Ask Christa!

Summary

In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo discusses how to handle a perfectionist boss, exploring the impact of perfectionism on team dynamics and providing practical strategies for employees to manage such challenging workplace relationships. 

Key  takeaways

·       Perfectionism is about unattainable standards that can harm team morale.

·       Managing expectations and setting boundaries is crucial when dealing with perfectionist bosses.

·       Performance plans are vital for documenting goals and expectations.

·       Seeking support and using the BIC method can help articulate issues with a boss.

·       Resources like Psychology Today and Christina Holloway's video offer practical advice.

Additional Resources

Chasson, G. (2024, June 5). Perfectionism can undermine psychological safety in the workplace. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/flawed/202406/3-ways-perfectionistic-managers-discourage-employees

Christina Holloway. (2022, October 21). How to work for a perfectionist boss [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwKJVLmuZTM

---------------------
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 explores the challenges of effective listening in the workplace, especially when dealing with managers who do not seem to listen. She provides practical strategies to improve active listening, enhance communication, and foster better understanding at work. Topics include: the importance of active listening in the workplace, common barriers to effective listening and how to overcome them, practical techniques to improve listening and being heard, and understanding the root causes of listening issues with managers.

Key takeaways

·       Listening is a skill that requires energy, concentration, and practice.

·       Most people are not good listeners; they often only half-listen or jump to conclusions.

·       Effective listening involves hearing, understanding, interpreting, retaining, then being able to effectively recall what you heard.

·       Strategies to improve listening include removing distractions, asking clarifying questions, and using a notepad to capture “intrusive thoughts.”

·       To be heard, ask for feedback, clarify your message, and use prompting questions.

Additional Resources

Master the art of listening - take the listening assessment. (2024, August 11). A Meaning of Life. https://ameaningoflife.org/master-listening/

---------------------
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 a listener question about an employee feeling like their boss is holding them back as the boss prepares for retirement. She explores how employees can navigate situations where their manager seems to hold them back, especially during a manager's transition to retirement. The discussion offers practical strategies for maintaining development momentum and understanding managerial behaviors.

Key takeaways

·       It’s important to manage the pace of your own development 

·       There are various strategies for communicating with a manager about career growth

·       It’s important to understand your boss-employee power dynamics

·       Tools to advance your career include a collaboration and negotiation mindset

Additional Resources

Forbes Coaches Council. (2021, December 10). Is your favorite boss leaving? Seven ways to cope. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/11/08/is-your-favorite-boss-leaving-seven-ways-to-cope/

Tame your terrible office tyrant. (n.d.). Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tame-your-terrible-office-tyrant

Taylor, L. (2018, February 4). Manage Up with Ingenuity for Faster Response Time. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tame-your-terrible-office-tyrant/201802/9-ways-to-counter-a-procrastinating-boss-who-slows-you

---------------------
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 explores the challenges of being underemployed while also having more management training than your boss. It offers practical strategies for leveraging your skills, realigning expectations, and turning frustration into constructive action. Key topics include underemployment and its impact on career satisfaction and strategies to leverage management training in a lower-level role.

Key takeaways

·       Leverage your management skills outside of your current role to create impact.

·       Share your management knowledge informally at work to build influence.

·       Use pent-up management skills outside work: mentor, create, share

·       Remember that management training doesn't make a good manager (application does)

Additional Resources

3 Smart steps to take if you’re more qualified than your boss | The Muse. (n.d.). The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-smart-steps-to-take-if-youre-more-qualified-than-your-boss

3 Strategies for dealing when you’re Underemployed | The Muse. (n.d.). The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-strategies-for-dealing-when-youre-underemployed

Career Contessa, Job Search + Career Advice. (2024, October 29). From unemployed to Underemployed: How to cope with it [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDTEih8kAI

---------------------
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 a listener's question about managing a likable but ineffective boss. This episode is focused on ways to enable a manager to support growth and development for the team’s career paths. Christa emphasizes the importance of effective feedback and offers actionable strategies for employees to initiate coaching discussions with their boss so the boss can improve. Christa highlights the significance of leveraging the manager's likeability and coachability to foster a productive dialogue. She also shares additional resources and encourages listeners to take charge of their career paths while also finding ways to provide feedback to their managers if the manager is coachable and the goal is focused on improvement.

Key Takeaways

·       Most people aren't prepared to become a manager.

·       Growth and development are crucial aspects of a job.

·       A likable manager can motivate a team to help the manager succeed.

·       Employees should take control of their own development.

·       Using the BIC method can facilitate effective feedback.

·       Coaching can come from trusted colleagues or external sources.

·       You're not alone in facing management challenges.

·       Leverage your connection with your manager for feedback.

Additional Resources

Garrett, H. (2023, December 18). Taking the Wheel: How to drive your own professional development. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/11/30/taking-the-wheel-how-to-drive-your-own-professional-development/

Herrity, J. (2025, December 19). 10 Strategies to Effectively Promote your Professional growth. Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/professional-growth

Ryan, L. (2017, February 23). Five signs Your boss is a nice person -- but a terrible manager. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/lizryan/2017/02/22/five-signs-your-boss-is-a-nice-person-but-a-lousy-manager/

---------------------
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 a listener's concern about their manager's poor feedback skills. She emphasizes the importance of effective feedback in management and discusses the challenges of coaching a manager. Christa outlines the art and science of feedback, providing practical advice on how to approach the situation and improve communication. She also shares valuable resources for further learning and development in feedback skills.

Key Takeaways

·       Most people are terrible at giving feedback.

·       Giving effective feedback is hard to do.

·       Management is a technical role that requires skill.

·       Feedback is an art and a science.

·       The approach to feedback is crucial for success.

·       Observable behaviors should be the focus of feedback.

·       Feedback models like BIC can help structure effective communication.

·       Creating a safe environment is essential for feedback.

·       Continuous learning is key to improving feedback skills.

Additional Resources

Britton, K. (2009, October 16). How to Give Feedback So People Can Hear it. Positive Psychology News. https://positivepsychologynews.com/news/kathryn-britton/200910163806 

Dhimo, C. (2025, June 12). Ask Christa! Managing an Interrupting Boss (S2E16). Ask Christa! https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-managing-an-interrupting-boss-s2e16/

Dhimo, C. (2025, June 9). Ask Christa! How to give feedback to a defensive team member?? (S2E15). Ask Christa! https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-how-to-give-feedback-to-a-defensive-team-member-s2e15/

Dhimo, C. (2025, October 3). Ask Christa! How can I ask my work friend to meet deadlines? (S4E46). Ask Christa! https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-how-can-i-ask-my-work-friend-to-meet-deadlines-s4e46/

University of Minnesota Office of Human Resources. (2025, April 3). How coachable are your employees? https://hr.umn.edu/supervising/news/How-coachable-are-your-employees

---------------------
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!, host Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concern about their boss's lack of meetings and the feelings of disconnection that arise from it. She emphasizes the importance of purposeful meetings, the benefits of maintaining a connection with one's boss, and the dynamics of manager-employee relationships. Christa provides insights into how meeting frequency should align with the employee's role and the necessity of fostering a healthy rapport with management. The episode concludes with resources for further understanding workplace dynamics and improving communication with bosses.

Key Takeaways

·       Meetings without purpose plague most people during the day.

·       It's important to feel and be connected (including to your manager) at work.

·       The cadence of meetings with your manager should support a purpose.

·       Visibility of your work is a benefit of meeting with your boss.

·       Strong functional employee-manager relationships are essential.

·       Honest and respectful rapport is crucial for successful meetings with employees / managers.

·       You deserve to have a gainful relationship with your boss.

·       Reduced meetings might happen as you grow in your role.

·       Staying connected is a good reason to meet.

Additional Resources

Aggarwal, A., Chand, P. K., Jhamb, D., & Mittal, A. (2020). Leader–Member exchange, work engagement, and psychological withdrawal behavior: the mediating role of psychological empowerment. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 423. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00423

Dhimo, C. (2025, June 23). Ask Christa! Why organizational structure matters!! (S2E19). Ask Christa! https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-why-organizational-structure-matters-s2e19/

GreggU. (2023, August 31). Leader-Member Exchange LMX Theory [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sRXPZ79L10

How to Get the Most Out of a One-on-One with Your Boss. (2024, April 12). Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2024/04/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-one-on-one-with-your-boss

Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, December 11). 12 ways to ensure a successful meeting with your boss. Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/meeting-with-boss

---------------------
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!, host Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's question about dealing with a difficult boss who belittles a new team member. She emphasizes the importance of documenting such behavior, understanding workplace policies, and knowing employee rights. Christa provides actionable steps for reporting misconduct and highlights various resources available for employees facing workplace bullying. (she also thanks the listener and teammates for looking after a co-worker)

Key Takeaways

·       Most people aren't prepared to become a manager.

·       Bad behavior in the workplace is often excused and frequently tolerated.

·       Documenting behavior is crucial for addressing bad workplace behaviors.

·       Understanding laws related to workplace bullying is essential.

·       Support systems exist for employees facing difficult bosses.

·       Resources can help navigate workplace dynamics effectively.

·       It's important to stand up for coworkers facing bullying.

Additional Resources

Ginny Clarke. (2024, December 9). Got a Workplace Bully? Here’s How to Fight Back (Professionally, of course) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3xfMWIl9Sc

Harassment - FAQs. (n.d.). U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/youth/harassment-faqs

How to Report Workplace Harassment Incidents - Project WHEN. (2021, September 10). Project WHEN. https://projectwhen.org/resources/how-to-report-workplace-harassment-incidents

Iq, C. (2025, January 2). 10 Clear signs your manager might be a workplace bully (And How to Respond). Case IQ. https://www.caseiq.com/resources/10-signs-that-one-of-your-managers-is-a-workplace-bully

---------------------
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!, host Christa Dhimo addresses a listener's concern about her boss assigning her work that belongs to him, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and recognizing one's value in the workplace. Christa provides actionable steps to shift the mindset, help employees reclaim their roles and navigate the complexities of workplace dynamics, especially when dealing with bad bosses.

Key Takeaways

·       Most people aren't prepared to become a manager.

·       Resetting boundaries is uncomfortable but necessary.

·       Recognizing your value is crucial in the workplace.

·       There are practical ways to manage being taken advantage of.

·       Resources are available to help navigate workplace challenges.

Additional Resources

Monster.com. (2025, May 20). 5 signs you’re being taken advantage of at work. https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/being-taken-advantage-of-at-work-0517

Mutawe, E. (2025, September 8). 10 signs of a manipulative boss (and how to handle them at work). BrighterMonday Kenya. https://www.brightermonday.co.ke/discover/manipulative-boss#10_Taking_Credit_for_Your_Work

---------------------
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!, a listener explains that they do not like their boss and asks how to handle it. Christa discusses the challenges of managing relationships with people you may not like and offers practical advice for those facing these situations. Additionally, she shares valuable resources to help listeners navigate their workplace challenges effectively.

Key Takeaways

·       Most people aren't prepared to become a manager.

·       You don't have to like your manager to do your job.

·       Understanding your boss's perspective can help.

·       Micromanagement can be frustrating but is sometimes necessary.

·       There are resources available to help situations where you don’t like your boss.

·       You're not alone in your feelings about your boss.

·       Seeking out resources can provide valuable support.

Additional Resources

How to play nicely with a boss you hate | The Muse. (n.d.). The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-play-nicely-with-a-boss-you-hate

Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, November 27). 5 steps to take when you realise, “I hate my boss.” Indeed Career Guide. https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/i-hate-my-boss

Rotman School of Management. (2025, February 18). Manage This! How to thrive, even when you hate your boss [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXhroQf21tg

---------------------
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.