Hello!
Welcome to your favourite workplace newsletter where you can catch up on the things you need to know and some things that will make you laugh out loud.
In this issue there’s a workplace trend, news snippets, and sage advice in the “Dear Jen” column.
And of course, I share my recommendations for your viewing pleasure.
I hope this newsletter brings you some wisdom and joy!
Cheers,
Jen
What trend am I seeing out there in the workplace world?
Confusion between employees and employers about the difference between “bullying” and “reasonable management action”.
If an employee perceives performance management as bullying, the employer can use this as a teaching moment. Explain why the action being taken is lawful, necessary, and reasonable. Clarify that setting expectations, providing feedback, and addressing performance concerns are all part of a manager’s job – and are not bullying.
But how it’s done matters. A “reasonable way” is respectful, clear, and fair. No sarcasm, no surprises, no public shaming.
Take Out Points:
- Train managers to deliver feedback clearly and respectfully. Good communication can prevent complaints (and claims).
- Document performance discussions. It’s your best friend in a dispute.
- When in doubt, gut check: Would I be OK with this exchange being read out loud in the Fair Work Commission?
If you – or someone on your team – could use some support with giving feedback or managing performance conversations, get in touch. Coaching can make all the difference.
Contact Jennifer Bicknell on 0411 275 920 or at jen@jenniferbicknell.com.au or Deborah Stonley at deborah@jenniferbicknell.com.au
Job of the Week: 60+ Jobs at Cadillac F1 Team
Ever dreamed of working in F1? Of course you have.
In exciting news, Cadillac has just posted over 60 roles – “in EVERY department”. Engineering, operations, marketing…
Yes, you’ll need to move to Silverstone, UK. Yes, you’ll technically be turning your back on “our Oscar”. But if you can live with that kind of betrayal, it’s lights out and away you go.
Job of the Week 2: Looking After Cats on a Greek Island
Applications are now open for volunteer cat-carers on the sun-drenched island of Syros, Greece. In exchange for 5 hours of feline-focused labour, 5 days a week, you’ll receive bed, breakfast, and utilities.
The coveted roles are open to people with “some work experience”, though the ad warns: “If you’re under twenty-five, it’s unlikely you’d be able to demonstrate the level of self-sufficiency and initiative that we need.”
Ouch. Sorry Gen Z.
The Most UnWonderful Time of the Year (to Exit Someone)
Every year, like clockwork, when the phone rings in mid-November I hear: “I need your help to move someone on”. And every year, I brace myself – because nothing says “festive season” quite like a workplace exit.
I get it. Business needs don’t always wait for perfect timing. Performance issues pop up, restructures loom, and sometimes now is the only window. But … the job market starts to snooze by mid-December and doesn’t fully wake up until after Australia Day.
So, if staffing changes are on your horizon, do your team (and yourself) a favour – act early, act thoughtfully, and avoid being the unwanted surprise in someone’s end-of-year stocking.
“2025’s Best” (But Please Don’t Use Them) “Office Nicknames”
Workplaces are full of characters – it’s part of what makes them special… and not always in a good way. South African radio station Kfm recently shared what it dubbed “2025’s Best Office Nicknames”. Here’s a sample from what was discussed on their show recently:
Take Out Point: For the record, I’m not condoning the use of nicknames in the workplace – just observing that “Levi’s” and “Teflon” and others seem to pop up no matter the country code.
For the full list see Kfm’s discussion on Instagram: 2025’s Best Office Nicknames
Difficult Conversations Suck – But You Don’t Have to Suck at Them
No one hands you a manual for tough workplace talks – so I wrote one, turned it into a workshop (and added an interpretive dance).
In my “Awkward to Awesome” workshop, you’ll learn:
✅ A simple, step-by-step way to handle tricky conversations without making it weird
✅ Exactly what to say when it matters (and what not to say)
✅ How to give feedback that actually lands (instead of backfiring spectacularly)
✅ How to avoid putting your foot in your mouth (and what to do if you already have)
✅ How to handle performance issues before they become disasters.
I’ll give you:
✔A practical skillset you’ll use forever
✔ A serious upgrade to your leadership skills
✔ A major confidence boost for your next tough talk
✔ A few laughs (possibly at my expense)
✘ No cringey role-plays. (We practice, but in a way that makes you better – not more uncomfortable).
REMEMBER… AVOIDANCE ISN’T A STRATEGY!
Contact Jen on 0411 275 920 or at jen@jenniferbicknell.com.au
Dear Jen,
We recently let an employee go.
Unfortunately, we forgot to disable her IT access after we gave her the news, and she went “rogue”. She sent a mass email to clients from her work account, downloaded confidential documents, and left a parting message on Slack that was… let’s just say, memorable.
What should we do and how do we prevent this kind of thing from happening again?
Cheers,
Control Alt Defeated
Dear Control Alt Defeated
Never underestimate how fast a rogue ex-employee can type when fuelled by rage and unrevoked access.
I assume you’ve already called your lawyer, your IT team’s working overtime, and you’re patching up any client carnage.
Next time, lock the digital door as soon as you show the employee the exit.
Good luck.
Cheers,
Jen
What I Inhaled (On Stan)
“The Hack” is one of the shows of the year. David Tennant plays a dogged Guardian journalist unravelling the News of the World phone hacking scandal. It’s gripping and infuriating. Essential viewing.
What I’m Watching (On Netflix)
They had me at “Beckham”. First there was the outstanding David Beckham doco. Now we have a 3 part docuseries featuring former Spice Girl and fashion boss Victoria Beckham. Couldn’t love this more.
What I’m Watching (On Netflix)
Want a period drama about a beer empire? Then “House of Guinness” is for you.
What I’m Watching (On Netflix)
Netflix doco – “aka Charlie Sheen” – explores Sheen’s wild rise, chaotic fall and emergence into sobriety. Even if you are not a fan it’s an interesting watch.
What I’m Watching (On 9Now)
Hey sports fans, it’s 25 years since “the best Olympics ever” and Channel 9 put together a 2 part doco – “Sydney 2000: The Best Ever” – packed with goosebump-inducing flashbacks. Think: Cathy Freeman,Ian Thorpe, and “Eric the Eel” Moussambani. Warning: side effects may include spontaneous national pride and watery eyes.
