strong finance background. This is a really exciting opportunity as the organization is in growth mode, and I could see myself leading it one day.

The crunch is about the money. They are offering 40% of my current salary. Although I could scrape by on this sum, it feels like an awful lot to sacrifice. What do I do now?

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Management Under Review

Management Under Review

Q: How can you tell good managers from bad ones? What sets them apart?

A: No one deliberately sets out to be a “bad” manager. Therefore, I would reframe the question as one that focuses on a leader’s effectiveness.

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Name Change: A Cultural Make-Over

Name Change: A Cultural Make-Over

Q: About 10 years, ago, I came to the United States from a country overseas. I earned my first degree in accounting followed by a second degree in business organization from solid colleges. I know I am highly qualified, competent and have excellent references. Despite these attributes, I have circulated my resume with very little response. A colleague told me she thinks my name is causing problems. What do you think?

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The Killer Reference

The Killer Reference

Q: I have a feeling one of my references is not giving me a good evaluation. In my last set of interviews, the prospective employer seemed very enthusiastic about hiring me. But, after conducting reference checks, he refused to return my phone calls. What can I do to correct this? Is there any strategy for making a bad reference good?

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