Category: 1-Minute Strategy

Ask, “Were those figures what you needed?” or, “Did my boss get back to you?” You’ll build your professional image.

Never make a habit of telling your boss, “We’ve got a big problem here.” Chances are it’s not a big deal in your boss’s scheme of things, and you’ll just look incompetent. Instead say, “There’s something I’d like your direction on.”

In the classic training video “The Power of Vision,” a young man walks along a beach tossing stranded starfish back into the sea. A man points out that, with so many starfish stranded on the beach, the young man’s efforts couldn’t possibly make a difference. Flipping another starfish into the suf, the young man replies, […]

The run in your stocking or the stain on your tie. The minor typo on page 4 of your report. Little things that might seem invisible to you, but other people notice them, especially those who are gunning for you. Since little chinks in you armor add up, take the time to fix them.

Don’t put a project to rest without a “post-mortem” to discuss how well it met expectations, what worked well and how you can do better the next time.

Turn away from your computer screen when talking with someone, so you won’t be tempted to read something or check a message.

Find seating for meeting latecomers by asking attendees beside unoccupied seats to raise their hands.

When attending a large group meeting, don’t sit with the people from your department or office. If familiar faces surround you, you’re less likely to reach out and make new connections.

Adopt the same strategy at the office that professional organizers advocate to keep homes clutter-free: For every new item you bring in, toss one out. Example: Take a moment to discard old directories and software manuals when the new ones arrive.

If what you’re typing in a Word document doesn’t quite convey your intended meaning, right-click on the word to check for synonyms.