Category: 1-Minute Strategy

If you’ve lost your job, take some time to calm down, assess the situation and examine your options. Let your emotions settle and perform a thorough self-analysis before you start your job hunt. Look for opportunities to network everywhere: seminars, professional meetings, conventions and by taking local college courses.

When 7-11 CEO Joe DePinto went on Under Cover Boss, he learned how one 7-11 in Shirley, N.Y., managed to sell 2,500 cups of coffee a day.  One stellar employee, Dolores, combined precise brewing with impeccable customer service. She knew the name of nearly every customer; thus a growing number of “regulars” returned day after […]

Do you smile when the office slacker gets caught in a mistake? If so, that’s schadenfreude, a bit of enjoyment at the misfortunes of others. Reseacher Wilco van Dijk says that, while this odd emotion can make us feel better about ourselves, it’s not good without compassion.  “Our society thrives on compassion and empathy.” Source: […]

Tempted to put off unpleasant work? Instead, pounce on the assignment immediately, the minute you realize you don’t want to do it. By acting quickly, you prevent yourself from activating those stalling tactics that ultimately prolong the delay and exacerbate your dread.

Offering advice? The I-would-do-this-if-I-were-you approach can sometimes backfire. So: 1) Check your timing. Wait until an agitated co-worker is calm before asking, “Would you like my advice?” 2) Be direct. Avoid vague hints. Instead say, “You may want to consider…” 3) Confirm the goal. Was she venting or looking for a solution?

The best communicators balance advocacy and inquiry. Advocacy means you state what you think, know, want or feel and express your own views. Inquiry involves learning what others think, know, want or feel. The best conversationalists mix both skills. They don’t dominate by blabbing on about themselves nor do they badger with constant, prying questions. […]

To stay interested and excited about your work, Todd Kashdan, author of Curious? Discover the Missing Ingredient to a Fulfilling Life advises you to, “Treat your workplace like a research lab. Even if you can’t lessen the number of seemingly mindless tasks…you can explore, experiment and discover what is novel about the assignments.”

When working at a computer you only blink one-third as often as you do pursuing other activities. So it’s important to look away from the monitor periodically and sit 20 to 30 inches away from the screen. Also, stand up and take time to look out the window occasionally and focus on objects at a […]

Daniel Pink writes in Drive, “Whether you’re fixing sinks, ringing up groceries, selling cars or writing a lesson plan, you and I need autonomy just a deeply as a great painter.” But encouraging autonomy doesn’t mean discouraging accountability. Pink says, rather than hovering, trainers and managers should presume people want to be accountable and then […]

One of the great things about social media is the access it brings to the collective wisdom of the crowd. If you’re stuck, pose your question to the crowd to help you out.  If you’re wrestling with a problem that you’d like to see AdminProToday write about, pose your question or suggestion to the editors […]