Critique yourself
Correct inaccurate criticism of your work without picking a fight by telling the critic where you could have done better.
Year: 2011
Lend more support and less snarkiness
U.S. workers could use a little cheering up. We could all use less snark, more support in the workplace. What can you do about it?
Speaking of simplicity …
When you answer the phone and the calller asks for you, answer with a simple, “Speaking.” It’s concise and eliminates the need to think about whether to say, “This is her,” This is she,” or “This is Jane.”
Motivating and recognizing employees in tough times
“Sometimes a ‘thank you’ in front of co-workers is worth just as much as a cash bonus. Well, not always…” says one manager. But, one upside of tight budgets is that it forces managers to creatively recognize and motivate employees with non-monetary incentives. Among the many ways to get employees to “work happier”: awards programs, praise, promotion, preferment and flexibility in scheduling, continuing education opportunities, time off, wellness benefits and professional association membership. In his best-seller Drive!, author Daniel Pink does an excellent job describing three key elements of motivation in today’s knowledge-based workplace: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. For more low-cost, high-value employee recognition ideas, see: Benefits on a Shoestring: 37 Ways to Win and Keep Great Employees
Making an e-mail introduction? 3 rules
When you help someone by connecting them via an e-mail introduction, follow these three basic rules: 1. Be clear and up front about your motive. 2. Don’t copy all parties unless you are 100% positive the recipient will be open to the introduction. 3. Give the recipient an “out.”
Guard confidential information
If you must pass along a password to someone while others are around, write instead of reciting it.
To grow, office wallflower must branch out
Question: “I am a professional, focused, detail-oriented employee who is often described as a “quiet person”. Instead of seeing my calm reserve as an asset, my colleagues tend to criticize me for it. One of my co-workers, who is also a good friend, is very outgoing and frequently outspoken. Management recently named her the “point person” while our boss is out on medical leave, which means she will be supervising me. In my work, I am much more precise than she is. Also, I have worked here for 11 years, while she has been here only six. This betrayal has made me incredibly angry. I may not be as outgoing, but I am a better worker and have been here longer. What should I do about this?” —Betrayed & Bitter
Regain your focus
Here’s why you’re distracted: The hub where your work happens—the computer—is also where endless distractions reside. To stay focused during the workday, let your deepest values become a more powerful guide to your behaviors.
Block out the next step
Mark your calendar now for related tasks you can foresee. Example: When preparing a report, plan for when you’ll make corrections after the boss reviews your draft. The result: a realistic picture of your upcoming schedule.
‘Eco-friendly’ means saving some green
The latest green trend isn’t about being politically correct. It’s about saving money and gaining efficiencies. The key word has shifted from “eco” to “sustainable.” Administrative professionals can be linchpins for a company that wants to be more efficient and sustainable.