Category: 1-Minute Strategy

Search smarter (and save clicks) by using Google’s “I’m Feeling Lucky” button when you want a page within a major site, such as Amazon. Example: Type “amazon freakonomics,” hit “I’m Feeling Lucky,” and go directly to the page you want. It’s faster than visiting Amazon, typing “Freakonomics” and clicking on the book title.

When a colleague complains that someone is taking too many personal phone calls or an extra long break or lunch, simply ask, “Does this affect your work?” When the answer is “no,” end the conversation with, “Then don’t waste your time worrying about it.”

Draw the other person out by asking his or her opinion. People love to talk about themselves. Ask what they think about the latest blockbuster movie, current events, etc.

Save yourself the embarrassment of saying “Nice to meet you” to someone you’ve already met, and forgotten. Instead, say, “Nice to see you.” This general greeting will save you from seeming forgetful.

Gain an extra 30 minutes each day by not hitting the “snooze” button on your alarm clock. More than a third of adults hit the “snooze” each morning an average of three times before rising.

Speed read through documents by ignoring the structure words, such as “the,” “or” and “and,” which account for 60% of the words you read. You can ignore them and still grasp the meaning of a sentence.

Reap the benefits of noiseblocking headphones without irking officemates. Make sure your headphones aren’t too loud by taking them off and wearing them around your neck. If you can sing along to the lyrics, turn the volume down.

Solve problems easier by replacing “why” with “how.” That shifts your perspective from the problem to the solution. Example: “Why won’t anyone listen to me?” becomes “How can I persuade people to listen to me?”

According to studies, people who are lighthearted and having fun do better work. Why? Postitive feelings increase oxygen, endorphins and blood flow, which start creative juices flowing and allow for clearer thinking. Some suggestions: Keep fun supplies in the break room, such as Legos, dominoes, Silly Putty and Slinkys. Toss around a beach ball before […]

If you’ve broken the bonds of email slavery and check messages only a couple of times a day, let others know your schedule. Set an automatic response in your email program that tells people, for example, that you will answer all messages by 4:30 p.m.