Q: I was recently asked to tell a joke as an icebreaker at a networking event – but I could only think of very crass ones! What’s a polite, PC joke I can tell if I find myself in the same situation?
Topics: Sales & Marketing
Q: I’m quite traditional in my approach to work attire. Some of the younger members of my sales team no longer bother with ties; some even turn up in jeans. Am I right to introduce a dress code?
Topics: Management & HR
Q: My daughter and I started a business together 12 years ago. It’s gone from strength to strength, but I find myself handing over ever more responsibility to her. How do I know when it’s time to hand over completely?
Topics: Management & HR
Q: Should I send a casual email asking staff not to use the company phones for personal conversations – or would that seem petty?
Q: "My employees constantly nip out for cigarette breaks. When added up, it’s quite an alarming amount of time away from their desks. Should I clamp down on them?"
Q: I’m launching my second start-up in the new year. Any tips on negotiating good office deals in this climate?
Q: A senior member of the sales team called in sick the other day, claiming she’d caught a stomach bug. But her Facebook status said she was suffering from a “killer hangover”. What should I do?
Q: The business I started failed to hit its sales targets and I was ousted by my VC backers. The business is now in administration and the VCs are blocking my bid to buy it back. Help!
Cobbler columnist John Timpson has a wealth of business experience. He shares his views on cost-cutting with us.
Q: My COO and business partner owns 50 per cent of the firm – but he’s not pulling his weight. I can’t afford to buy him out. Help!
Q: I’d like to shut the office between Christmas and New Year. Should I make employees take it as compulsory leave or give it to them for free?
Q: A customer (who has spent a lot of money with us over the years) is giving one of my shop assistants a hard time. He makes rather personal comments about her weight. I know “the customer is always right” but should I step in?
Q: I’m about to sign a big new contract. The work is great and we could do with it right now but I’m not so sure about the person I’m dealing with. What should I do?
My marketing director recently handed in her notice. My wife has told me that she is interested in applying for the role. I’m filled with dread. She has all the right experience – but I just can’t see us working together. Any advice?
Hovering on the brink of retirement, John Timpson, chief executive of the eponymous chain of shoe repairers and key cutters, tries to answer the ultimate question: “Where to next?”