DEAR HARRIETTE: My boss is addicted to reality TV. That wouldn't normally matter to me or anybody else at work except that she watches on the job. I'm not kidding. Even when we are busy with a project that has a strict deadline, I can walk into her office and catch her watching one of the "Housewives" shows or some other one of those crazy programs.
I can't believe my eyes sometimes. Once when I came in to talk to her about a project, she shushed me and said that we would talk after her show went off. I have no power at my job, so I don't even know what I can do. I want to say something to her, but I wonder if it is worth it. Otherwise we have a really nice relationship, so I think she might hear me if I dare speak up. -- Frustrated, Los Angeles
DEAR FRUSTRATED: Wow! This is an interesting problem to have. To get your boss to pay attention to your concern, you have to catch her when her shows are not airing. Request a private meeting with her if that is possible. Do your best to make it at a "safe" time and place where there are limited distractions.
Be honest with your boss, and tell her that you are concerned that it is hard for the team to get work done in a timely manner when she is constantly watching TV. Acknowledge how addictive these programs can be and recommend that she invest in TIVO or another such recording feature so that she can watch them on demand.