Q: My boss would like to begin 360 degree feedback, inviting not only my direct reports but also my peers across the business and, get this, encourage feedback from customers outside the company. I'm sure you will feel that this reveals a certain lack of confidence on my behalf but I am appalled and terrified in equal measures of this idea. To the extent that I am thinking about leaving the business prior to January's review.

A: This reminds me of a CEO I knew who always used the corny line that "feedback is the food of champions", and you know, corny or not, he's right.

Your boss is just about to spend a little money and a lot of time helping you discover how you can be even more effective and promotable within her business. I promise you she wouldn't be doing this unless she saw you as a worthy investment.

A client of mine recently experienced 360 degree feedback for the first time and was surprised and delighted to discover that his strengths, which he thought others didn't notice, were indeed valued and admired. And the criticisms were all constructive and proved an excellent motivator to up his game. He said to me that it was probably the best piece of self-development he had ever had in his career and I suspect you will come to the same conclusion.

Q: I've noticed that one of my colleagues is stealing stationery and other small items such as coffee and loo rolls. I know he's having a difficult time at home because his wife has just been made redundant but our company is only just keeping its head above the water and doesn't need this. Should I report him as a thief?

A: First of all, let's be clear, theft is wrong. But when it comes to office items meant for staff use, at what point do you draw the line? Is one pen OK but a box of pens definitely not? In fact, almost two-thirds of us have stolen from the workplace according to a survey commissioned for the British Science Festival.

In the case of your colleague, if he can prove that he was taking the stationery for work purposes outside the office then presumably you would feel more comfortable, although I am at a loss to apply a similar explanation to the loo rolls!

I suggest you leave a note on his desk or perhaps go to HR and suggest that they circulate a memo reminding all staff of the company rules about not taking company property without permission. If the abuse continues, then consider discussing the issue with HR.

If you have a question for Sue, email her at sue@mountstevensexecutivecoaching.com.

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