Anxiety Can Be Your Friend!

Surprise, surprise. Anxiety is not only a career buster -- it can be a career booster!

In a new book due out in March, called "Just Enough Anxiety: The Hidden Driver of Business Success," Dr. Robert Rosen insists anxiety is a double-edged sword that cuts both ways. Too much or too little can keep your career from taking off or destroy it in mid-flight. But then again -- just enough anxiety can send you soaring to new heights.

Indeed, Dr. Rosen insists that your ability to create just enough anxiety -- more than any other leadership quality -- will take you to the top.

Dr. Rosen's conclusions are based on lots of research. He interviewed and advised more than 250 leaders in organizations worldwide, including PepsiCo, Ford, Intel, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Boeing, and ING.

So, are you harnessing the right level of anxiety to propel you forward and upward?

You can find out by checking out the signs below.

You are creating too much anxiety if you...
*think you can do most things better than anyone else
*strive for perfection and are quick to point out errors and mistakes
*experience and express many different emotions at work
*are wary of others motives and intentions most of the time

You are creating too little anxiety if you...
*only see the bright side of things
*do whatever it takes to get the job done without relying on others
*skillfully avoid conflict and try to make everyone happy
*always ask others for their opinion before making a decision

To develop just enough anxiety, you can...
*embrace uncertainty and change as part of life
*learn to recognize what you can and cannot control
*candidly assess your strengths and shortcomings
*get comfortable feeling and expressing competing emotions
*be empathetic and compassionate toward others accept and learn from life’s experiences, both positive and negative

How Much is That in "Dog Money"? (A Tail Of Two Price Tags)

Want to increase your chances of getting that job, getting that raise, getting that discount?

I have an informative tale to tell… which begins with a tiny tail – the one attached to my very cute little dog Maxine – a miniature terrier -- my better 1/8th.

I often “multi-task” walking Maxine with doing errands – especially errands where I know there might be long lines – like going to the bank or Fedex. I figure not only might Maxine benefit from some good heavy petting -- but -- all those bored and impatient people can get some good licks in – and the playful warmth exchanged is very win/win.

Last month I had a major computer meltdown -- and so invited Maxine along on my excursion to the local computer store, knowing they always have lines so long, they actually give out “bakery tickets” to keep track of the entourage.

About forty minutes passed before my number was called – but thankfully for me (and Steve -- the very exhausted computer attendant who had called my number) my waiting time had passed in good spirits -- because Maxine had made many friends – all of whom she’d generously introduced me to.

I arrived at a very fatigued Steve’s desk in a playful mood – rather than the typical foul customer mood more expectant of someone who’s computer had crashed -- and they had to wait nearly an hour -- only to be told an exorbitant price to amend their laptop situation.

I tried to bargain with Steve.

But Steve kept telling me “no” – then “NO” – in sort of the same stern voice I use to tell Maxine “NO” when she wants to partake of the dinner my boyfriend and I are sharing.

But…because I was in a playful mood, rather than give up, I adlibbed a joke.

I held up Maxine, so her sweet puppy dog eyes stared Steve directly in his dog-tired face, and said: “Maybe you can say no to a discount for me – but can you look Maxine directly in her eyes and tell her we’re not getting a discount?”

Steve laughed.

Heartily.

The next thing I knew, Maxine had snagged me a bonus 15% off discount.

And Steve’s mood had risen far more than 15%. He actually began smiling -- bigtime.

The lesson here?

No, it’s not to bring a dog with you the next time you buy a car or negotiate your salary.

It’s to bring a sense of humor wherever you go!

Much of my success in business is due to using humor – and so below are some helpful tips which you can use verbatim -- or re-write to fit your personality – all of which will remind you of the powerful perks of staying in a perky mood.

The truth of the matter: There’s far too much stress and sadness in the world.

According to Marci Shmimoff, author the N.Y.Times best seller, HAPPY FOR NO REASON, “The World Health Organization predicts that by 20/20, depression will be second only to heart disease in terms of global burden of illness.”

Meaning? Even if using some of the humorous ideas below don’t snag you that discount/job/raise – at least you’re out there having fun – and trying to make this world a happier place.

5 LAUGH YOUR WAY TO THE BANK BUSINESS TIPS:

1. SALARY NEGOTIATION… I once used this humorous quip, during a tough salary negotiation. The client said, “Karen, this is a negotiation. There’s supposed to be some give and take.” I teased: “Fine. You give. And I’ll take.” Guess what? That’s exactly what happened.

2. TRYING TO GET IN THE DOOR… Recently I had this humor quip used on me – and it worked. A PR person kept pitching me their client for my Sirius show. On about her seventh email, she switched gears, and began her email with this line: “I feel like one of those dolls that keeps bouncing back up again and again … but…” I laughed at her joke – re-read her pitch more attentively – and booked her guest. Later I used her exact email intro quip on someone I'd be unsuccessful at getting in to see. Guess what? I got the meeting.

3. INTERVIEW….When I was in advertising, I used this joke once at the end of an interview – and it clinched my job offer. At the end of the interview, the exec asked me, “Okay. Do you have any questions for me?” I adlibbed: “Um…yes. Can you name all seven of the seven dwarves?” The exec laughed, then tried to list them. As he did I quipped, “You know I have a theory that whichever dwarf you name first says something about you.” (He’d said “HAPPY” first. Maybe my surreal answer had put him in this state...?) Then the exec tried to list all seven of those seven dwarves, but couldn’t. So I quipped, “I also have a theory -- it’s revealing which dwarf’s name you can’t remember.” (As it turned out, neither he nor I could remember all seven dwarves. And so my job offer came with a strange code word. My headhunter called to tell me: “The exec said you got the job and to tell you ‘Sneezy.’" My guess: This humorous quip worked for a few reasons. (1) It was a creative director job I was interviewing for -- so I was actually giving him proof of my creativity. (2) All resumes being equal, people are so yearning for fun at work, they'd rather hire the fun/playful person. (3) Their ad agency was more of an "edgy" agency. This humorous quip might not have boded so well if I'd be interviewing at a bank. (4) It's boring interviewing people. I snapped the exec out of his interview trance -- and so I not only stood out in the crowd -- I changed his energy state -- and so he associated more positive emotions with me. Note: This adlib was completely by accident. I too was bored with interviewing -- and was yearning to pep things up. I did not go in purposefully with this answer -- but hey, if it worked with me, feel free to try it for yourself -- if the "job offer" fits this jokey response.)

4. AVOIDING A DIFFICULT QUESTION: Often people ask me inappropriate questions – like: “Do you mind if I ask you how much money you got for an advance on that book deal?” My answer: “I don’t mind you asking. I just mind me answering.” I find it closes down this uncomfortable conversation in a warm manner.

5. WARNING: EVEN A COMEDIAN KNOWS TO TEST HIS AUDIENCE AND DO A FEW WARM UP JOKES…With this in mind, I always begin EVERY phonecall I make with: “Is now a good time to talk?” If someone is in a frantic mood, it’s important to know before you begin talking. After all, it won’t matter how fabulous your product is or how adorable you might be, if someone’s mindset is on OFF. Plus, I also know to test out my humor slowly and raise the “edginess” of it slowly. Know thy audience -- before you quip to outrageously!

Do you have a story where humor bred success? If so, please share it below.

And if you're having trouble getting yourself into a humorous mood, please check out my book HOW TO BE HAPPY DAMMIT.

Warning:During times of economic struggle, it’s easy to become fearful, and neglect existing valued clients in an effort to drum up new clients Duncan MacPherson, in his co-authored book “Breakthrough Business Development” gives some interesting advice on how to make sure your exisiting clients remain appreciated, while you seek out new business.MacPherson suggests you purposefully convert your best clients into referral generating advocates. And he suggests ways you can do this, without appearing needy or pushy. For example… * Position the concept of referrals as a service you are providing-- rather than a favor you are requesting. Don’t say things like “I’m trying to grow my business. Please wave my flag at your friends.” Instead, explain to clients that, as a value added service , you’re now making yourself available to act as a sounding board to favorite clients, friends and family members.* Send letters to valued clients thanking them for their business. You’ll thereby be putting yourself in their top of mind awareness, ensuring your client will be more inclined to mention you to his or her friends.* Turn your clients into knowledgable advocates. If your clients cannot describe you to you, they cannot describe you to a friend. Ensure that your clients know and like what you do for them – by engaging them in a direct conversation, asking them what they know and like about your business.* Be sure to explain to existing clients how your services are especially beneficial during times of economic uncertainty. Outline the short and long-term benefits of your services, to show how you are indispensable and affordable.I agree with MacPherson’s suggestions – and would like to add that I believe it’s very okay to let clients know specifically upfront that for every referral they succeed in your getting, you will offer back a “gratitude discount” on your next service to them, to show your thanks. If they refuse, be sure to send them flowers or a bottle of wine. Remember: Appreciation breeds success. If you're new to my blog, you may want to consider subscribing to my RSS feed: Subscribe to this blog's feed. If you liked this article, please bookmark it on del.icio.us or vote for it on Digg. Digg. I’d appreciate it. :)

Duncan MacPherson, in his co-authored book “Breakthrough Business Development” gives some interesting advice on how to make sure your exisiting clients remain appreciated, while you seek out new business.

MacPherson suggests you purposefully convert your best clients into referral generating advocates. And he suggests ways you can do this, without appearing needy or pushy. For example…

* Position the concept of referrals as a service you are providing-- rather than a favor you are requesting. Don’t say things like “I’m trying to grow my business. Please wave my flag at your friends.” Instead, explain to clients that, as a value added service , you’re now making yourself available to act as a sounding board to favorite clients, friends and family members.

* Send letters to valued clients thanking them for their business. You’ll thereby be putting yourself in their top of mind awareness, ensuring your client will be more inclined to mention you to his or her friends.

* Turn your clients into knowledgable advocates. If your clients cannot describe you to you, they cannot describe you to a friend. Ensure that your clients know and like what you do for them – by engaging them in a direct conversation, asking them what they know and like about your business.

* Be sure to explain to existing clients how your services are especially beneficial during times of economic uncertainty. Outline the short and long-term benefits of your services, to show how you are indispensable and affordable.

I agree with MacPherson’s suggestions – and would like to add that I believe it’s very okay to let clients know specifically upfront that for every referral they succeed in your getting, you will offer back a “gratitude discount” on your next service to them, to show your thanks. If they refuse, be sure to send them flowers or a bottle of wine. Remember: Appreciation breeds success.

Ever notice when change is served at a company, people don’t rush over -- plate in hand -- eagerly loading up?

No, the normal reaction is to stand still -- gripped with fear.

Far too many people translate the news of “change” as meaning “Oh no! I'm about to lose my job, my compensation, my influence, my expertise, my credibility, my seniority, my office, my friends, etc, etc”

But for many reasons -- paradoxically -- “lack of change” offers up a far higher risk – especially in today’s fast-moving, ever-shifting global marketplace.

Timothy Clark, in his new, wonderful book, "EPIC CHANGE: How to Lead Change in the Global Age," explains why change should be happily welcomed -- and offers practical tips to help you avoid the greater risk of standing still.

For example…

1. Own Your Career
Take complete ownership of your career development -- by consistently seeking out training, coaching, active learning, and annual reviews.

2. Consider Your Skills Like Technology
Professional skills today go through the same product life-cycle as technology: introduction, growth, maturity, and decline. Accept that you must abandon many of your skills as they become obsolete and re-learn new ones.

3. View the Organization As Configurable Parts
Agile, high-performing employees view organizations as dynamic systems with configurable parts. Instead of getting emotionally attached to the familiar, they stay focused on finding new ways to create value. When they see an organization is not performing well, they accept it's time to reconfigure some parts to create a better whole.

Unlock Your Untapped Brilliance

Want to be more energized, innovative and successful?

In his new book "Surrounded by Geniuses," bestselling author Dr. Alan Gregerman shows how rediscovering your innate sense of curiosity can be your secret weapon in coming up with new ideas needed to solve pressing problems and create real business opportunities.

But... you have to get off your butt and out of your comfort zones to make it happen!

Here are his six simple actions to unlock your untapped brilliance today.

1. Expand your reading horizons. Start reading at least three new magazines that interest you and have absolutely nothing to do with work. Then broaden the array of books, websites and other sources of information that you explore.

2. Hit the road in search of new ideas. Take mini-excursions into the world around you to unlock fresh ideas and new ways of doing things. Visit museums, interesting neighborhoods, trendy shopping districts, world-class organizations and even performances that spark new ways of thinking.

3. Ask thought-provoking questions whenever you get the chance. Raise more “big” questions in every meeting you attend. Challenge yourself and your colleagues to question everything that matters to see if there’s a better way.

4. Become your customer’s best student. Hang out with customers and learn as much as you can about their world and the real challenges and opportunities they face. Then invite them to take shared journeys of discovery.

5. Make friends with unusual people. Talk to strangers from different fields whose work and ideas fascinate you to understand how others use their talent, passion and curiosity to unlock compelling value for “customers” they choose to serve.

6. Cast an even wider net in search of insight. Then look to nature, history, geography, the arts and the genius of other people and other cultures as an untapped source of great inspiration. Dare yourself to discover what others know so clearly and how it might apply to your world and the world of your customers.

What is a Go-Giver?

According to Bob Burg and John David Mann, co-authors of The Go-Giver, it’s that man or woman who has achieved great success by putting emphasis on giving - more than emphasis on getting.

Being a "go-giver" is not only a nice way to live . . . but very profitable, as well.

Burg and Mann use a parable/fable format to share their five laws of "go-giver" success that are not only easy to understand, but easy to implement.

They are:

THE LAW OF VALUE: Your true worth is determined by how much more you give in value, than you take in payment. Guess what? Price and value are two different things! Your goal: Strive to provide value over and above the price/fee you charge. Your results: More people will desire to do more business with you.

THE LAW OF COMPENSATION: Your income is determined by how many people you serve -- and how well you serve them. When you touch many people's lives with lots of great value, your “bottom line” soars to the top.

THE LAW OF INFLUENCE: Your influence is determined by how abundantly you place other people’s interests first. “All things being equal, people will do business with, and refer business to, those people they know, like and trust.” There’s no faster, more powerful or more effective way to elicit positive feelings than by constantly focusing on others' needs.

THE LAW OF AUTHENTICITY: The greatest gift you have to offer is yourself. All the technical skills, sales skills and even people skills are practically for naught if you are not your genuine self.

THE LAW OF RECEPTIVITY: The key to effective giving is to stay open to receiving. In the same way that it’s just as important to breathe in as it is to breathe out, giving and receiving are simply two sides to the same wonderful coin. Be willing to receive. But always continue to give!

Donny Deutsche Has Great Cleavage!

I'm back from THE TODAY SHOW. For those who missed the segment on "CLEAVAGE IN THE WORKPLACE," Donny Deutsche unbuttoned his shirt to test out what kind of distraction it would be for Meredith and me to see his cleavage -- and well, to be honest, it was distracting -- because he's got a nice set of pecs, that Donny!

As a result I now have "cleavage empathy" for all the men in the workplace who have to be surrounded by busty business babes. It IS hard to concentrate around naked skin!

On a serious note... I received a lot of interesting and supportive emails from you all last night, helping to get me primed for today's show - and I appreciate ALL of them! Thank you, thank you! I really do love it when you write to me (karen@notsalmon.com). As a writer when you write a book/newsletter, it's like wondering if trees falling in the forest when nobody is there to hear them make any noise. In my office in front of my computer ratatatating away, I don't get to hear the "noise" I make with my finished my product. When you write to me, I get to hear the noise! And I love hearing how much you're on the same page -- or different page - from the pages I write! So keep those emails coming!

BONUS BLOG INFO:

While preparing for THE TODAY SHOW, I found some very interesting studies -- about the power of attractiveness in general at the office -- which wasn't 100% on topic this morning, but on a pertinent tangeant.

In one study, Yale psychologist Marianne LaFrance found that medium-length hair on a woman was researched to be the best for communicating "intelligence" at the workplace. Hair which was too long and sexy made women look less smart and professional. Ditto for hair which was too short and boyish.

In another study by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, researchers found that there's a "pretty premium" - with beautiful people tending to earn 5% more an hour than "their less comely colleagues." Plus, another study also showed that the wage differential for obesity seems to be limited to "white women." Of this group, those considered "obese" in terms of their body mass index (BMI) in both 1981 and 1988 earned 17% less than women within their recommended BMI range!

Although men don't let weight or hair weigh them down on their rise up that career ladder, their height can stop them from reaching up as far as they'd like. Economists have also discovered a "height premium" among white men, with a 1.8% increase in wages for every additional inch of height over the national median.

In a word: yeesh!

I guess we live in a world which is very much about "packaging." Many people only look at the packaging of others, rather than what's inside. And in today's speedy world, snap judgments are probably getting even quicker than ever.

The lesson learned: It's up to you to decide how you want to harness the above research studies, but recognize unfair or not -- and it IS more UNFAIR than not -- how you package yourself at the office will have an influence on how others view you.

Feel free to express your views on all "these superficiality rewards and penalities" below....

Women Of The World: Use Your Cleavage Power Responsibly!

This Monday morning -- Oct. 29th -- at 8am I will be on THE TODAY SHOW – talking with Donny Deutsche and Meredith Vieira – about cleavage in the workplace.

The question posed: What are the rules and regulations for bringing a loaded cleavage into the office with you?

First, let me state up front that I think it’s an evolutionary step forward for all of womankind that we business women can now dress at least somewhat femininely at the office.

As recently as a mere decade ago, a woman used to feel that to succeed in business she had to imitate men – and even more foolishly imitate stupid, obnoxious men – and even more foolishly, a woman even thought she had to dress like a man to succeed.

Personally, I’ve never believed a woman has to make a choice:

1. feminine

2. successful

Pick only one of the above.

I’ve always been a believer that a woman should be her full feminine self at the office.

I’m into what I call “feminine-ism” – which unlike hardcore feminism – is about being feminine and powerful both - in one tasty spoonful.

But -- with that said -- I also think there’s a definite moderation point with cleavage -- a balance between dressing-like-a-man-in-drag and dressing like a stripper!

A business woman must keep in mind that too much exposed boobage can swing back around and kick her in the butt.

Basically, at a certain point exposed cleavage stops making a woman more appealing and persuasive – and starts detracting and distracting from her professionalism.

Of course there’s more freedom of cleavage expression depending upon the business you are in. Creative fields – like advertising, fashion, pr – tend to be more liberal in their views of cleavage – and how much cleavage should be liberally viewed. Law firms, poltical fields, and financial offices are more conservative.

The general rule across the board: Dress for the people who pay you! Humans are attracted to familiars -- people who remind them of themselves. There's even a word for this psychological tendency: mimesis. So, mirror your employer’s dress-code needs -- while still having a dash of your own self-expression.

Emphasis on dash – not FLASH! You can’t be flashing those boobs all over the place if you want to be taken seriously.

And let’s be honest here! Chances are you know in your heart – right beneath that cleavage – if you’re overexposing yourself.

It’s like pornography versus art.You know the difference when you see it. Well, if you’re honest with yourself, you know the difference between pornographic cleavage at the office – and artistic cleavage at the office.

And if you don’t feel you do, then keep the following in mind: “the medium cleavage is the best message.”

And this is actually scientifically researched – at the University of Central Florida – where researchers put together a study to discover the affect of a woman’s cleavage on people.

They videotaped the same actress giving the same speech – each time with a different breast size and cleavage exposure… ranging from A to D. Participants then viewed one of the A, B, C or D cup-sized videos and rated the actress on her professionalism. The majority of males perceived the actress to be most professional when she had a medium cup breast size -- whereas females were generally not influenced by the actress’ breast size at all.

Another interesting highlight from this Central Florida study -- the actress herself had different reactions to her own blossoming bosom.

As her cup-size began to runneth over, the actress felt more self-conscious about her breasts - and thereby more worried about her performance.

So if you’re a woman who’s showing too much cleavage, you might not only be creating a dizzying affect on the people around you, but on yourself – because you might make yourself extra self-conscious.

Ok… So what is the lesson to be learned?

I think flaunting too much cleavage at the office can often be about over-compensating – trying to make up for some needed self-confidence in other aspects of insecurity in professional life.

Basically, many women who expose their cleavage are trying to accentuate their positives -- in hopes of distracting from their negatives.

THE BIG IRONY: If you look like you're trying too hard -- you will be perceived as less confident and thereby be taken less seriously and be less liked.

However -- if dressing a bit on the sexy side is your natural personality -- your authentic self – you probably will be able to get away with showing a little skin -- because people will sense you feel comfortable in your skin.

Oh...and one last point. The TODAY SHOW producer told me that in their man and woman on the street interviews on this subject, some of the women expressed anger at women who show cleavage at the office.

I thought this was interesting -- and in thinking about it, I understand that reaction a bit. I think we business women feel stressed out as it is, trying to make it in what for the most part is still a man’s business world. And I think the business environment gets even more stressful for a woman, when she worries the office reward system includes a beauty pageant bikini contest.

The world of business should be about rewarding a women fairly for talent, productivity and discipline – not by how she looks in a sweater.

The good news: In today's post-Sex In The City World, we women can dress more casually and femininely at the office -- instead of like men-in-drag. The bad news -- some women are out there abusing their cleavage power in hopes of influencing key men with decision making power.

So... if you're a business woman reading this newsletter -- remember -- cleavage IS power – and you must be aware of using your cleavage power responsibly!

THE LAWS OF BUSINESS ATTRACTION

In business, I believe the more people you know, the luckier you will be.

For this reason, it’s important to regularly go to conferences, join organizations, be active in various sports, go to parties.

The biggest job breaks often get started outside the office.

And because I want to make sure you get it right when you meet Mr. or Ms. Huge Business Opportunity, I asked my friend Gretchen Rubin, who's the creator of the happiness-project.com, to share with me on my Sirius/Lime radio show her top tips on making a good first impression. Here are the cliff notes on what she told me:

Studies show people tend to give more weight to what happens at the start of a conversation -- than to later information shared. So be your most charming at the onset. Use your best material first!

Focus on positive commentary. Keep in mind Neural Linguistic studies show that the adjectives you use in conversation often get subconsciously associated with you. So if you describe someone else as “brilliant, warm, generous,” your listener will associate you with these same qualities.

If standing, keep your body fully facing the other person. If possible, face your heart zone opposite their heart zone. Turning partly away shows a lack of commitment to the conversation.

Avoid “eye stray.”

Quickly seek out common experiences or shared interests.

Don’t just ask questions -- follow up on people’s remarks

Focus on opinions and feelings -- not just facts.

Don’t be single-word minded. Avoid questions which can be answered with a single word. Don’t answer with a single word.

Avoid conversation interruptus. Let people finish their thoughts.

Sprinkle your conversation with revealed vulnerabilities.

Put energy in your voice and animation in your expression.

People are especially attracted to people who smile a lot. So flash those pearly whites.

Fran Leibowitz joked, “The opposite of talking isn’t listening. It’s waiting.” Prove Fran wrong. Actively listen. Remember: it’s more important to be interested - than interesting.

career leap

1. NEVER wear your heart on your business shirt sleeve. Know: anything said "in private" can easily be taken public. In fact, backstabbers often try to gather personal secrets and controversial professional views -- so as to stock up undermining ammo. Saying less will protect you more.

2. If your firm is undergoing big changes, keep an extra look-out in your rearview mirror. Desperation brings out latent backstabbing tendencies. A normally kind colleague might suddenly bend over backstabbing-wards, so as to hold onto their job or receive necessary resources.

3. Those who walk softly and confidently, can still carry a big knife. Translation: Supervisors can backstab as frequently as colleagues. Be on the alert: your boss might be kissing up the ladder while attacking you down below.

4. Don't remove yourself from the grapevine. Become a fellow grape. If the backstabber knows you keep your ears and eyes open to office politics, they may think twice before stabbing you.

5. Good deeds can actually help you go un-punished. If you become known for doing favors for people, you’ll add to “Your Political Capital” -- plus, create a more positive place to work.

6. Love thy neighbor -- and try to pick thy neighborhood. Okay, admittedly, you can’t always pick who you work with -- but whenever possible, try to surround yourself with the people you most trust.

7. Make sure you have friends not ONLY in HIGH places. Don’t just work to create good relationships with your boss and colleagues, but also with secretaries, assistants -- even janitors. You never know who knows -- and says -- what.

8. If stabbed, quickly bring the offending “knife” to the backstabber -- and get them to fess up. Say something like: "If you have a problem with me, let’s resolve it now, because we need to work together in a healthy way to create the most productive work environment. So together let’s figure out how to ensure this problem doesn’t repeat itself.” If the backstabber is your boss, demand you create “clarification procedures” for fixing the problem that are put on record somewhere. If the backstabber is a colleague, not only confront the offender, but request a private meeting with your boss -- and show them the offending “knife evidence” in a calm, rational way. Ask your boss for advice on how to become a member of “The Backstabbed Protection Program,” so as to get your boss involved in putting your complaint on record.

In summary: If you’ve been backstabbed, know that a combo of “the bright light of clarity” along with “the spotlight of public record” can help melt most knives.