Category: 1-Minute Strategy

Instead of dashing through a task, slow down and ensure that you understand the instructions. Particularly when dealing with automated systems, failing to follow the steps exactly can cause delays.

Altering your work hours can yield two benefits: a shorter commute time by avoiding rush hours, and quiet time at the office before others arrive or after they leave.

Before Monday morning, set out your wardrobe for the coming workweek and plan your lunches. That’s 10 decsions you won’t have to make later in the week.

If your boss complains about attending too many meetings, volunteer as his or her representative. Standing in for a boss is a great way to increase your profile throughout the office and learn more about the business. Before your first meeting, study background on the issues and clarify with your boss what–if any–authority you have […]

Schedule a lighter workload the first few days after someone returns from a trip. Half of the business travelers polled recently said it takes them up to two days to catch up on work when they return. A similar number said they require that long just to recover physically.

Keep samples of your best design and writing efforts so you can show colleagues and potential employers what you can do for them.

Someone who is distracted or agitated isn’t ready to receive the advice you’d like to bestow. Check whether he or she is ready by asking, “Would you like to look at some possible solutions?”

Beware of “office creepers,” who slip through secure doors held open by friendly employees and walk out with laptops, purses, cell phones and more. Simply saying, “May I help you?” to a stranger might be enough to deter a thief trying to slip through unnoticed.

Don’t be afraid to show the boss that you’re putting in extra hours when he or she isn’t around. One subtle alert, suggested by Princeton Search Group: Send the boss an email message while you’re working off-hours. The clincher: The message will show the time of day (or night) that you sent it.

Divide your day’s priorities between those you’ll complete in the morning and those you’ll handle in the afternoon. You’re less likely to skip lunch on a regular basis because you can’t find a break.