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Year: 2010

4 tactics for better e-mail responses

Make your e-mail easy to read and respond to with these four tips: 1. Limit your e-mail messages to one topic. 2. Make sure your headline is clear, strong and descriptive. 3. Include all contact information within every e-mail. 4. Encompass all relevant information the person might need to answer the e-mail.

Meeting seating

Make the most of meetings by choosing a smart seat. Sit in easy view of the person running the meeting, so your contributions will be noted. Don’t sit across from someone likely to challenge your ideas.

Can your boss take the truth?

Is it possible to give feedback to your boss in a way that improves her performance as a leader? Or is it better to keep quiet than put your relationship at risk? The ability to give upward feedback depends on the relationship between you and your boss. Without trust, the feedback will be impossible to receive. Tips for giving upward feedback:

Disciplining an incompetent admin

Question:  “I recently hired an administrative assistant who makes a lot of mistakes. Two months ago, I told her that this was unacceptable and that she must be more vigilant about proofing her work.  Everything was fine for a few weeks, but then the errors started again. Yesterday, she mailed an important letter to the wrong address. I sign these letters, but I shouldn’t have to proofread them.  Now I feel that I have to review everything she does. I don’t trust her work, but I can’t afford to lose her. Any suggestions?” — Unhappy Boss

Worst part of the recession?

No pay raise is the worst part of the recession, say more than a quarter of administrative professionals, while slightly less (21%) say their workload has increased, according to a new survey from the International Association of Administrative Professionals.