Repeat a name
Try to use a new acquaintance’s name as soon as possible to cement it to memory. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mike.” Say his name again when you part company to increase the odds of remembering it even more.
Year: 2010
Afraid of failing at a new job?
Question: “Two weeks ago, I started a job with a new company. Although my manager initially seemed thrilled to have me on board, I now sense that I’m not living up to her expectations. However, I’m not sure exactly what those expectations are. My main problem is there isn’t much structure here. Random projects are thrown at me by my boss and others. Work is dumped on my desk without explanation. I have no background in this business, so I’m not sure how to approach these tasks. What can I do?” — Afraid of Failing
Getting MS Office help that helps
Ever sought help in Microsoft Office—only to feel like you needed more help? Melissa P. Esquibel, a Microsoft Certified Trainer who writes “The Office Tech Pro” blog, offers these tips for getting the right help fast, so you can get back to your task:
Turn down the volume
Speaking softly is sometimes the best way to get your message heard. By lowering your volume at a key point, you force the audience to listen.
Help create a more transparent workplace
When times get tough, tough organizations get transparent. The more connected employees are with the financial big picture, the better they can generate revenue-boosting ideas. Is your C-suite boss seeking new ways to engage front-line employees by keeping them informed? Here’s how you can support his efforts.
Assertive gatekeeping
Supervisors depend on you to protect their busy schedules, leaving you to deal with calls from sales representatives. You tell the reps you’ll pass the information to your supervisor, and someone will follow up should there be an interest. However, your words fall on deaf ears, and they continue to follow up. Some even stretch the truth in hopes of making a sale. So what do you do?
Snap back into the groove
OfficeTeam asked managers how long it takes employees to get back to normal productivity after a vacation. Average: 1.5 days. Impress your boss by diving back in.
What Microsoft Word might be saying about you!
I have just had the opportunity to be involved in a recruiting process for new trainers for my awesome Chicago client, CTS Training. In reviewing resumes of folks who touted themselves as “experts” in Microsoft Word, among other things, I decided to look “under the covers” to see if they really knew how to use it.
When to put a stop to office bickering
As hard as it is to listen to two co-workers arguing, it’s even worse when people keep their opinions to themselves. Creative tension happens when people share constructive differences of opinion, which can ultimately lead to better work. Of course, not all arguing is constructive or productive. Here’s how to tell whether you should step in to defuse bickering:
Finish with e-mail
Reply to nonurgent e-mails at the end of the day, when you’re eager to head home and won’t waste time lingering over them. If you need more time for your reply, send it first thing in the morning.