That’s the one finite resource we all share: the number of minutes in a day. So recognize that if you waste five minutes on a phone call or in a meeting, you’re stealing it from something else: your child, your partner or yourself.
Appear comfortable when you’re not by positioning your arms asymmetrically. Example: Place one arm on your armrest and the other in your lap. Symmetrical positions (crossed arms, both arms planted on armrests) tell people you’re rigid and nervous.
Keep your attention from wandering during a meeting by imagining the leader might call on you at any moment to answer a question or to comment.
Even if you’ve given a new employee all the information he needs, ask later in the day whether he has any questions. It’s tough to absorb everything all at once at a new job.
When possible, walk with a visitor to his destination in your office, or have the person he is meeting come to the front desk to greet him and take him back.
When you are interrupted just as you are trying to finish a task, quickly ask the interrupter to wait a moment. Completing the task now will be faster than returning to it later.
Don’t end up with 27 desserts and no entrees at the next gathering. Create a sign-up sheet with categories, and everyone will be able to see what is needed. Include a section for cleanup volunteers.
Mention in passing when you’ve learned something positive from your boss—without laying it on too thick. Example: “I’m borrowing your technique for negotiating with vendors, and it’s working.”
If you’re responsible for buying birthday cards for the office, buy several at a time so you don’t have to make a special trip every time one is needed.
When seeking ideas to help solve a problem, tell the person what you already considered or tried. She might be able to build on one of those ideas.
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