Organize your boss’s desk so he can more easily organize himself. One admin suggests buying baskets or trays that the boss can use for project-specific papers. When the project is over, the tray is available for the next project.
You may be thinking about stepping into a supervisory role or onto a more exciting team, but the best way to grab that shiny prize is not to focus on it during day-to-day work and conversations:
Reduce the odds that a conversation will bog down when people take things too personally by avoiding statements that begin with “you.” Example: Instead of saying, “You’re wrong,” say, “I disagree” or “Here’s my position on that.”
After sitting through several vendor presentations, Carol asked for help in creating a step-by-step plan for buying and implementing a new Document Management System. Forum reader Michele says she found help from her State Library and Archives Office. Another reader, Maggie, suggests Carol educate herself by asking vendors to share their own implementation plans and by checking their references. “You don’t want to start from scratch … ask for references and call those people to see how they implemented the system.”
August 12, 2011
Categorized in: Internet
You may have heard about Google+ by now. But did you know about these other cool features from the search giant that are currently available for Google Chrome browser users?
Every hour, stop what you’re doing, look at your to-do list and reflect on your past hour. Was it productive? What can you do to make the next hour productive?
Years ago, Jon had set up an important team meeting for 10 a.m. At 9:45, he was setting up the room. By 9:50, he was ready to start. By 9:59, no one had arrived. “I had a decision to make,” he says. “What if I started the meeting on time—all by myself?” That’s exactly what he did. That’s why “Just start it” is now his No.1 rule for holding meetings that start on time.
Boost the morale of everyone around you by “noticing out loud.” It sounds simple but it takes empathy and awareness. Test the technique with a waiter or salesperson (“You’ve pointed out features I didn’t even notice. That was so helpful!”) then watch how his or her attitude and service improve.
Question: “My manager never tells employees anything about what’s happening in the company. We have to get our information from people in other departments. Sometimes he doesn’t even tell me things that may pertain to my job. This lack of communication drives me crazy. Although I have mentioned the problem numerous times, he still doesn’t communicate. I have just about given up. What else can I do?” —Kept In the Dark
Think carefully about taking on increased responsibilities if a raise isn’t in the offing, advises Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. Consider requesting a compensation review in six months or discussing other perks. Hosking identifies five beyond-pay incentives:
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