Broaching a schedule change with the boss
Q. Is it poor etiquette to ask to leave early after completing an eight-hour day? I'm a salaried, full-time employee of a large company, but I'm working on a special project for the next few weeks that requires me to start at 5 a.m., instead of the usual 8 a.m. I have been working through lunch, too, to get more done so I can get home and get to bed to start it all over again the next day. I've been so exhausted the last few weeks, but this is a huge project and opportunity. I'm also young and new to the company. The last thing I want is to look like I'm lazy, but we don't get paid overtime, and I'm already skipping my lunch hour. What do you think is the best course of action for me?
Anonymous, Mansfield
A. You are right to look at your predicament as an opportunity to show your skills and your work ethic. At the same time no one, new or long term, wants to feel used or unappreciated, but your efforts may be being recognized without you realizing it. When young and new to a company, it is often hard to believe that the best course of action in a situation like yours is to discuss it with your manager. Yet, this is exactly what you should do. The approach to take is to make your manager aware of your efforts and to discuss any possible adjustments to your schedule. Remember, this conversation is not a complaint session. Engage your manager by asking for advice on how best to balance the competing needs.
Q. In an organization that has a board of directors, what is the proper way to address these individuals when outside of the board meeting setting? For example, if a board member is in the office environment for a meeting with staff members, should they be referred to as Mr./Ms. or director, or can they be called by their first name? Is there a degree of respect that should be maintained at all times?
A.M., Chicago, Ill.
A. The best advice is to defer to the formal unless you know otherwise. Therefore, you refer to the member of the board as Mr. Smith or Ms. Jones. If they are a doctor and use that designation, then refer to them as Dr. Smith or Dr. Jones. Do not refer to them as Director Smith or Director Jones. Always wait until you are invited to use a first name: "Please call me Susan." In correspondence, the envelope is addressed to Mr. John Jones; the inner address is Mr. John Jones, Director; Company Name, Address; Dear Mr. Jones.
NEED ADVICE? E-mail questions about business etiquette to bizmanners@globe.com; fax to 617-929-3183; or mail to Etiquette at Work, The Boston Globe, P.O. Box 55819, Boston, MA 02205-5819.
