Iâ€™m a new boss, how long should I wait to replace my staff?

I'm a new manager, and the team I've inherited is not very good. There are several people I'd like to bring in who I've worked with in the past, and I'm wondering how long I should wait before making the change, so people feel I've given everyone a fair opportunity to be evaluated.

It doesn't seem like you want to be fair — rather, you want to give the appearance of being fair, which isn't fair at all. Listen, you, and every other boss, has the right and responsibility to assemble the team you feel you need to be successful. If you've had success with a different team and can bring some people with you, then most people understand that, and you should be honest and upfront about it. That is fair. Also fair is giving everyone a chance to demonstrate whether or not they have what it takes to succeed in your new organization. But pretending to give people a shot when they really don't have one — or saying they aren't qualified or up to the task when you haven't really had a chance to evaluate them — that is not fair. Treat people with respect — no one can argue with honesty and transparency.

I know someone who is using the company mailroom to ship packages for their side eBay business. Do I keep my mouth shut or say something?

On one level, I understand why you think this is a dilemma. I come from the mean streets of Brooklyn, where I was raised to mind my own business and keep my mouth shut. But this isn't the street, this is the workplace — and it is your business. Everything related to the success of your employer is your business, from the work environment to the culture to the financial performance. And if the company fails to perform, your career and livelihood are impacted — as they are for every employee and the owners. You have an obligation to ensure that any malfeasance is stopped. The way to address it can vary depending on the circumstances. If it has happened once or twice, and you know the person and know them to be a good employee, maybe tell them to stop. Say it's stealing, that they will be fired if caught — and that they are putting you and others at risk. If that isn't the case, or if you don't want to be directly involved, try talking to your boss, HR or legal. I leave it to your judgment based on the circumstances, but do something you should.