When a strategic outsource causes problems it's a political hot potato. Be as low-key as possible when raising the issue, ask the CIO and account manager what they can do to help you, and if the answer is that they can't, don't push. Instead, find under-the-radar workarounds that are good enough.

When recruiting makes the rules and applicant have to play the game, "embellishment" isn't a black-and-white question.

There are eight, all focused on what makes management different from leadership: Leadership is about getting others to follow; management is about delivering results.

What matters most is the real role of the CEO and whoever you report to, not their titles, or yours.