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Year: 2011

How to counsel ‘misguided’ CEO

Question: “I am a store manager in a fast-growing retail company. A few months ago, a new CEO was brought in to run our business. Since his arrival, the company seems to be headed in the wrong direction. However, the CEO apparently believes everything is fine and no mistakes are being made. I contacted our former president to discuss my concerns; he suggested I request a meeting with the CEO. But a colleague who works with the CEO said I’d better have a new job lined up if I plan to complain …”

7 ways to improve your tech life

Your software is sluggish; your gadgets are glitchy. Here are seven easy updates that will improve your technological life. For starters, get a smartphone—having instant access to your e-mail, calendars, address book, GPS and anything on the Internet will make your life easier.

When confused at a meeting, butt in

Speaking up in meetings to ask for clarification can be intimidating. But it’s best to summon the courage, especially if you’re the one taking formal minutes or notes. Having a few useful phrases in hand can give you the confidence you need to speak up:

Avoiding the trap of airline fees

These days, you can be slapped with charges for everything from checked luggage to being on the standby list—services that used to be free. In 2009 alone, airlines collected $7.8 billion in fees. Advice for avoiding airline fees:

What’s the best career path for assistants?

Not everyone wants to lead; some people prefer to follow—helping great leaders and causes. The administrative assistant career can be satisfying for both leaders and followers. Just be sure to find an area, idea or cause you are enthusiastic about and enjoy supporting. Keep up with the people in that field and target the support position for the power-positions within it. Administrative support is a great field in which to learn and grow. As you do, higher salaries, greater autonomy and job satisfaction will follow. Forums like this one can help you improve your organizational, people, and leadership skills as you climb the administrative ladder.