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Q& A ee handbooks and job applications. Sometimes they are even told these agreements are never enforced. "Don't sign anything if you aren't sure what you are agreeing to or if you can't live with it," Ballman said. How do you come out ahead if your employer demands you sign a non-compete contract months or years into the job? "If you decide not to sign it, don't quit. Let them fire you. Some employers will threaten but won't actually fire top performers," Ballman said. One of the most troublesome trends expected to heat up in 2013 is conflict over overtime. Employees should know that because you are salaried doesn't mean you're automatically exempt from (not entitled to) paid overtime. "Some employees are exempt, but not nearly as many as most employers and employees assume. It's a complicated issue, and most employers are getting it wrong," Ballman said. If they do get it wrong, employers aren't allowed to retaliate against you for asking for overtime. Even more, there also is no law that requires employers to pay you more just because you see BALANCING ACT . . . page 7 Don't get stuck in a 'right hand' role another part of the company to avoid being overshadowed" by your boss, I've heard many a top Beeson says. executive say they couldn't Here's a vital step: Be accomplish what they do self-aware enough to know without their terrific if you truly have strategic "right-hand man." gears to engage. Some To be that trusted man people don't. (or woman) is a plum in an Your excellence at carryorganization's hierarchy. It ing out details may be why also can be a career dead you're in the position you end if you aim higher. hold. And there's no disManagement consultant honor in staying there. John Beeson says being Still want to move up? pegged as a great No. 2 is Start by delegating some the "first lieutenant synof your implementation drome." You carry out responsibilities to others, orders, but the general gets Beeson says. credit as the visionary and Next, get out of the strategist. office. Attend industry If you want to rise in the events. Meet customers. ranks, Beeson advises you see DON'T GET STUCK . . . page 7 to find ways to showcase your own strategic abilities. Volume 15 • Number 20 A boss who supports your goals may help design January 24, 2013 a role for you to show upper management or cusClassified Sales Director: Kristi Wolf tomers that you have the 262/670-1516 vision to lead. Account Executive: Without that help, you Donna Armstrong 262/513-2698 "may need to move on to By Diane Stafford The Kansas City Star (MCT) A publication of Conley Media ... from page 1 Office feud leaves both parties tainted By Marie G. McIntyre McClatchy-Tribune News Service Q. For a long time, one of my co-workers was very rude and snippy to me. Our new manager recently decided that we should be separated, so she transferred both of us to other branches. My office is now located an hour from home, which is causing a lot of problems. Because this transfer seemed unfair, I made a complaint to our department head. Now he has scheduled a meeting with me and my manager to discuss the situation. How can I get him to move me back to my previous location? A. Although you blame your snippy colleague for this problem, the fact that both of you were transferred clearly indicates that management holds you responsible as well.They undoubtedly view this as a silly squabble between two immature employees who put their dislike for each other ahead of what's best for the business. Unless you can acknowledge your contribution to the conflict, your odds of reversing the transfer will be slim.Therefore, when meeting with the department head, you should not complain about anything. Instead, you need to convince him that this has been a learning experience for you. For example:"I am truly sorry that my disagreements with Brenda created problems for our group. By taking her remarks personally and refusing to speak to her, I just made the situation worse.That was really childish, and it will never happen again. "Although I completely understand why I was transferred, the hourlong commute is creating problems in my personal life. If you could give me one more chance to work at my former office, I can assure you there will be no more issues." If you come across as mature, professional and contrite, management may be willing to grant your request. But if you still appear to be angry or resentful, they probably won't consider it. Marie G. McIntyre is a workplace coach and the author of "Secrets to Winning at Office Politics." Send in questions and get free coaching tips at http://www.yourofficecoach.com, or follow her on Twitter officecoach. 2 GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS • January 24, 2013 GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS employer asks, "What race are you?" or "Do you have any ahead in career-threatening situ- kids?" you should answer truthations. fully, Ballman said, but keep a Let's say you choose to tell copy of the application or make your boss he's a bully or puba note of the inappropriate licly criticize his style of manquestion. agement. Know that not a Also, an employer isn't supsingle state has a law against posed to do credit checks withworkplace bullying and that out your written permission. If your criticism could get you you have bad credit, be ready to fired in most states. explain your situation. "They "When you work for a private are supposed to give you a copy sector employer, you have no of the report and an opportunity constitutional right of free to respond," Ballman said. speech," said Mark Neuberger, Once hired, new employees a management-side employface another quandary. They ment attorney with Foley & often sign paperwork without Lardner in Miami. "Most work- carefully reading what's shoved ers think they do and think they in front of them. Big mistake. can speak out, but they are "You should understand what wrong. They get fired and learn you are agreeing to, and assume the hard way that they might it will be enforced," Ballman have been better off addressing said. "And if you are bound by their issues differently." an agreement, make sure you Knowing your workplace have a copy." rights starts even before you Increasingly, non-compete land the job. agreements are at the center of Prospective employees are workplace conflict. By signing getting tripped up in the hiring one, if you leave or get fired, process by answering questions you may be forfeiting your right on job applications and in inter- to work in your industry for a views without knowing what's year or more after you stop legally allowed. An employer working for your employer. isn't supposed to ask questions Ballman has discovered that reveal a protected status employers are slipping nonsuch as age or race. If an compete language into employ- Balancing Act darmstrong@conleynet.com Story Coordinator: Dwayne Butler 262/513-2626 dbutler@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262/513-2690 Distributed by: Conley Distribution 262-513-2646 ©2004 by Conley Media Waukesha County Independent and Locally Owned GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS is published weekly by Conley Media – Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. GREATERmilwaukeeJOBS assumes no liability for any error in copy or content. It is the advertiser's responsibility to be aware of the laws pertaining to employment advertising. Subscriptions are available for $34 (non-refundable) for a 6-month subscription. Call 262/513-2698 for information. To place an ad: Call us at 262-513-2698 or fax us at 262-542-6082 deadline: Noon on Wednesdays

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