Category: 1-Minute Strategy

Send peer-to-peer congratulatory notes for achievements small and large. Go out of your way to pay someone a compliment for excellent work. Everyone loves to be recognized. And it puts you in a positive mode by looking for good in others.

Maintain a positive outlook by making “ideal” statements. Example: “So, ideally, this new plan will help us eliminate mistakes.” Gallup studies show that people who approach work positively are 22% more productive.

Boost your influence at work and elsewhere simply by listening. That’s Warren Buffett’s secret. He makes whomever he’s listening to feel like the center of the universe. The result: loyalty.

Make sure everyone reads your e-mail by putting your main point in a postscript (P.S.) People always read postscripts, and they’ll remember the message, since it’s the last thing they’ll read.

When someone lobs a tough question at you, think, and then offer a short response. A long answer probably won’t help your cause.

Don’t keep people waiting by the phone for that return call from you or your boss. Tell them when to expect the return call.

Fend off stress-induced eating by squeezing a stress ball. Available in office-supply stores, it’s about the size of a tennis ball but softer. Side benefits: You’ll strengthen your hand muscles and burn a few calories.

Steer messages to e-mail when you’re busy by leaving your e-mail address on your phone greeting.

Help the staff schedule meetings and set project deadlines by posting a calendar in the conference room.

Call in reinforcements when you can’t make any progress with a nasty customer, by saying, calmly and politely: “I’m going to ask (name) to help you from here.”