Category: 1-Minute Strategy

Never be caught without an answer by memorizing this phrase: “Give me some time to check my notes on that. I want to be sure I get this right.”

Give attendees one less reason to gripe about meetings: Create an agenda that shows what the purpose, time frame and outcome of the meeting will be. First, send a draft agenda to attendees. If appropriate, ask for their input to refine, add or delete agenda items. Then resend it the day before the meeting. That […]

Sound more credible by controlling your breathing, particularly when you get nervous or excited. Practice breathing from the diaphragm, not the chest. It helps to lower your pitch and to project your voice more easily.

Save email recipients time by using the subject line to relate your message if you’re providing a single fact or asking one question. Add “EOM”–for “end of message”–at the subject line’s tail.

Keep your comments professional, even during a disagreement by avoiding the phrase, “I couldn’t disagree more.” It makes the discussion a personal attack rather than an idea exchange. Instead, say, “I see your point. I also see another side.”

Deal with a constant “What if …” worrier by answering the person with, “What if that did happen? How would you handle it?” By making the situations sound momentarily real, you’ll help a worrier calm his or her fears.

Walk outside during the day to double your odds of exercising. People who regularly walk on outdoor trails are twice as likely to exercise 30 minutes on most days as people who didn’t get outdoors, according to researchers at the University of Utah at Salt Lake City.

Avoid stewing about a frustrating task by asking yourself, “Is there a better way to do this?” “Even if you don’t implement it, just by trying to solve the problem, your whole viewpoint changes,” says executive coach and author Lee Silber. Stretch your creativity by coming up with one new idea each day and writing […]

“Take risks. If you win, you will be happy. If you lose, you will be wise.” — Author unknown

Slice the “ums,” “ahs,” “likes,” “you knows,” and “kind ofs” from between your thoughts. Silence while preparing your next comment exudes more confidence than any filler.