Category: 1-Minute Strategy

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.

Once a month ask yourself “three A’s”: 1. Assess what has happened over the past month. 2. Affirm what has worked (and consider what has not). 3. Adjust what you do to achieve better results. — Adapted from The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do, Ken Blanchard, Mark Miller and John C. Maxwell, Berrett-Koehler.

Never pretend to know or do something that you don’t know, “because you’ll probably get caught and it’ll be difficult, if not impossible, to repair your credibility,” says business networking expert Liz Lynch.

“The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.” — Helen Keller

Carve out 15 to 30 minutes at lunch for something you enjoy, such as walking, reading or doing needlework. You’ll return to work with more energy.

Instead of jumping up every time you have work to deliver, stow it in an expandable file with slots organized by department. Then, take one stroll through the office to deliver everything.

Save money right away with this advice from Jean Chatzky, author of Make Money, Not Excuses: Pause before you buy anything you didn’t intend to buy when entering the store or visiting the web site. Put the item on hold for 24 hours before going back to buy. Money you’ll save by not making one […]

Executives have limited time, so be prepared to convey your information quickly and concisely. Before delving into details, ask: “Would you like to hear more?” If the exec says “Yes,” you know you’ll have her undivided attention.

Here’s a surefire way from author and trainer Jan Fraser to stop office gossip in its tracks: Post an office-gossip policy that reads: “Is it true?” “Is it kind?” “Is it important?” “If it’s not, then we don’t listen.”

When you’re short on time, keep others from frittering it away with idle chitchat by keeping absolutely quiet. Any response (even “um” and “uh-huh”) will encourage more chatter. Make a nonstop talker feel self conscious through total silence.