How Would Confucius Ask for a Raise?

Taking the 100 most frequently asked questions from audience members at her corporate lectures, business executives Carol Orsborn offers solutions that are refreshingly original yet are based on the I Ching, the three-thousand-year-old work of wisdom that inspired Confucius.

In her book, Carol Orsborn reveals how these ancient principles can be remarkably relevant for handling the situations we all face in today's challenging workplace. Covering the corporate ladder from bottom to top, Orsborn's advice will take readers from the day they land that first job through decisions related to when and how to retire. Tough Business Problems include:

#5 "I was the best qualified for the promotion — but the offer went to someone else. Should I fight it?"

#10 "I love my job but I hate my boss. What can I do?"

#30 "My secretary is hopeless — and he's the boss's nephew. I can't trust myself to hold my tongue any longer; what should I do?"

#87 "I've got a report due tomorrow. To finish it on time, I'll have to miss my child's third grade play. What should I do?"

and, of course:

#1 "How would Confucius ask for a raise?"

Orsborn's easy-to-read, humorous, and uplifting style, touches every reader personally, whether you're an overworked executive who can't seem to jump-start your career. Tackling the range of problems from the mundane to the morally trying. How Would Confucius Ask for a Raise? will transform your approach to your career — and your life — with its honesty, its freshness, and its hope.

• Introduction
• The Principles of Inner Excellence
• New-Paradigm Leadership
• Part One: The I Ching: An Executive Summary
• Ten Great Notions
• Part Two: One Hundred Tough Business Problems
1. Managing Your Career
1. How would Confucius ask for a raise?
2. I've just been handed a great opportunity! I love my job — and now I've been offered a promotion into a bigger position. Why am I upset?
3. I like my job for now, but I can't imagine doing this the rest of my life. How long do I wait before I start working on the long-term career I will want to stick with?
4. I've had a terrific relationship with my boss, but now it's time to move on. I've got a job offer I'd like to accept, but I don't know how to handle this without hurting his feelings.
5. I was the best qualified for the promotion — but the offer went to somebody else. Should I fight it?
6. The job interview went swimmingly, but it's been several weeks and they haven't called me back. They've asked not to be called. How do I stay on top of this without turning them off by bugging them too much?
7. I just graduated from college Phi Beta Kappa, and all I can find in the industry of my choice are secretarial jobs. Should I live at home and continue to hold out for something better, or should I grab what's available?
8. I've just landed my first job, and I've already made a mess of things. I'm trying hard to please my boss by doing what I think he wants — and then the whole thing blows up in my face. What's wrong with me?
9. I've got proposals out to a number of places that may or may not come through. If one does, I'll have it made. If not, it's back to square one. It may be months before everyone responds. Is there anything I can do to reduce my anxiety in the interim?
10. I love my job, but I hate my boss. What can I do to transform this situation?
11. I could do a better job at what my boss is supposed to do than she does. How can I get her job?
2. Vision and Purpose
12. I've got a dream that will require my life savings — and probably not support me financially for quite some time. I believe in myself, but something's holding me back from taking the first step. How can I push through my fear?
13. With all my so-called potential, why am I not farther along in my career than I am right now?
14. I've been circulating the manuscript for my book to publishers. At this point I've been rejected a dozen times. How long do I keep believing in my book and in myself before throwing in the towel?
15. For years I had a stable job that bored the heck out of me. Now I've landed a job that is an incredibly exciting opportunity — but the company's financially shaky. Why can't I have it all?
16. I went for stock over higher salary, thinking that my act of faith would pay off. Now the stock is worthless. Where did I go wrong?
17. I'm thinking of following my passion back to school to train for a new career. But at my age, with my responsibilities and obligations, am I being realistic?
18. I've developed a foolproof plan guaranteed to make me millions, and I am going to do whatever it takes to succeed. Nothing is going to get in my way. The trouble is that so far the venture capitalists keep passing up this great opportunity. What's wrong with them?
19. I followed my heart and now everything is falling apart around me. I still feel that I did and am doing the right thing. How can I endure all this apparent failure without letting it take me under?
20. After years of struggle I am receiving the adulation and support for my work I always thought I deserved. But now that the demand is there, I've never felt less inspired. How can I regain my enthusiasm?
21. I've finally completed my project, achieving a lifelong goal, but instead of feeling elated, I'm depressed.  What should I do?
22. Faced with obstacles too great for me to surmount, I'm filing for bankruptcy. The financial burden is bad enough, but what's worse is the knowledge that my dream failed. How can I ever hope to recover from this?
3. Managing Others
23. I gave my assistant a tedious assignment that, frankly, I was happy I wouldn't have to do. When I did, I thought I saw resentment flash across her face. Is it honesty or intrusion to share what I saw?
24. The word at the water cooler is that my subordinates generally dislike me. They think I don't care enough about them, when the truth is I'm simply serious about doing a good job. Without lowering my standards, how can I turn public opinion around?
25. My secretary does his job well enough — and he's pleasant and well-meaning. But he has bad dandruff. I've suggested he seek medical treatment, and it's somewhat improved, but I still notice it. Nobody else seems to be bothered by it. What should I do?
26. I have worked hard to make my workplace reflective of the things I value, qualities such as honesty and integrity. When interviewing prospective employees, I try to make it clear that I "walk my talk". So why can't I find or keep a good secretary?
27. How do I handle the fact that one of my key subordinates ignores our professional, corporate environment and insists on wearing saddle shoes to meetings with clients?
28. I used to enjoy my work, but the company just hired someone whose very tone of voice is driving me crazy — and her desk is right next to mine. Every day she comments on whether she likes what I am wearing, eavesdrops on my conversations, and does a zillion other irritating things. I talked to my supervisor, but he said I have to make the best of the situation. Help!
29. I get the feeling that my business associate doesn't respect me, but I have no idea why. If I address this head-on, won't I be opening up a can of worms?
30. My secretary is hopeless — and he's the boss's nephew. I am trying to be charitable, but I can't trust myself to hold my tongue any longer. What should I do?
31. My employees acts as if I am bugging him, when I'm simply following up on projects I've delegated. What's going on here?
32. My subordinate failed. If I act with compassion and let her know I understand, what will motivate her to try harder next time?
33. I don't get the best thinking from my staff because they are trying too hard to please me by telling me what they think I want to hear. I've asked them to be more honest, but I'm frustrated by the fact that they are still holding back. What's wrong with them?
4. Life-Driven Leadership
34. In order to remain competitive, our company needs to pare its workforce dramatically. Upper management is talking about evaluating and ranking us against one another within each job category. The poorer performers will be let go. Isn't there a better way?
35. I believe the company I work for will pull through, but right new we are having financial difficulties. How can I keep my staff motivated when there's no hope of raises or bonuses?
36. I'm sure there's a lesson in here somewhere. Our company has some counterproductive policies that are undermining the morale of my team. By challenging these policies I'm getting a lot of flack from other groups in the company who liked things the way they were. What could I have done to avoid this?
37. I was just about to fire a relatively new employee who has proven to be incompetent, when her mother unexpectedly died. She's taking a week off for the funeral and to handle family affairs. The business can't afford to keep her on — but how and when do I let her go? Can I do it while she's gone so she can spend more time at home and to save us the money? Or should I wait until she returns?
38. I spent years putting together a loyal and committed team of employees. Now the economic downturn has decimated our earnings with no break in sight. I've made every other cut I can. Should I borrow to tide us over until business improves or resort to cutting staff, knowing that it will destroy the morale of those who remain?
39. One candidate for the critical position we need to fill has average ability — but an extraordinary commitment to putting all the he has to use on behalf of this company. The other candidate is superior at what the job calls for — with an extraordinary commitment to advancing his own career. Which would be the better hire?
40. I can think of a number of people in my company who could be a lot better off if only they'd go into therapy. How should I broach the subject?
41. Who should pick up the lunch tab?
5. Risk Taking
42. I took a risk. Things aren't going as well as I would have hoped by now, but I still believe in my idea. My family and friends are begging me to give up. Should I?
43. I keep going back and forth on this one. The company I own and run is doing fine right now, but long-term I've got a problem I can't seem to get a grip on. If I don't invest in new equipment for my company, the industry may leave us behind. If I do, it could take that much more than we've got short-term to break even. What should I do?
44. I hate my job — but I know I'm lucky to have it. In this economy do I risk trying to make a change to something I could feel passionate about, or should I hang in there until the economy improves?
45. I've got six years to go until retirement with full benefits, but I hate every day I spend on the job. Should I quit and risk going for a job that I will enjoy more — or keep hanging on?
46. The whole family has sacrificed a lot over the years to keep the family business going. Part of me sees how I could take over the business and grow it into something much bigger, and part of me feels that's the last thing in the world I'd want to do. How can I handle my fear?
47. I've been meaning to ask you this question for quite a while, but I couldn't find the right words. The bottom line is that I procrastinate. What can I do about this affliction?
48. I need help right now! I've been called to come to my boss's office immediately and I have no idea why. How can I make it all the way there without flipping out?
49. I have a critical decision I need to make now. No matter how much information I gather, how keenly I tune in to my heart, how much help I seek out, I'm still unclear about the right thing to do. What can I do to ensure that I don't make the wrong choice?
50. I dream of starting a company coaching people to take risks — but I'm afraid I'll fail. What am I missing?
6. Failure and Crisis
51. What do I do when I'm informed I'm being audited by the IRS?
52. What words of wisdom do you have for the person who thinks you can have it all?
53. What do I do when for some reason beyond my control the bottom falls out of the market or my product line becomes obsolete? What if disaster strikes? An earthquake? A war?
54. My whole life seems to be one of those occasions to which I must rise. When I don't have the option of taking time away to recuperate, how can I keep myself vital and energetic?
55. I brought my best to the situation at hand, but failed anyway. What 's to be done now?
56. I gave my trusted associate tremendous responsibility, helping him build his reputation in our field. Then suddenly, without warning, he left our firm to set up a competitive company that is doing great and hurting ours. Where did I go wrong?
57. Our company has undergone a much-needed reorganization. My friend got laid off, while I got promoted. I'm sad for him but pleased for myself. Now he's pressing me to quit. Is he right?
58. Nothing I'm trying is working right now, even though I'm not doing anything differently from what's worked for me in the past. Why am I being punished?
59. I've yet to find a meaningful job that fulfills me. Where is it?
60. I've had it with abusive bosses, clients, suppliers, family, friends, and subordinates. Now what?
61. I tried my best, but I let my team down. They understand, but I feel so terrible that I can't face them again. How can I get back on track?
62. When I started out, I loved what I was doing. Lately I've burned out and as a result, I'm struggling. Can this endeavor still succeed?
7. Integrity
63. It doesn't seem right that people with flawed integrity should be getting farther ahead than people who are trying to make something of themselves righteously. Why are they succeeding?
64. In a one-time emergency I pinched ten dollars from petty cash for my own personal use. Now I feel guilty about it, but I'm too embarrassed to confess, and I'm afraid I'll get caught putting it back. What should I do?
65. I don't think the product I'm selling is the best choice for my customers but I need the commission. What should I do?
66. If I only had clients in whom I believed one hundred percent, I'd have no clients. How do I come to terms with the conflict between integrity and paying the bills?
67. Small amounts of money keep disappearing from the petty-cash box — a quarter here, fifty cents there. It's really bothering me because it means somebody in my department is dishonest. What should I do?
68. I know that our company is putting out a product that does not live up to its advertising claims. Do I blow the whistle?
69. I've been asked by my boss to do something that I consider be unethical. If I refuse, I'm afraid I'll be fired. If I go along with it, how will I sleep again?
70. Now that they've trained me, I see how I could do better by running a competitive company — keeping all the profits for myself. Don't I have the right to watch out for my own interests in this?
8. In Search of Greatness
71. In order to be socially responsible, what percentage of my work life and salary should go toward good works?
72. I want my employees to like me, so I'll do anything to avoid giving them negative feedback. How can I still be a nice guy but get them to perform to my standards?
73. No matter how hard I try to conduct inspiring staff meetings, they fall flat. What can I do to inspire my staff?
74. Would my company benefit from a more democratic approach to management?
75. Help me do the right thing. I decided to work part-time, but I've been here longer and I have more sponsibility. My colleague works full-time, so the answer to this question will have more impact on her life than on mine. The question: Who gets the better office?
76. I did something that I am right to feel guilty about. I've done what I can to make amends, but the bad feelings won't go away.
77. A client says he's withholding payment because my results disappointed him. As a professional I get paid for providing services — I don't guarantee results. How do I fight him?
78. A valuable employee made a stupid mistake that will cost the company thousands of dollar. Who pays?
9. Balance and Productivity
79. I've got too many conflicting demands in each workday. How can I set priorities without dropping any balls?
80. I've got a full-time job that saps so much of my energy that there's nothing left in me to pursue my life's passion: sculpture. What can I do about this?
81. Our company has supplied each of us with a private arsenal of computer notebooks and cellular car phones in order to wage hand-to-hand combat with the competition. At first we were thrilled, but now we realize that we are expected either to be at work or to be available for communication twenty-four hours a day. Help!
82. My boss gives me more to do than anyone could possible accomplish in the number of hours he's paying me for. Now he's set up a meeting to give me even more assignments! How should I handle this?
83. Some mornings I walk into the office and from the moment I first lay eyes on the receptionist, I dislike everybody and everything I see. They can't all be so bad — especially since just the day before, I liked everybody and everything just fine. Help me make it through the day!
84. I'm desperate. I'm overwhelmed. My work life is a disaster. What should I do?
85. I resent how often my boss calls me at home at night with an emergency report due by ten A.M. the next morning. I thought I liked my work, but isn't my lack of commitment telling me something different?
86. Things are going great for me. I managed to bail out of my former firm just before they went under — taking their key accounts with me as the basis for the new company I've launched. But now my spouse is threatening to leave if I don't find more time for family life. How can I get him to lighten up on me?
87. I've got a report due tomorrow. To finish it on time, I'll have to miss my child's third-grade play. She's only in the chorus. What should I do?
10. Inner Peace and Spiritual Practice
88. As hard as I try to maintain an optimistic attitude, I've become depressed by the job-hunting process. Am I doomed?
89. I've always believed the fastest way to happiness is to have, do, and be the best. Now that I have, do, and am, why am I not happier?
90. I feel pressured to push myself forward all the time, to achieve more and more. I can never relax. Am I ever going to be able to find peace?
91. I've got a problem at work that's keeping me awake nights. The less I sleep, the less clear-headed I am. How can I ever hope to get a decent night's rest before the problem gets resolved?
92. I'm at my wits' end. I've done everything I know how to do and I've gotten nowhere. Help!
93. I meditate every day, but by the time I fight my way through the morning commute, I', anxious and tense —- and it goes downhill from there. Where am I going wrong?
94. Spirituality is hogwash. Get real! What do you have to say to that?
95. Part of me wants to go for success in the world in a big way — but part of me wants to take as much time and space as I need to develop myself spiritually. Which is better?
96. I'm anxious to find peace of mind. I've bought fourteen books on the subject and received dozens of brochures for classes, but I feel overwhelmed. Where should I begin?
97. I got laid off after many years. My prospects for equivalent employment or income are dim. How do I keep my spirits up as I look for what's next?
98. In following the spiritual path, I left my fast-track career to live a simpler life. Now I'm bored. What should I try next?
99. I always feel like something's not quite right. How can I get rid of this cloud hanging over me?
100. I've hit bottom and I don't think I have it in me anymore to try again.
• Appendices
• Index of Invocations
• Write Your Own Life-Driven Prayer
• The Good-Enough Human Being's Bill of Rights
• Dialogue with Your Higher Self
• Reclaiming Your Projections
• Seven Steps to Inner Excellence
• Contributing Sources
• Taking the Next Step…

Words of wisdom. This book is so full of plattitudes and moral that you run the risk of beginning to puke while reading it. You can't beat the title, tough.