Question: “My team is responsible for creating a binder for our monthly board meetings. We have to set deadlines, collect reports from several departments, assemble the contents and overnight them. One department is always overdue with their reports, usually because customers are late getting essential information to them. We always give this group a grace period, but it pushes my team to work late. My boss suggested shipping in two phases: first with reports that come in before the due date and the second with those that come in after. Any other good ideas to maximize our efficiency? — Bright Idea Seeker
Question: "Although I’m viewed positively at work, I believe my reserved demeanor is holding me back. I’m not shy, but I have trouble making small talk. In meetings, I give input whenever I’m asked, but seldom volunteer information. As a result, I’ve been labeled a quiet person. Although I prefer working alone at my computer, I know that won’t get me where I want to go. Can you suggest some communication strategies for meetings and social situations?" — Not a Talker
It’s a myth that good work makes a good career—rather, good office politics makes a good career, says career columnist Penelope Trunk. Here’s are four common-sense rules to follow. They’ll make people want to work with you, and boost your credibility and influence in the process.
Question: “My boss is always running late for appointments and meetings. I am the one who has to call and explain his tardiness or cancel a meeting. Sometimes, this involves canceling multiple times with the same person. I don’t know if I should be apologetic on his behalf, since it’s frequently the same group of people. I’m sure they are getting tired of it. What are some suggestions for handling this?” — Anonymous
Question: “I’m a young executive secretary. I like my job now, but wonder what career opportunities the profession would offer in the future. What should I do to build my career skills? Is this a good field for the younger generation?” — Anonymous
Read any good books lately? Maybe the next one you ought to pick up is your organization’s own policy and procedures handbook. If I were to quiz you about it right now, could you score 100%? If not, as one court recently warned, a judge may just... throw the book at you!
Question: “After my supervisor retired, I was promoted to fill his position. He had a special arrangement with one employee, allowing her to come in early and leave early. No one knew exactly what time she arrived. When the owner promoted me, he said I must put this woman on the same schedule as everyone else. However, I’m not sure how to approach her. How can I fix this without losing the employee?” —Caught in the Middle
Q. "Several employees habitually turn in their timesheets late. Can we tell them that if their timesheet is not turned in on time, any overtime on that week’s timesheet will not be paid until the next pay period? We’d like to quit ‘babysitting’ employees, but don’t know if taking this stand will violate any payroll laws." — A.B., Arizona
Question: “I’m always looking for time-savers. What are your favorite keyboard shortcuts that you use every day?” – CN
Question: “I work for an accounting firm with about 65 employees. We have a receptionist, and her sister (Sue) is her back up. Sue has other job duties as well. Myself and another admin process all of the tax returns, financial statements, letters and all other support duties. When the receptionist or Sue is out, it is my job to back up Sue.
I have complained several times that doing all of my work and Sue’s work is too much. When Sue is in the office, she doesn’t like to answer the phone so she waits for someone else to answer it; she doesn’t like most of her job duties, so she wonders around and I am told that I need to do her work. When I am out, Sue does not have to do my job. Favoritism seems to be at play here, so how should I handle the situation?” – Numbers not adding up
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