Define your goals by envy
Look at people who are doing what you really want to do and ask yourself: “If they can do that, why can’t I?” Use envy this way as a tool for forceful goal-setting and growth.
Year: 2011
Sane change control in Microsoft Word 2007
When there are many cooks in the kitchen on a document, it’s best to track and control what changes are made and by whom. Microsoft Word 2007 offers the tools you’ll need for this on the Save as dialog box and the Review tab. Here are just a few suggestions for controlling and tracking what […]
Do’s and don’ts of business meals
If Nina Zagat knows anything, it’s how to have a successful business dinner. The co-founder of the Zagat Survey restaurant guides says the main goal of any meal with business colleagues is to leave the meal knowing more about who she is as a person. Other rules for business meals:
List office-mates’ strengths
Jot down colleagues’ strengths and skills as you notice them, so you’ll know whom to call on when you need assistance from a pinch hitter.
Stretch beyond YouTube
Trying to share a presentation with a broader audience or get the word out about a new company focus? Three free online tools for putting slideshows and videos online:
Show the boss your schedule
Periodically sharing your calendar allows the boss to see where your time goes and everything you’re juggling.
How to react to a public dressing down
It is a mistake for HR managers and supervisors to humiliate employees with public dress downs. If this has happened to you, ask to meet separately with both the supervisor and the HR director behind closed doors. Request that future “write-ups” be completed in private. Everyone makes mistakes, but the reaction (or, famously, “the cover-up”) can be worse than the original mistake. Someday, you could turn this around to your advantage. When a job interviewer asks, “What’s the biggest mistake you ever made, and how did you handle it?” you’ll have a success story to tell.
Get the big picture?
Would your boss say that you have a firm understanding of “big picture” strategy? Test your knowledge of the big picture. Ask yourself these five questions, then ask your boss the same questions. Do your answers line up?
Beyond a job title
Make an impression at networking events by giving more than just your job title. Explain how your work benefits others with a statement such as “I assist the vice president in marketing our company’s products successfully.” Saying more about what you do will invite others to do the same.
Before you call a meeting …
Prior to gathering anyone around the conference table, ask yourself or the meeting organizer this important question: “Why are we meeting?” The best meetings let groups do one of three things: brainstorm, solve a problem or make a decision. People need a more tangible goal than simply to “discuss” an issue or listen to progress reports.