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Year: 2010

Self-Quiz: Do you need more ‘think time’ in your day?

iPhones, e-mail, Twitter … the electronic distractions in today’s society have us moving at a faster pace … and have all but eliminated “silent time” in our day. Researchers say this fast pace of society can hurt your health. Are you leading a “hurried” life? Do your habits show that you need to reserve more “think time” in your day? Take this simple quiz to find out …

Online learning: Back-to-school picks

September brings with it a “back to school” feeling that can be sated only with a seminar or course. And there’s no easier, more affordable source for online learning than iTunes. Check out iTunes U to find free courses or talks from major universities.

Take the credit

If you keep saying, “It’s nothing” when your boss or someone else thanks you for a great job, he or she will start to believe you. Try, “I’m thrilled that I could help.”

Become an ask master

Following a speaking engagement for administrative professionals, I found myself listening to familiar comments. “My supervisor is so busy I never get a chance to have more than a two-minute conversation, and she never gives me feedback, so I never know what she is thinking.” In these circumstances you need to ask for what you need to be successful.

1-Minute Strategies: Sept. ’10

Strip formatting from a Word document … Work toward a big health goal one text at a time … Make clutter disappear by turning each piece of paper into an action item in your planner … Avoid information overload—and save time—by asking a specific, “micro” question … Connect with people who want your cast-offs …

Connect with execs

Use Hallmark admin Kay Enlow’s method: She e-mails higher-ups after their presentations to thank them and ask related questions. Result: She knows the business better, and even the CEO knows her.

Whose meeting is it, anyway?

You receive a meeting request for your boss, but there’s no agenda attached. You don’t want your boss to walk into the meeting room unprepared, but then again, it isn’t your job to do the organizing work. Is it?

Handshake etiquette

If seated, stand to shake hands. Hold the person’s hand for about two seconds, or long enough to notice the color of his eyes, where you should be looking anyway.