Great thank-you note
Start a thank-you note with “you” to make someone feel good. Example: “You are a marvelous hostess,” instead of, “I had a wonderful time.”
Year: 2011
Admin Catch 22: Too good to replace so boss won’t promote
Ater 11 years as a senior executive assistant and earning her master’s degree in her spare time, Martha wants to advance. But her influential boss has done nothing to help. Some Forum readers advise that if her boss is too dependent on her to replace her, the only way to advance is with another job offer in hand. Others recommend she first ask her boss for help devising a specific plan for her promotion, thus getting her personally invested in her career success.
Should you call out a co-worker?
Another admin on your team just made a cringe-worthy mistake. It was so bad that, although you’re a team player, you’d like to make sure your co-worker is held accountable. Is there a way to place the blame in a professional way? Opinions differ among the experts.
Keep the conversation flowing
Be a better conversationalist by using information you already know about someone to ask questions, advises Dr. Mitch Carnell, a member of the National Speakers Association. Example: “I remember you love old movie posters. What’s your collection like these days?” Showing that you recall details from prior conversations will flatter the speaker and keep the […]
1 in 3 prepare to jump ship
Employee loyalty is at a three-year low, but many employers are precariously unaware of the morale meltdown, according to the 9th annual Study of Employee Benefits Trend.
Planning a multiday event?
Typically, attendance drops off the final night. Persuade people to stick around to the end by holding casino night, auction or raffle. If you have a raffle, require winners to be present to claim prizes.
Is there a correct way to give your boss a bad review?
Question: “In addition to doing annual employee reviews, our company requires employees to provide a review of their boss. Since my current manager took over our department a year ago, she has created a very negative environment for everyone. My manager’s boss recently sent me an email asking for feedback about her, and I don’t know what to do. Is there a correct way to give your boss a bad review?” — Afraid to Speak Up
Budget-minded ways to honor employees
Administrative assistant Terri Vanias works for a company that’s feeling the pinch of a protracted recession. For the past couple of years, the company has had to trim the budget—and bonuses. Her company isn’t the only one finding ways to do more with less, even when it comes to recognizing and honoring employees:
Feeling blue?
Command respect at work by wearing navy blue. It’s the favorite color of politicians and CEOs for a reason. Color researchers say it communicates an image of power, loyalty and dependability: traits people look up to.
Victim of a bait-and-switch job?
Diane started out as an administrative assistant at her current company, then applied as a client services coordinator. The good news is she got the job. The bad news is her admin tasks didn’t disappear. What should she do?