Category: 1-Minute Strategy

Entice people to arrive on time for meetings by putting the important items first on the agenda.

For personal errands you can’t schedule on Saturday or Sunday, periodically take a day to take care of them all. That’s less disruptive than rushing from the office and back several times.

If you need something, tell, don’t ask. Say, “I need the budget figures by 2 p.m.,” not “Could you have the budget figures by 2 p.m.?”

Avoid apologizing unnecessarily. Don’t say “sorry” when you ask that someone do his or her job. If you have a reason to apologize (you misplaced the file and need another copy), do it once and move on.

Add convenience–and increase productivity–for people who work far from the kitchen by tucking an extra coffee station and small fridge near them. (Example: in the photocopier room)

If your office lunch area is often vacant, replace a couple of dining tables with comfortable seating and low tables for informal brainstorming sessions and other meetings.

Make your point in a touchy situation by first remaining quiet and showing that you’re listening intently. Make eye contact, lean in and paraphrase what you think the other person said. That way, the other person will be more open to your message.

Negotiate from strength by choosing situations in which you can afford to walk away from the table. The other side will work harder to win you over.

When someone lobs a tough question at you, think, and then offer a short response. A long answer probably won’t help your cause.

Be a resource and a connector. That way, if it’s ever your turn to dip into the well, it’s more likely to be full.