Category: 1-Minute Strategy

Boost your influence at work and elsewhere 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.

Need to say you’re sorry? Apologize immediately, face to face. Don’t wait or try to smooth things over with humor. Speak slowly, which will make the apology sound more sincere.

Use your drive time productively by listening to educational CDs. Learn a foreign language, develop your management skills, listen to a book or improve your parenting.

You’ll spur innovative thinking by tackling an everyday task in a different environment. Hold an informal meeting at a coffee shop or during a walk.

Roll a golf ball or empty bottle under your feet for a quick massage to relieve tension, fatigue and headaches.

Be more persuasive by avoiding the negative. Example: Instead of writing, “The meeting room is a mess because some of us aren’t tidying up after using it,” write, “When the meeting room is clean, we all benefit. Thanks for cleaning up after you use it.”

Maintaining a list of frequently asked questions and the correct responses will make it easier for those who cover for you when you’re out of the office.

At any networking event, wear your nametag on your right side, as close to your face as possible. That makes it easy for someone to check your name when shaking your hand.

If you’ve written an e-mail in the heat of emotion, you are probably far better off if you delete it.

When you’ve forgotten someone’s name, trying to fake it can backfire. Best approach: Just ask. Say, “I’m very sorry.  I just want to respect you by getting your name correctly.”