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Year: 2010

Grammar Repair Shop: Ways to say ‘because’

“Because,” “due to,” “since”—which one is the right one to use? Use “because” instead of wordier options, such as “owing to the fact that” or “on the grounds that.” You could also use it instead of the persnickety “due to.” Example: “It was canceled because of illness.” “Since” often means the same thing as “because.”

Office technology: Where to go for GroupWise help?

Question: “Our company uses GroupWise messaging and collaborative software, but we don’t have an IT person to help with the software. Can anyone recommend a web site or a course where I can find help on how to use it?” — Tara

When a top-level change brings a demotion

Question:  “After our company president retired, I was demoted. I had been his communication advisor for seven years. The new president replaced me with a public relations director, who is now my boss. After reviewing an article I wrote for our company magazine, my new manager made a number of significant changes. I asked two colleagues for a second opinion, and they preferred my original version. When I shared their comments with my boss, he accused me of refusing to accept my changed role. How should I handle this situation?” — Edged Out

Ask for the boss’s help intelligently

Being afraid to ask for help can land you in deep water. So learning how to ask for help—and doing it right—is critical to your success as an administrative professional. Asking for help doesn’t have to make you look dumb. In fact, it shows you have good judgment, and that you’re aware of what you don’t know.

Strut your stuff without bragging

As Administrative Professionals Day arrives on April 21, it’s an ideal time to reflect on your ever-evolving role—and to shine a spotlight on your myriad contributions to the workplace. You may think everyone knows that you’re a huge contributor, but it’s possible they don’t. That’s why you need to brag a little—in the right way.

Suffering health problems in silence

More than half of workers believe their work status would be negatively affected if they sought treatment for a range of health problems, according to a recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association. For example, the percentage who fear the stigma of seeking treatment for alcoholism is 73%, and for depression, 62%. One way to change existing stigmas? Raise awareness.