Ask Christa!

We're back!!  After a short hiatus (life gets busy for all of us, me too!!) Thank you for your patience!!!

Summary

In this episode, Christa answers a listener question about how to handle it when a senior leader assigns work directly, bypassing the listener’s immediate manager. The episode explains why this can create confusion around priorities and reporting lines, how to respond in the moment without sounding difficult, and how to loop in the direct manager in a way that protects relationships, transparency, and workflow.

Key Takeaways

·       A skip-level assignment may be well-intended, but it can still create confusion around priorities, accountability, and communication.

·       The first response should be calm, appreciative, and clarifying: what is needed, by when, and how urgent it is compared with current work.

·       Looping in your manager is not tattling or being difficult; it is how you prevent surprises and keep priorities aligned.

·       If it becomes a pattern, address the workflow directly with your boss and ask for a simple process for handling future senior-leader requests.

Additional Resources

The Management Center. “How to Manage Skip-Level Relationships.” September 13, 2021. https://www.managementcenter.org/resources/how-to-manage-skip-level-relationships/.

Lena Reinhard. “Skip-Level Meetings: Common Pitfalls And How to Avoid Them.” March 12, 2024. https://www.lenareinhard.com/articles/skip-level-meetings-one-to-ones-common-pitfalls-how-to-avoid-tips.

Forbes Coaches Council. “20 Tips To ‘Manage Up’ And Build Strong Relationships With Leadership.” June 24, 2025. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2025/06/24/20-tips-to-manage-up-and-build-strong-relationships-with-leadership/.

Music licensed through Soundstripe: Codes: D9ZUC3H3SR5LIYTI, DHTESRZHAKJ9GH8U, ZYMVOKNKZH5QIQ5M, PRBHHYDGGH6CTPN6, IWRFKTIQNZISTZC

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode, Christa answers a listener question about how to protect focus when a caring, supportive boss frequently stops by for casual chit-chat. The episode explains why even well-intended interruptions can disrupt momentum, how to frame the conversation using impact and behavior without making the boss feel criticized, and what to do when a manager may be more defensive or less receptive to feedback.

Key Takeaways

·       A great boss can still have habits that make it harder to do focused work.

·       Feedback lands better when it names the behavior, impact, and needed change.

·       Visual signals, focus blocks, and proactive updates help protect deep work.

·      For defensive bosses, frame the issue around workflow, priorities, and reducing task-switching rather than their interruptive behavior.

Additional Resources

Ask Christa! “Ask Christa! How Can I Ask My Co-Worker to Quit the Chit Chat? (…,” October 1, 2025. https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-how-can-i-ask-my-co-worker-to-quit-the-chit-chat-s4e45/.

Green, Alison. “How Can I Make My Boss Stop Talking to Me When I’M Trying to Work?” Inc, January 12, 2016. https://www.inc.com/alison-green/how-can-i-make-my-boss-stop-talking-to-me-when-i-m-trying-to-work.html.

Shelly, Jared. “10 Ways to Shutdown Office Chatter and Actually Get Work Done.” Convene, October 4, 2023. https://convene.com/catalyst/office/shutdown-office-chatter/.

Music licensed through Soundstripe
Code: RZIFQ0ROJGMTDMVL

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa answers a listener question about working in a startup where team goals keep shifting, priorities are repeatedly changed, and progress seems impossible. She explores the difference between healthy flexibility and chronic instability, why constant swings drain morale and productivity, and how employees can raise the issue in a way that stays focused on business outcomes rather than understandable frustration. Christa then shares practical strategies for documenting shifting priorities, clarifying tradeoffs, and protecting momentum when leadership keeps changing direction.

Key Takeaways

•      Startups need flexibility, but flexibility that leads to constant goal changes is destabilizing.

•      When leaders repeatedly change direction without acknowledging consequences or tradeoffs, employees can lose focus, momentum, and trust in the process.

•      Raising the issue works best when you describe patterns and business impact.

•      Documenting changes, confirming decisions in writing, and asking for clarity on priorities can reduce rework and protect team energy.

•      If shifting goals become chronic, employees may need to decide whether the environment is fast-moving or fundamentally undisciplined.

Additional Resources

Change Enthusiasm Global. (2025, November 19). How to navigate constantly changing priorities at work. https://changeenthusiasmglobal.com/how-to-navigate-constantly-changing-priorities-at-work/   

Clug, A. (2026, June 15). Founder's trap: When to step aside as CEO. Alex Clug Management Insights. https://alexclug.com/the-founders-trap-knowing-when-to-step-aside-and-let-professional-management-take-over/

Fernandez, J. (2026, February 24). How to navigate a boss who keeps changing priorities. Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/91495314/how-to-navigate-a-boss-who-keeps-changing-priorities

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa answers a listener question about a manager who gossips constantly and creates an uncomfortable, unprofessional work environment. She explains what habitual workplace gossip often signals about insecurity, control, and team culture, why it damages trust and psychological safety, and how employees can respond without getting pulled into the behavior. Christa then offers practical guidance for setting boundaries, documenting harmful patterns, and deciding when a manager’s behavior has crossed the line from irritating to reportable. 

Key Takeaways

•      Workplace gossip is often less about facts and more about insecurity, control, and social positioning.

•      When a manager gossips constantly, it can damage trust, reduce candor, and weaken psychological safety across a team.

•      Employees do not need to reward gossip; they can redirect conversations, set boundaries, and stay focused on the work.

•      If the behavior begins to affect work, reputation, or team functioning, documenting facts and identifying business impact can help clarify next steps.

•      Gossip that involves confidential information, repeated personal attacks, retaliation, or sustained harm to team culture may require escalation to HR or a trusted leader.

Additional Resources 

American Psychological Association. (2024, March 4). What is psychological safety at work? Here’s how to start creating it. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/psychological-safety

Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, December 16). How to handle workplace gossip and reduce negativity. Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/gossip-in-workplace

The Muse Editors. (2024, May 3). Best tips on how to deal with a difficult boss. The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/10-brilliant-tips-for-dealing-with-a-difficult-boss

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa answers a listener question about a manager who keeps asking different people the same question until he hears the opinion, number, or client story he wants. The episode explores why this behavior damages trust, undermines expertise, creates ethical risk, and teaches teams to go silent. It also offers practical steps for documenting patterns, responding with clarity, protecting data integrity, and escalating concerns when necessary.

Key Takeaways

•      Shopping for answers is problematic for a business and for a team

•      Ignoring expertise in favor of a wanted-for answer means teams start to shut down

•      Employees should respond with documented, source-based answers and keep a record of repeated overrides of facts or numbers.

•      If the behavior creates compliance, ethics, client, or reporting risk, it may need to be raised beyond the manager.

Additional Resources

Berthet, V. (2022). The Impact of Cognitive Biases on Professionals’ Decision-Making: A review of four occupational areas. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 802439. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.802439

Hammond, J. S., Keeney, R. L., & Raiffa, H. (1998). The Hidden Traps in Decision Making. Harvard Business Review.

search for easy articles about how to manage a boss who shops around for answers - Google Search. (n.d.). https://www.google.com/search?q=search+for+easy+articles+about+how+to+manage+a+boss+who+shops+around+for+answers&oq 

Wietrak, E. and Gifford, J. (2024) Trust and psychological safety: An evidence review. Practice summary and recommendations. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses how to handle a manager who plays favorites, creating a toxic team environment. Learn strategies to navigate favoritism, maintain professionalism, and foster a fair workplace. Key topics include the effects of favoritism on team morale, strategies for addressing favoritism, legal and policy resources for fairness, and the importance of a team culture.

Key Takeaways

·       Favoritism demotivates teams and damages credibility.

·       Document observable behaviors and their impacts.

·       Stay above negativity and focus on constructive solutions.

·       Use resources like HR policies and external reports for support.

·       Recognize favoritism early and document behaviors

Additional Resources

Bennett, M. (2026, March 17). 20 Signs of Favoritism at Work and What You Can Do About It. N/A. https://www.niagarainstitute.com/blog/signs-of-favoritism-at-work

Gallup, Inc. (2023, March 29). WorkHuman-Gallup Research Hub. Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/analytics/472658/workplace-recognition-research.aspx

Ivy Exec. (2022, July 21). https://ivyexec.com/career-advice/2022/five-non-confrontational-ways-for-dealing-with-favoritism-at-work/

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses how to handle workplace overload caused by a manager demanding excessive reporting tasks, despite available tools and organizational focus on client success. It offers strategies for setting boundaries, understanding organizational structures, and maintaining performance and engagement.

Key takeaways

·       Set clear boundaries with your manager about your role and responsibilities.

·       Use structured communication to realign expectations and refocus on core work.

·       Leverage organizational resources and articles to support your position.

·       Understand the organizational structure to better navigate managerial demands.

Additional Resources

Ask Christa! (2025, June 27). Ask Christa! Why organizational structure matters!! (S2E19) [Video]. Ask Christa! https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-why-organizational-structure-matters-s2e19/

Green, A. (2021, December 30). how to tell your boss “that’s not my job” Ask a Manager. https://www.askamanager.org/2018/11/how-to-tell-your-boss-thats-not-my-job.html

Muenzen, E. (2026, April 8). 5 signs you’re being taken advantage of at work. Monster. https://www.monster.com/career-advice/workplace/signs-youre-being-taken-advantage-of-at-work

VanBenschoten, B. (2025, April 14). What is Servant Leadership? The National Society of Leadership and Success. https://www.nsls.org/blog/what-is-servant-leadership-and-how-to-apply-it

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses strategies for managing a chaotic boss, focusing on creating structure, aligning goals, and understanding underlying behaviors and personality patterns to improve workplace dynamics. She also offers practical tips and resources for employees dealing with disorderly and disruptive leadership styles.

Key Takeaways

·       Force structure by connecting your boss's goals to team work through weekly status meetings.

·       Recognize that chaos often stems from a need for control and can be managed with discipline.

·       Know your resources for managing workplace disorder

Additional Resources

Benjamin, C. (2025, November 26). How to work with a chaotic manager and get your needs met. [Video]. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/claire-benjamin-b348b4127_how-to-work-with-a-chaotic-manager-and-get-activity-7399378949845430272-aVzv?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAAkJ04BuGlvLZskZh15IR-N8y5Y7jtSinM

Brearley, B. (2025, April 12). How a chaotic work environment is hurting your team. Thoughtful Leader. https://www.thoughtfulleader.com/time-management/chaotic-work-environment/ 

Brandon. Shaw. (2025, December 29). The Need for Conflict: The Psychology Behind Chaos and Conflict - Anthony Mazzella, Ph.D. Anthony Mazzella, Ph.D. https://www.drmazzella.com/the-need-for-conflict-the-psychology-behind-chaos-and-conflict/

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses how to handle a boss who belittles and demeans employees, focusing on strategies for emotional relief, understanding power dynamics, and seeking resources.

Key Takeaways

·       Power dynamics set the groundwork for abuse in the workplace

·       There are strategies for emotional relief and support

·       Understand your resources and policies for addressing toxic behavior

Additional Resources

Ask Christa! (2026, January 29). My boss belittles my Co-Worker, What should I do? (Ask Christa! . . . [Video]. Ask Christa! https://www.askchrista.com/my-boss-belittles-my-co-worker-what-should-i-do-ask-christa-s6e63/

Ask Christa! (2025, June 17). Ask Christa! How Do I Stop Putting Up with Bad Behavior (Put-Dow. . . [Video]. Ask Christa! https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-how-do-i-stop-putting-up-with-bad-behavior-put-downs-at-work-s2e17/

De Vries, M. F. R. K. (2024, June 18). How to handle a toxic boss. INSEAD Knowledge. https://knowledge.insead.edu/career/how-handle-toxic-boss

Jennifer Brick. (2025, June 3). How to Deal with a Toxic Boss When You Can’t QUIT [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkMHaLD8ln0

TEDx Talks. (2026, March 23). How to handle a bad boss | Natalie Parker | TEDxParrish Street [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U86LLzZUjVw

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

Summary

This episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo explores how to manage stress caused by a stressed-out boss, emphasizing the importance of self-care, recognizing stress signals, and organizational support strategies. 

Key   takeaways

·       Understanding the importance of recognizing stress signals early

·       The role of HR in supporting stressed employees and managers

·       Practical steps to help teams manage workload and stress

·       The significance of self-care and community support in stressful times

Additional Resources

American Psychological Association. (2024, August 23). Understanding, recognizing, and managing stress in the workplace [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqFzXUsC6rE

Coping with stress at work. (2024, October 22). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/work-stress

Work and stress | How to be mentally healthy at work | Mind. (n.d.). https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/how-to-be-mentally-healthy-at-work/work-and-stress/

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Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact

© 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers.

Links:
Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/
Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/

Disclaimer
The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.