Ask 3 questions to stay focused
To concentrate single-mindedly on a single task, without diversion or distraction, keep asking yourself these questions:
Category: Career
Execute effectiveness: 5 tips for setting SMART goals
At work, numbers speak volumes. If you can’t show, quantitatively, that something is improving, then how can you really know it’s improving? It’s not surprising, then, that more admins are being asked to set SMART goals to be evaluated against.
Executive meeting etiquette: 7 tips to help you shine
Have an important meeting coming up? Need some etiquette and protocol tips to help you shine? It really is all about how you present yourself. Self-promotion is key in moving up the business ladder, and manners never go out of style.
2 ways to make you and the boss look good
The fringe benefit of making your boss look good? You look good. Make these two proactive habits part of your repertoire: 1. Prototype your work. 2. Deliver bad news early.
Quiz: Are you leadership material?
Think you might have what it takes to lead—whether it’s your admin team or a committee of volunteers? Take this quiz from CareerBuilder.com to rate your skill level. Ask a trusted peer to complete it and assess your skill as well.
SNAPSHOT: How do you stay motivated at work?
In this economy, how are you staying motivated and focused? According to a recent Randstad survey, here’s what others are doing:
Online programs teach speed-reading
So much to read, so little time. Could speed-reading boost your productivity? Two programs promise to improve your reading speed: EyeQ and The Reader’s Edge.
8 tips to boost your confidence
Just because you don’t feel confident doesn’t mean you can’t play the part. It pays off: Confident people get the plum assignments, the raises, the recognition, Trent Hamm says on the blog The Simple Dollar. Follow Hamm’s tricks for appearing confident:
1-Minute Strategies: Oct. ’09
Learn what’s key to your organization’s success by asking your boss, “What keeps you up at night?” … Devote 18 minutes a day to time management … Snag a cheap, last-minute air fare by turning to Twitter … Confront an awkward situation without having to say anything … Help a lost smartphone find its way home.
5 signs you’re sending negative vibes
At an administrative assistant gathering recently, one admin pro talked about how uncomfortable she felt drawing attention to herself. It’s not unusual among women: Girls are taught to sit up straight, mind their manners and not to brag. But these are the habits that can hold you back professionally.