Category: 1-Minute Strategy

When a co-worker mentions one of your mistakes from the distant past, reply with a simple: “That was then; this is now,” advises business relationships trainer Marlene Chism.

If someone calls to reschedule an appointment, suggest the same day and time one week later. You’ve probably already identified a time when neither party has a recurring meeting, so you can avoid another open-ended round of “When would be good for you.”

When someone hands you a file and begins telling you what he or she wants, maintain eye contact with the person rather than staring at the file. You’ll forge a connection, pick up cues that might not appear on paper (such as urgency) and encourage the person to explain the assignment more thoroughly.

Keep your workstation from resembling your family’s refrigerator door (lost behind photos, artwork and silly magnets). If you want to display a picture or a certificate in your work area, frame it. Items not worth displaying don’t deserve the space in your work area.

People muster more patience when you explain in advance how long something will take. Example: “Since this is the first time I’m making travel arrangements for you, I’ll need to ask five questions to create your profile.”

Reduce back strain when standing in one spot for a long time, such as at the copier, by resting one foot on a slightly higher support.

Develop a code your receptionist can use to alert co-workers and security when a visitor acts suspiciously. Example: “Mr. Flagg called to cancel his appointment, but he wants to reschedule it ASAP.”

Wind up a drop-in visitor’s chat by saying: “This is what we’ve spoken about … this is what you said you’ll do … and this is what I’m going to do.” The unspoken message: “Let’s start working.”

Be a better speed-reader by ignoring the “structure words,” such as “the” “or,” and “and,” which account for 60% of the words you read. You can skip them and still grasp the meaning of a sentence.

Ask for the e-mail address and fax number when recording the phone number of someone you will add to your contact database.