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Year: 2009

Calendar planning: Key to too many ASAPs

Your morning is completely planned, with top priorities penned on your to-do list, when a boss derails everything with two additional, hefty tasks that he needs “ASAP.” Doesn’t he realize there’s only so much you can do? Here’s a calendar-planning tactic that will let the boss know where you spend your time and help you better manage your schedule.

The power of 3’s

Three blind mice, the three little pigs, three wishes—there’s a reason childhood stories revolve around the magic number “3.” Our brains tend to think in threes. How can you take advantage of this simple truth?

Communicating with a scatterbrained boss

Question:  “I work for a manager who thinks I can read her mind. She will come rushing up to my desk and say something like, “Did he come pick it up?”  Because I have no idea what she’s talking about, I ask what she means. Then she looks at me like I’m an idiot for not understanding. This happens all the time, and I’m starting to get really irritated. How do I deal with her weird communication pattern?” —  Not a Mind Reader

Should employee appreciation be ‘one for all and all for one’?

Question: “My manager wants to have an employee appreciation event. The problem is half the staff would be unable to attend during the workday due to the nature of the business. I suggested that we select who attends based on performance indicators. HR says we ‘can’t do that because employee appreciation is not the same as rewards and recognition.’ The HR department suggested that we draw names so everyone has a chance to attend. I disagree. Why should poor performers be rewarded?” — Nancy

Asked to write a book but don’t know how to start?

Question: “My company advisor has asked me to write a book on company morale and ways to improve it, because I have implemented a team game that has been very successful over the years. I have no idea where to start or what traps to avoid. I’m an office girl, not a writer. Are there classes I should take or companies to approach?” — Jocelyn K. Mylott

Who moved my office?

Question:  My department recently moved to a new building. Initially, everyone received a printout showing where our offices would be located. However, our boss decided to reconfigure the office assignments based on job responsibilities. I was given an office that was originally designated for “Judy.”  Judy seems offended by this change. I think she blames me for the decision, even though I had nothing to do with it. Now I’m starting to feel guilty.  How can I fix this? — Not My Fault

What’s on your admin meeting agenda?

Question: “We have had monthly admin meetings for the past six months. The senior admin is now asking for our input about how and what should be discussed during those meetings. I’m curious as to what other admins do in their meetings. What do you discuss?” — Barb

How should you handle a poor performance review?

Question: “I recently received a performance review from a new manager. I don’t agree with the results and received minimal feedback on my performance. I refused to sign the performance review, and I wrote my comments as to why. If called by the division head or HR to explain my comments, how should I respond?” — Anonymous