For those looking to advance their careers, Saunders is right. CEOs and, managers in general, are constantly bombarded with problems. The reality is that they prefer underlings who bring solutions, rather than problems. (Which also means, of course, that they frown on those who act otherwise.) Saunders is simply reflecting the prevailing attitude in most organizations.

Leaders need to step up their game and begin to provide the required strategic support and direction to keep their employees motivated and their teams inspired.

Great design nurtures talent. It’s as simple as that. Look around at your workspace. How can you make your culture a talent magnet?

Communicate proactively. Keep your boss updated, using his preferred method — email, personal drop-ins or lengthy memos.

Next time you are to your breaking point at the office, try one of these three tips to help cool you off and get back on track sooner rather than later.

Money isn’t always the easiest thing to discuss, and when you add in workplace dynamics, it only gets trickier. Assuming that your office doesn’t expressly forbid discussing pay, who exactly are you allowed to discuss it with?

Little white lies cover things that you haven’t had time yet to get to, or you don’t want to share in order to save someone’s feelings. Is it ever appropriate to lie to a co-worker?

Every workplace is different, and in some workplaces, you are expected to buy your boss a present, under penalty of possibly losing your jobs. In other offices, it is just an option.

Do you have a colleague who is subject to special treatment while everyone else gets pushed aside? Are you the one praised incessantly by the boss, or the go-to person for all the great projects? It’s no secret that the playing field among workers isn’t level in the workplace. It turns out that this widespread practice of favoritism can have a significant impact, whether you’re the victim or the VIP.