Ask Debrett’s: How can I make performance reviews less painful for all concerned? Q: I lead a team of account managers and we are heading towards the annual performance review. I really struggle with this process – it seems to be just a paperwork exercise. The reports take an age to complete but make little difference so far as I can tell. How can I make the process [...]
Debrett’s Ask the Expert: How can I get over my fear of networking? Q: My role calls for client entertainment – usually dinners with existing clients – but I find I’m more frequently asked to attend networking events on behalf of the firm for new client acquisition. I’m fine speaking to people I know, but these “mix-and-mingle” events make me feel awkward and overly salesy. What can I [...]
Debrett’s Ask the Expert: I only own an ill-fitting, loud suit. Will it cost me a job offer? Q: I’ve just graduated from university and I’m applying for training schemes with a few different investment banks. My only suit barely fits me and I haven’t got the cash to buy an expensive new one. Given all the recent press about “brown shoes and loud ties”, I’m afraid I’ll be called out on my [...]
Debrett’s Ask the Expert: How to tackle the rude remarks that are dressed up as banter August 15, 2016 Q: I get on well with my boss, but he’s often cracking jokes that make me uncomfortable. Occasionally these can border on sexist and even racist comments, but more often they’re just rude remarks dressed up as banter – making fun of someone’s appearance or accent, for example. I don’t want to seem po-faced, but [...]