How do I get a temp motivated to work for me? I realise that sitting on reception isn’t that glamorous, but I need them to present a happy, enthusiastic image for my company. Recent temps have looked bored and been borderline rude. I cannot accept this anymore.

Your approach to this has to be age dependent.

The cynic in me suggests you should know the answer by checking what your folk are paid.

I set annual goals for my staff last year but found that I lost track of them within a month or two. The focus seemed to just go. Should I set shorter timeframe goals this year around?

The first problem is the fact that you set the goals. Therefore they are your goals not your team’s. It smacks of an edict, really.

You should handle it head on -- directly, but with research done first.

The simple answer is YES, you should.

I’m finding myself getting pissed off at the way my staff dress. They come into my web design agency looking like they’ve slept in their clothes.

I want to have an informal, creative environment, but I’m conscious that as a start-up we have to squeeze clients into the communal working area and it’s not a great look. What should I do?