Category: 1-Minute Strategy

Want to talk to your boss about that salary boost you deserve? Wait until he or she is likely to be in a generous mood: when celebrating some workplace success or on a Friday.

Lay a foundation for success by comparing your responses to these questions: “When my colleagues think of me, what am I most known for?” and “What do I want to be known for?”

Intensify your résumé with power verbs. Send the message that you’re action-oriented by replacing weak verb phrases such as “had control over” with “spearheaded”; “was responsible for” with “directed”; and “did excellent work” with “excelled.”

Submit your worries to a reality check: Most of the things you worry about will never happen, and you can probably figure a way to deal with those that do.

Prep your boss for meetings more effectively by reviewing what each of you knows about the other attendees. Example: Does your boss realize that the wife of one of the attendees is head of HR for that large local company that’s closing?

Be more productive by setting a time limit on routine tasks. Example: If it normally takes you an hour to write the perfect letter, plan to give yourself half that time to write one that’s “good enough.” Give up on the idea of being perfect at everything.

Engage the audience when speaking in public by stopping periodically to ask, “Is this what you need to know?” and “Any questions about what I’ve said so far?”

Keep confidential conversations with the boss private by asking, “Could we discuss this in your office?” when he or she opens a sensitive topic in public. Whether you want to speak freely or protect your boss from blurting out a comment without realizing who is nearby, your assertiveness shows good judgment.

People who schedule their vacation time at the beginning of the year are much more likely to use it, research indicates. Plan your vacation six months ahead, and that lowers the chances that you–or your boss–will change it.

Instead of thinking, “I’ll work on these reports for one hour,” promise yourself: “I’ll knock out five reports before heading to lunch.” You’ll keep yourself from watching the clock and stay focused.