Lifestyle

Go to Greg

I am in play for a job that I really want. During the interviewing process, I practically fell in love with the human resources manager who was interviewing me! I really think we had a connection.

But what will that mean if I get the job? Are there rules on dating in the workplace — particularly someone in HR?

We human resources execs are a lovable bunch, and we’re in a position of power and authority, so it’s understandable that people would find us irresistible.

So let’s play this scenario out, Casanova. Some companies have policies against fraternization — but in reality, they work about as well as Prohibition did. Whether or not there’s a broad company policy, given this woman’s position and her access to confidential company information — which may include involvement in employment matters related to you, such as decisions about raises, promotion, termination, etc. — she may be prohibited ethically from dating someone in the company.

But matters of the heart cannot be denied. If you want to really be romantic and go for it, tell her now that you’d sacrifice the potential job if working there meant you two love birds couldn’t be together. (There’s a nod to the late, great Nora Ephron.)

I don’t like it when members of my staff constantly check their e-mail during meetings. What’s the best way to get them to stop without sounding petty or discouraging their hard work?

You could tell them that it hurts your feelings when they don’t give you their undivided attention. Or you could send them an e-mail during the meeting asking them to look up and pay attention. Or you can announce next time that beginning today, everyone must give the meeting their undivided attention and stay off of their e-mail.

I’d probably opt for option 2, because that’s just how I roll, but the latter is more direct. Exceptions can be made if someone is in the middle of an urgent matter where timeliness is critical, but that should be explained before the meeting begins.