Frustrated with her snooping co-workers, one anonymous admin wrote on the
Admin Pro Forum: “I work with a group of people who always want to know what I’m working on, what I’m doing, what I’m looking at, who I’m talking to, who that e-mail is from, etc. How do I handle inquisitive co-workers?” What other admins advise:
Start a thank-you note with “you” to make someone feel good. “You are a marvelous hostess” instead of “I had a wonderful time.”
Question: “I can’t seem to find the happy medium between too much work and not enough. Although I’ve been doing training for 20 years, I still spend a million hours on my lesson plans and class materials … I’d like to nurture my creative side by trying out some new hobbies and activities. How can I stop devoting so much time to my work?” — Too Dedicated
At your performance review, ask this question: “What do you think went well this year?” Some bosses are lousy at expressing appreciation without some coaxing on your part. By asking this question, you’ll draw out specific, positive comments.
Do you ever think about how many decisions you make within 24 hours? Although we have more choices and more information today to help us decide, it’s not getting easier. According to a recent conversation I had with a colleague and friend, Mary Goulet, the key is to Go with your Gut! Personally, I prefer the word intuition.
Nearly half of U.S. workers work for someone younger than they are, according to a recent Career Builders survey. Is it a problem to work for someone younger than you? Only if you happen to be young: Among 25- to 34-year-old workers, 16% said they found it difficult to take direction from a younger boss while 7% of age 45 to 54 workers find it difficult.
Take a stroll with people instead of inviting them to lunch. An ambling outing offers a better forum to build rapport as you talk and walk.
Question: “I have been having problems with a female co-worker. “Kelly” and I have always had a friendly relationship, but now she’s avoiding me. Last week, I brought in doughnuts for everyone and also put flowers on Kelly’s desk with a card that said “Have a nice day.” She immediately became standoffish, so I asked if everything was OK. Although she said there was no problem, she hasn’t been the same since. Kelly recently ended a long relationship, and I’ve heard it was a difficult breakup. I’ve also been told that she thinks I’m trying to “take a shot” at her. I’d like to talk privately and get everything out in the open, but I don’t think Kelly will allow it. What should I do?” — Just a Friend
The meeting may be over, but the minute-taker’s job goes on. At the group’s next meeting, you may hear corrections to the minutes, says Joan Burge, founder and CEO of Office Dynamics. “Follow the legal requirements of your organization in correcting the minutes,” she says. “If no special requirements are indicated, then follow this procedure”:
Never be caught without an answer by memorizing this phrase: “Give me some time to check my notes on that. I want to be absolutely sure that I get this right.”
Page 29 of 53«1…2728293031…53»