Wishy-washy words
Don’t use words like “maybe” or “kind of.” Those aren’t power words. And they really don’t reflect who you are. Try “I’m confident that …”
Year: 2010
The memos, they are a-changin’
Say you’re an office manager, and you’ve heard from several employees about a problem with the way people use the break rooms. You need to write an e-mail that helps resolve the problem. What’s the most effective way to write it? A few decades ago, a formal tone was proper for memos. Today that same tone sounds cold to most ears.
Put a meeting back on track
Turn around an unproductive meeting by saying, in a neutral voice, “I’m sorry, may I interrupt? Could we review the objective for this meeting, so we’re clear about what we want to accomplish today.”
No self-control? Trick yourself
The problem of self-control goes back to Adam and Eve, says Dan Ariely, author of Predictably Irrational: We would all like to be in the Garden of Eden, but eating an apple right this moment may be too tempting to avoid. Next time you’re trying to accomplish a long-term goal, consider these two strategies for “tricking” yourself into sticking with your plan:
How secure is your password?
Test it on Password Checker (//tinyurl.com/ypc3dc). This safe, free tool allows you to type in your password and receive a weak, medium, strong or best ranking.
Surviving a Bad Performance Review
Question: “On her performance review, my sister “Jenna” was rated “below expectations” because her boss said she took too long to complete a major project. However, this really wasn’t her fault. During that time, she had a lot of computer problems. Also, management changes created some confusion, and her co-workers weren’t very cooperative. Now Jenna is on a three-month probation with a warning that her current project must be completed on time. It’s not clear what will happen if she doesn’t meet the deadline. I don’t think this is fair, because many things are beyond her control and she gets little cooperation from others. What do you think?” — Angry Sis
Be a ‘curator’ of good ideas
Virtually every problem has already been solved by someone, though that person may not be in the same room or building as you. Great solutions could be one conversation away. Bottom line: Think of yourself as a “curator,” someone who knows how to borrow the best ideas of others, while adding your own twist.
Feeling intimidated?
Tell yourself, “No one can make me feel intimidated unless I cooperate.”
‘Per’ your request
A reader recently wrote asking about the usage of “per.” It’s common to see sentences such as: “I’ve attached a copy of the contract, per your request.” Some reference books point out that “per” is correctly used to mean “by the,” as in “per hour.” And other guides recommend using more familiar English words.
“Just” remember this …
Every time you introduce yourself as “just” an assistant, you set yourself up to be seen as less than a vital player in the workplace. Your role is “just” as important as anyone else’s in the company. Never forget that.