Q: At our staff lunches, my manager always asks someone to say a blessing on behalf of the entire department. Because I feel that my religion is a personal matter, this makes me quite uncomfortable.

Praying is fine if people want to do it privately. However, I don't believe that a manager should require employees to pray at work just because he's a Christian.

What is your opinion of this practice? And should I talk to my boss about it?

A: In our diverse society, employees often have a variety of spiritual backgrounds and beliefs. So, unless you work for a religious institution, your manager's well-intentioned prayers seem inappropriate.

They also could make the company vulnerable to charges of religious discrimination. Because managers have the authority to compel performance, any management request can be viewed as an order.

Principles aside, however, you have a practical decision to make. Discussing this sensitive issue with your boss could be a fatal career move, so you must decide if the risk is worth it.

The safest course is to avoid rocking the boat and quietly think your own thoughts during the blessing.

MARIE G. McINTYRE

OFFICE COACH

Another option is to have a confidential talk with the human resources manager, who should be concerned about the legal exposure.

If you decide to share your feelings with your boss, remember that there's safety in numbers. Enlisting the support of some like-minded colleagues could keep you from being viewed as a rebellious troublemaker.

Q: My manager has asked us to write down our goals for next year. On mine, she said to include "cleaning the file room." I find this to be degrading and offensive.

I'm certainly capable of tidying up the files, but I don't think this is a worthy objective to include in my review next year. How should I let her know this?

A: In your list of goals, include only accomplishments that seem important for your job. When you present this summary to your boss, explain that you're happy to help with cleaning the file room, but it doesn't seem like a true goal for your position.

Propose a time to work on the file room and ask if you can recruit some co-workers to help. This will make it a group endeavor, instead of a personal project.

If your manager still insists that file cleanup must be a goal, just add it to the list. This particular battle is not worth fighting. But if you become the dumping ground for all menial tasks, consider taking your talents elsewhere.

- Marie G. McIntyre is an Atlanta-based workplace coach. Her weekly column is syndicated by Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service. Send questions at www.yourofficecoach.com.