APC offers chance to network, learn
Keynote speakers at the Administrative Professionals Conference this year included motivational speaker J.R. Martinez and personal financial expert Manisha Thakor. Among the key themes:
Year: 2012
Make a mistake?
When you wrong someone–a colleague, a subordinate, a customer–apologize by doing three things: (1) Without qualifiers, say you’re sorry. (2) Make amends if you can. (3) Explain what you’ll do to make sure the error doesn’t happen again.
Turn down the volume at work
Most people would agree that it’s important to manage your emotions in the office. But is it appropriate to create official policies that would ban heated exchanges? That’s what one reader asked recently on the Admin Pro Forum.
4 tricks for sending clearer messages
Use these four techniques to polish your image as an effective communicator.
Most reliable interviewers: Admins
Bosses today value input from the receptionists and administrative assistants who come into contact with candidates during the interview process. What’s worth passing along to your boss?
Don’t confuse feedback with criticism
Question: “A few months after I became a supervisor, my manager “wrote me up” because of conflicts with my employees. These people used to be my peers, and they were upset when I was promoted. Since then, my boss and I have bumped heads over several other issues. She says I can’t take feedback, which is true. I’m currently working on that, because I really want to succeed in this job. Before my promotion, I was regarded as an outstanding performer. I still have the same strong work ethic, and I’m always looking for new ways to be the best. However, I feel that management now doubts my abilities. I would like to be considered for future opportunities, but I don’t know if anyone will trust me to handle more responsibility. How do I recover from these recent setbacks?” Former Superstar
Practice makes perfect timing
When you, or your boss, have to give a presentation with a strict time limit, you need to have every word down pat to ensure you hit all the key points. The only way to do that is to practice—a lot.
What your boss needs most: Simplicity
Whether it’s deciding what to eat or what to wear, making decisions drains mental energy, writes Robert C. Pozen. Assistants who free their bosses from having to constantly decide on things can easily become indispensable.
Don’t let whiners bring you down
The negativity that flows from workplace whiners can spread “kind of like a cancer,” says Jim Harter. If you’re struggling to remain an optimist in the midst of workplace whiners, try these tactics.
A warm handshake
When networking at a business event, hold your drink in your left hand. This prevents your handshakes from being cold and damp.