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Maintain a relaxed smile, whether you’re angry, glad, sad or scared. You don’t need to let everyone know how you feel. Hold your emotion cards close to the vest, says D.A. Benton, one of America’s top executive coaches.
Year: 2011
Put your focus on what matters
Have you put processes or structures into place so you can accomplish what’s most important every day? Try these three tips:
First, read the directions
Instead of dashing through a task, slow down and ensure that you understand the instructions. Particularly when dealing with automated systems, failing to follow the steps exactly can cause delays.
Training a newbie to take initiative
Last week, one frustrated reader sought advice from her peers on how to train employees “who can’t or won’t act on their own.” One admin, Susan, says that what inspired her to become a self-starter were these words from her boss, “Before you come to me with any issue, think of several possible solutions. Always keep in mind that to solve a problem, the solution must be cost-effective for the company and the customer.” Sherry adds, “To start thinking for themselves they first need to be encouraged. This comes from praise … which gives them confidence to do more.”
A new way to IM: Office Bleepster
The iPad app Office Bleepster is designed to make communication between an executive and assistant easy and seamless. With 25 predetermined instant-message buttons, which you set up yourself, Office Bleepster allows for one-button to one-button communication.
A double winner
Altering your work hours can yield two benefits: a shorter commute time by avoiding rush hours, and quiet time at the office before others arrive or after they leave.
3 Microsoft Word modifications to make as you work
Do you know how a good pair of shoes always feel better after you’ve worn them for awhile. They feel better because they’ve adjusted to your feet. When things are adjusted to the way you work, you just work better! And, so it is with your Microsoft Office applications. In Word there are a few […]
Are you a thought leader?
“It’s not enough to have an opinion,” Pegasystems CEO Alan Trefler tells The New York Times. “It has to be an informed opinion.” Leaders and managers don’t want “yes” men; they want “thought leaders.”
Decide, then glide
Before Monday morning, set out your wardrobe for the coming workweek and plan your lunches. That’s 10 decsions you won’t have to make later in the week.
Admin, not a techie
Tips for working in new or unfamiliar software: 1. Right-click to see what options you have. 2. Google your question. 3. Keep detailed notes in a file for software tasks you do only occasionally.