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Category: 1-Minute Strategy

Give yourself the gift of time

Christine Louise Hohlbaum, author of The Power of Slow: 101 Ways to Save Time in Our 24/7 World, writes that there’s power in “slow.” “It is scientifically proven that slow is faster and fast is merely exhausting,” she says. Two tips from Hohlbaum: Close all computer windows except the one you need to do your […]

Does your office have a good gatekeeper?

When installing someone at the front desk, even temporarily, remember that a company will receive many not-so-welcome visitors and phone calls throughout the year—everyone from solicitors to angry clients to prying media. Make sure the person on the front line knows how to wield a firm hand as well as a warm smile.

What are you working on?

When networking, have a solid answer for this query. More than likely, you’ll be asked this question in one form or another, e.g., How are you responding to the current conditions? Or What projects are in your pipeline? With a little advance thought, you can have a ready response that showcases your professionalism, rather than […]

Your commute is your classroom

That time you spend in the car listening to the morning zoo on the radio might just become your career salvation if you embrace audio books—often quite cheap to buy through digital download—about topics in your field or about life success in general. For many, it’s easier to make it through a book by passive […]

Bathe them in knowledge, not glare

At Admin Pro Forum 2018, office tech expert Melissa Esquibel reminded attendees that if you’re designing a PowerPoint presentation, keep in mind where it’s going to be shown and color the background accordingly. A perfectly white background on a giant screen, projected to a large room, is quite a shock to the eyes.

A three-letter word you should boot

When someone offers his or her opinion on a topic that you would like to counter, instead of saying: “That’s a good point, but…” say “That’s a good point; here’s another way to look at it.”  Using “but” tells your counterpart that what they’ve said is totally disregarded. Skip the “but” and keep the debate […]

When they’re dragging their feet just a little

Three subtle, polite phrases to encourage co-workers to give you what they promised: “A quick check to see if we’re on track to deliver XYZ by …” “As we agreed on June 12 …” “Resending this message in case it got buried in your inbox. Please respond by …”

Get serious with meeting stragglers

OK, this might seem a little harsh, but if your meetings suffer from perpetual late stragglers, here is solution to try: Close and lock—yes, lock!—the door to the meeting room at the precise start time. That will send a silent, not-so-subtle message to latecomers. Once a tardy attendee has to make an embarrassing public entrance […]