I got an earful from John the other day. His boss won’t let him breathe. Since the new guy took over his department, John’s interest and enthusiasm has dropped. He says this guy is always looking over his shoulder. Criticizing his approach. Openly or not so openly letting him know his way is the only way.

There’s a lot of talk in organizations about performance. Raising performance. The big question is how can anyone perform who can barely breath? Does that mean John or anyone in that situation needs to leave in order to move their career along? Depends. (more…)

I heard from a listener that this week’s podcast on Mother/Daughter Relationships was not helpful. My (seemingly “idyllic”) experience with my daughter Gabi doesn’t resemble normal mother/daughter relationships. I disagree. (more…)

March 5th, 2008 will forever be a special day to me. Amid all the chaos and craziness in the world, our Antonia Josephine was born. Our first grandchild. Her presence reminds me of the absolute miracle of life. It makes me reflect on the gift of a new life being filled with love, joy, and peace. It also brings me back to the reality that, for many, it is the beginning of a long journey of pain.

The experts say if you were unlucky enough to have been abused or seriously troubled, there’s little chance of raising a well adjusted child. Someone who could be comfortable among the content and joyful crowd.

I’m here to tell you that you can. (more…)

Colleges have always been pressure cookers. The crucibles in which young adults can be fired to greatness are also heating some students to dangerous levels. Suicide and attempts are rising, as is campus violence. What’s going on? Helping us to understand the myriad pressures that today’s kids are under is Dr. Lynda Doyle, a therapist in-touch with the college generation. We also look at the controversial book, "Doing School" by Denise Clark Pope. Music heard on the show includes "Under Pressure" by David Bowie.

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Personal reactions to Hillary Clinton have been increasingly on my mind. I’m not referring to her political stances or affiliation, but rather to the organized and not so organized emotional responses to her as the first US woman to make it this close to the front door of the Oval Office. Hillary is a trailblazer. As such, she is perceived and judged differently than a man.

No matter what Hillary says, wears, or does, she provokes unending criticism. (more…)

Rumors have been on my mind this week. The New York Times articles on John McCain’s alleged relationship got me started. Whether these accusations are rumor or something else is not what is on my mind at the moment. They just got me to thinking about the power of a rumor. What idle speculation–unverified gossip–can do to a person.
(more…)

The seamy underbelly of social networking sites. Accusations fly, kids punk their parents, people get canned, everybody it seems is out to get somebody. Forget MySpace and Facebook. Have you seen EnemyBook? Advice for a grad student with a bully for an advisor. Music heard on this show includes “Blame Game” by Keith Hinton. Call my comment hotline 888-378-5463 or email me at asknow@askdrharriet.com

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Ever notice how most people notice your mistakes? Your shortcomings? Your limitations? You get into the habit of just trying to protect yourself from “constructive” criticism. Why? Because most criticism turns out to be negative. Who wants to be the target of that? Not me. And, I’ll bet not you!

Think about the possibility of what could happen if important people in your life noticed what you did right! What you did well! What you accomplished! How would you feel then? I’ll bet, great! Confident! Wanting to take on a new challenge.

Here’s a thought: (more…)

Every workplace has one – or six. They suck up to senior management. They steal your ideas and waste your time. They constantly criticize, spread malicious gossip and get good people in trouble. And that’s just minor bad behavior compared to the damage they can do. Fear not! Here are some simple steps you can take to detox your office environment.

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Our silver anniversary show explores how the inability to “feel the pain” of another generation has some workplaces rippling with turmoil. Why can’t Boomers, GenX and GenY make nice at the office? A few companies are proactively seeking the answer. Please take our listener poll. Pretty please? I have oodles of leftover candy for ya. Here kitty, kitty.

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