Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/699198
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARAMY»Iamaproject manager and work with a group of secretaries on projects that require a lot of collaboration. Everything was fine until the team recently increased by three new members. It has been rocky ever since. I am a very posi- tive person and count on people's good attitude. The new members have tried to collaborate well with the other four, but the old secretaries formed a tight group and do nothing to welcome the others. They only work within their group, thus relegating the other three to work to- gether on other projects. I have talked to the ini- tial team and asked them to please be nice, col- laborate and respect these new team members. This has not worked, and the new members are feeling the burn. It came to a head last Friday, the last day of work before the company closes for two weeks. I made a delicious lunch and desserts for the group, asking them not to bring their own lunches that day. This was a pre-planned event that everyone knew about. During lunch, the new group sat down with me and helped themselves to the food; the other sec- retaries chose to sit at a different table. They took out their own lunches, ate between themselves and didn't address a word to us. Only one member of the old group bridged the gap, took food and made the effort to interact with the ladies at my table. I was speechless at the rudeness displayed. I am so disappointed in my old team members, and feel so s ad f or the new o nes . Performance isn't the issue, but the ambience is horrendous! I am tempted to re- quest they be transferred to another group. What should I do? —Speechless DEAR SPEECHLESS » You might change the dynam- ic if you mix these groups into two teams combining old and newer people, rotating them in different combinations through various projects. You should also quite pointedly tell the older group that actually ambi- ence does impact per- formance, and that you expect each of them to cooperate. Their choices reflect badly on their professionalism. If things don't improve, you may request a reorganization. Office friendships are often positive, and you should not interfere with personal relationships. But work should be a bully-free experience. If you are the supervisor and the lunch you hosted wa s a w or ki ng l un c h or special work-sponsored occasion (sounds like it was ...), then you should have asked everyone to sit together. It seems that the older group's choice to pointed- ly avoid your food was a passive-aggressive stance on their part. They don't have to eat your food, but you should call them on their behavior, lest they be mistaken about who is in charge during the hours they are at work. Supervisor worries about new teammates feeling welcome You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Cancer(June21-July22)— Encourage others to do the right thing. Your persuasive influence will put you in a good position to control a developing situation. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You can't please everyone. Make a choice. Change is inevitable, so don't run from what is even- tually going to happen anyway. Don't get angry; get busy. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — The aid or suggestions you offer will lead to an emotional encounter that will help you turn a negative into a positive. Network with peers. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Your insight and people skills will allow you to reach someone who is blocking your path. Com- mon sense and proper incen- tives will help you get your way. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Making travel plans or speak- ing up for someone or some- thing you believe in will put you in the spotlight. A plan to spend time with a loved one will be rewarding. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Don't get down when you can get busy. You may not agree with what others are doing, but as long as you are happy with your own actions, you'll be just fine. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — If you handle changes with a keen sense of how to make things work in your favor, every- thing will turn out quite well. A partnership will make your life easier. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Home and family will make you happy. If you suggest some domestic improvements, it will encourage your loved ones to pitch in and lend a hand. An old idea will fit into your plan. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You'll know exactly what to say and do to entice someone to assist you. Romance is on the rise, and special plans for two will lead to a better future. Aries (March 21-April 19) — You'll experience problems deal- ing with friends and family. Your choices will be quite difficult, making it hard to move forward with your plans. Emphasizing compromise and offering an incentive will help you sway the vote. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Daytrips, family outings or visits to a loved one will be fruitful and will encourage new begin- nings. Romance is highlighted, and plans can be made that will lead to greater happiness. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Refuse to be enticed by irre- sponsible people or those trying to convince you to try some- thing that may not be good for you. Discipline will be required. Horoscope By Eugenia Last FRIDAY, JULY 1 FRIDAY, JULY 1, 2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 5 B