Ask Christa!

Christa Dhimo, D.B.A, M.B.A., M.Sc.M
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Ask Christa! is the place where you can ask questions about how to work through business challenges and workplace issues. Each educational webinar / episode focuses on one common question and offers additional resources to learn more. Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact ©  2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono Partners (formly Impono LLC) and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

  1. 2d ago

    My Boss's Boss is a Bully-- What Do I Do? (Ask Christa! S7E81)

    Summary In Episode 81, Christa answers a listener who witnessed her boss’s boss repeatedly demean her manager and eventually reported it. The episode explains why witnesses often hesitate, how to distinguish a difficult moment from a pattern of bullying behavior, and how to respond earlier through safe intervention, factual documentation, support for the person targeted, and appropriate reporting.   Key Takeaways ·       Hesitation does not mean you approved of the behavior; power, uncertainty, and the hope that someone else will act can slow down even confident witnesses. ·       Separate ordinary performance feedback from conduct that humiliates, intimidates, insults, or repeatedly misuses authority. ·       Use the safest useful response: interrupt briefly, check in privately, document what you directly observed, or report through an appropriate channel. ·       Support the person targeted without making promises, investigating on your own, or turning workplace gossip into evidence.   Additional Resources Bystander intervention tip sheet. (2024, May 16). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/pi/health-equity/bystander-intervention Eddy, Bill. 2018. “Get Respect With Responses That Are Brief, Informative, Friendly, and Firm.” Psychology Today, September 30, 2018. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/5-types-people-who-can-ruin-your-life/201809/biff-4-ways-respond-hostile-comments. Eddy, Bill. 2024. “Who Are High Conflict People?” High Conflict Institute. March 23, 2024. https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/who-are-high-conflict-people/ Step 5: If there are witnesses - Investigations at work - Acas. (2026, June 24). Acas. https://www.acas.org.uk/investigations-for-discipline-and-grievance-step-by-step/step-5-if-there-are-witnesses What bullying is - Bullying at work - Acas. (2025, December 16). Acas. https://www.acas.org.uk/bullying-at-work --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    My Boss's Boss is a Bully-- What Do I Do? (Ask Christa! S7E81)

  2. Sep 25

    My Boss 's Boss Assigns Me Work-- Help!! (Ask Christa S7E80)

    We're back!!  After a short hiatus (life gets busy for all of us, me too!!) Thank you for your patience!!! Summary In this episode, Christa answers a listener question about how to handle it when a senior leader assigns work directly, bypassing the listener’s immediate manager. The episode explains why this can create confusion around priorities and reporting lines, how to respond in the moment without sounding difficult, and how to loop in the direct manager in a way that protects relationships, transparency, and workflow. Key Takeaways ·       A skip-level assignment may be well-intended, but it can still create confusion around priorities, accountability, and communication. ·       The first response should be calm, appreciative, and clarifying: what is needed, by when, and how urgent it is compared with current work. ·       Looping in your manager is not tattling or being difficult; it is how you prevent surprises and keep priorities aligned. ·       If it becomes a pattern, address the workflow directly with your boss and ask for a simple process for handling future senior-leader requests. Additional Resources The Management Center. “How to Manage Skip-Level Relationships.” September 13, 2021. https://www.managementcenter.org/resources/how-to-manage-skip-level-relationships/. Lena Reinhard. “Skip-Level Meetings: Common Pitfalls And How to Avoid Them.” March 12, 2024. https://www.lenareinhard.com/articles/skip-level-meetings-one-to-ones-common-pitfalls-how-to-avoid-tips. Forbes Coaches Council. “20 Tips To ‘Manage Up’ And Build Strong Relationships With Leadership.” June 24, 2025. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbescoachescouncil/2025/06/24/20-tips-to-manage-up-and-build-strong-relationships-with-leadership/. Music licensed through Soundstripe: Codes: D9ZUC3H3SR5LIYTI, DHTESRZHAKJ9GH8U, ZYMVOKNKZH5QIQ5M, PRBHHYDGGH6CTPN6, IWRFKTIQNZISTZC --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    My Boss 's Boss Assigns Me Work-- Help!! (Ask Christa S7E80)

  3. Jul 10

    My Boss Wastes Time Chit-Chatting, What Do I Do? (Ask Christa! S7E79)

    Summary In this episode, Christa answers a listener question about how to protect focus when a caring, supportive boss frequently stops by for casual chit-chat. The episode explains why even well-intended interruptions can disrupt momentum, how to frame the conversation using impact and behavior without making the boss feel criticized, and what to do when a manager may be more defensive or less receptive to feedback. Key Takeaways ·       A great boss can still have habits that make it harder to do focused work. ·       Feedback lands better when it names the behavior, impact, and needed change. ·       Visual signals, focus blocks, and proactive updates help protect deep work. ·      For defensive bosses, frame the issue around workflow, priorities, and reducing task-switching rather than their interruptive behavior. Additional Resources Ask Christa! “Ask Christa! How Can I Ask My Co-Worker to Quit the Chit Chat? (…,” October 1, 2025. https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-how-can-i-ask-my-co-worker-to-quit-the-chit-chat-s4e45/. Green, Alison. “How Can I Make My Boss Stop Talking to Me When I’M Trying to Work?” Inc, January 12, 2016. https://www.inc.com/alison-green/how-can-i-make-my-boss-stop-talking-to-me-when-i-m-trying-to-work.html. Shelly, Jared. “10 Ways to Shutdown Office Chatter and Actually Get Work Done.” Convene, October 4, 2023. https://convene.com/catalyst/office/shutdown-office-chatter/. Music licensed through Soundstripe Code: RZIFQ0ROJGMTDMVL --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    My Boss Wastes Time Chit-Chatting, What Do I Do? (Ask Christa! S7E79)

  4. Jun 19

    My Manager Keeps Changing Our Goals, Help! (Ask Christa! S7E78)

    Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa answers a listener question about working in a startup where team goals keep shifting, priorities are repeatedly changed, and progress seems impossible. She explores the difference between healthy flexibility and chronic instability, why constant swings drain morale and productivity, and how employees can raise the issue in a way that stays focused on business outcomes rather than understandable frustration. Christa then shares practical strategies for documenting shifting priorities, clarifying tradeoffs, and protecting momentum when leadership keeps changing direction. Key Takeaways •      Startups need flexibility, but flexibility that leads to constant goal changes is destabilizing. •      When leaders repeatedly change direction without acknowledging consequences or tradeoffs, employees can lose focus, momentum, and trust in the process. •      Raising the issue works best when you describe patterns and business impact. •      Documenting changes, confirming decisions in writing, and asking for clarity on priorities can reduce rework and protect team energy. •      If shifting goals become chronic, employees may need to decide whether the environment is fast-moving or fundamentally undisciplined. Additional Resources Change Enthusiasm Global. (2025, November 19). How to navigate constantly changing priorities at work. https://changeenthusiasmglobal.com/how-to-navigate-constantly-changing-priorities-at-work/    Clug, A. (2026, June 15). Founder's trap: When to step aside as CEO. Alex Clug Management Insights. https://alexclug.com/the-founders-trap-knowing-when-to-step-aside-and-let-professional-management-take-over/ Fernandez, J. (2026, February 24). How to navigate a boss who keeps changing priorities. Fast Company. https://www.fastcompany.com/91495314/how-to-navigate-a-boss-who-keeps-changing-priorities --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    My Manager Keeps Changing Our Goals, Help! (Ask Christa! S7E78)

  5. Jun 12

    My Manager Gossips All The Time, Help! (Ask Christa! S7E77)

    Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa answers a listener question about a manager who gossips constantly and creates an uncomfortable, unprofessional work environment. She explains what habitual workplace gossip often signals about insecurity, control, and team culture, why it damages trust and psychological safety, and how employees can respond without getting pulled into the behavior. Christa then offers practical guidance for setting boundaries, documenting harmful patterns, and deciding when a manager’s behavior has crossed the line from irritating to reportable.  Key Takeaways •      Workplace gossip is often less about facts and more about insecurity, control, and social positioning. •      When a manager gossips constantly, it can damage trust, reduce candor, and weaken psychological safety across a team. •      Employees do not need to reward gossip; they can redirect conversations, set boundaries, and stay focused on the work. •      If the behavior begins to affect work, reputation, or team functioning, documenting facts and identifying business impact can help clarify next steps. •      Gossip that involves confidential information, repeated personal attacks, retaliation, or sustained harm to team culture may require escalation to HR or a trusted leader. Additional Resources  American Psychological Association. (2024, March 4). What is psychological safety at work? Here’s how to start creating it. https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/psychological-safety Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, December 16). How to handle workplace gossip and reduce negativity. Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/gossip-in-workplace The Muse Editors. (2024, May 3). Best tips on how to deal with a difficult boss. The Muse. https://www.themuse.com/advice/10-brilliant-tips-for-dealing-with-a-difficult-boss --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    My Manager Gossips All The Time, Help! (Ask Christa! S7E77)

  6. Jun 6

    My Manager Shops for Answers, Help! (Ask Christa! S7E76)

    Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa answers a listener question about a manager who keeps asking different people the same question until he hears the opinion, number, or client story he wants. The episode explores why this behavior damages trust, undermines expertise, creates ethical risk, and teaches teams to go silent. It also offers practical steps for documenting patterns, responding with clarity, protecting data integrity, and escalating concerns when necessary. Key Takeaways •      Shopping for answers is problematic for a business and for a team •      Ignoring expertise in favor of a wanted-for answer means teams start to shut down •      Employees should respond with documented, source-based answers and keep a record of repeated overrides of facts or numbers. •      If the behavior creates compliance, ethics, client, or reporting risk, it may need to be raised beyond the manager.   Additional Resources Berthet, V. (2022). The Impact of Cognitive Biases on Professionals’ Decision-Making: A review of four occupational areas. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 802439. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.802439 Hammond, J. S., Keeney, R. L., & Raiffa, H. (1998). The Hidden Traps in Decision Making. Harvard Business Review. search for easy articles about how to manage a boss who shops around for answers - Google Search. (n.d.). https://www.google.com/search?q=search+for+easy+articles+about+how+to+manage+a+boss+who+shops+around+for+answers&oq  Wietrak, E. and Gifford, J. (2024) Trust and psychological safety: An evidence review. Practice summary and recommendations. London: Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    My Manager Shops for Answers, Help! (Ask Christa! S7E76)

  7. May 15

    My Manager Plays Favorites - Help! (Ask Christa! S7E75)

    Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses how to handle a manager who plays favorites, creating a toxic team environment. Learn strategies to navigate favoritism, maintain professionalism, and foster a fair workplace. Key topics include the effects of favoritism on team morale, strategies for addressing favoritism, legal and policy resources for fairness, and the importance of a team culture. Key Takeaways ·       Favoritism demotivates teams and damages credibility. ·       Document observable behaviors and their impacts. ·       Stay above negativity and focus on constructive solutions. ·       Use resources like HR policies and external reports for support. ·       Recognize favoritism early and document behaviors Additional Resources Bennett, M. (2026, March 17). 20 Signs of Favoritism at Work and What You Can Do About It. N/A. https://www.niagarainstitute.com/blog/signs-of-favoritism-at-work Gallup, Inc. (2023, March 29). WorkHuman-Gallup Research Hub. Gallup.com. https://www.gallup.com/analytics/472658/workplace-recognition-research.aspx Ivy Exec. (2022, July 21). https://ivyexec.com/career-advice/2022/five-non-confrontational-ways-for-dealing-with-favoritism-at-work/ --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    My Manager Plays Favorites - Help! (Ask Christa! S7E75)

  8. Apr 24

    My Manager Needs Too Many Reports - Help! (Ask Christa! S7E74)

    Summary In this episode of Ask Christa!, Christa Dhimo addresses how to handle workplace overload caused by a manager demanding excessive reporting tasks, despite available tools and organizational focus on client success. It offers strategies for setting boundaries, understanding organizational structures, and maintaining performance and engagement. Key takeaways ·       Set clear boundaries with your manager about your role and responsibilities. ·       Use structured communication to realign expectations and refocus on core work. ·       Leverage organizational resources and articles to support your position. ·       Understand the organizational structure to better navigate managerial demands. Additional Resources Ask Christa! (2025, June 27). Ask Christa! Why organizational structure matters!! (S2E19) [Video]. Ask Christa! https://www.askchrista.com/ask-christa-why-organizational-structure-matters-s2e19/ Green, A. (2021, December 30). how to tell your boss “that’s not my job” Ask a Manager. https://www.askamanager.org/2018/11/how-to-tell-your-boss-thats-not-my-job.html Muenzen, E. (2026, April 8). 5 signs you’re being taken advantage of at work. Monster. https://www.monster.com/career-advice/workplace/signs-youre-being-taken-advantage-of-at-work VanBenschoten, B. (2025, April 14). What is Servant Leadership? The National Society of Leadership and Success. https://www.nsls.org/blog/what-is-servant-leadership-and-how-to-apply-it --------------------- Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact © 2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved. I record and produce my podcasts using Riverside and their music library for subscribers. Links: Ask Christa!: https://www.askchrista.com/ Contact & Booking: https://christadhimo.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christadhimo/ Disclaimer The Ask Christa! show is designed to provide accurate and practical insights into common business challenges and workplace issues. Dr. Christa Dhimo stands by the information she shares and the resources she provides; however, every situation is unique. Listeners are encouraged to use this podcast as a helpful resource while also seeking additional, qualified, professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, medical, or other professional advice, as warranted. Ask Christa! and its host disclaim liability for actions taken solely on the basis of the information provided here, especially if taken out of context.

    My Manager Needs Too Many Reports - Help! (Ask Christa! S7E74)
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Ask Christa! is the place where you can ask questions about how to work through business challenges and workplace issues. Each educational webinar / episode focuses on one common question and offers additional resources to learn more. Ask Christa! Business Questions, Straight Answers, Real Impact ©  2025 - Present Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono Partners (formly Impono LLC) and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.

Information

  • Creator
    Christa Dhimo, D.B.A, M.B.A., M.Sc.M
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 and since 2025 Christa Dhimo in partnership with Impono LLC and 21st Century Strategies. Ask Christa! has a pending Trademark. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Ask Christa!