Crystallize the job before you start
Launching into an assignment before you’re absolutely sure what the boss wants just wastes your effort … and the boss’s time.
Category: People Skills
Cubicle etiquette: Don’t be a prairie dog
If you’ve noticed a lack of “cubicle etiquette” around the office lately, distribute the following “good neighbor” checklist to your co-workers. Example: Don’t be an office prairie dog. Instead of popping your head over the top of a partition, walk around it to see your neighbor.
Save the boss time: Screen applicants
To keep hiring from stealing too much time from your boss’s day, offer to interview promising candidates by phone before you set up an appointment.
Before tackling that objection…
Do you have a great idea but can’t overcome a "problem" your boss sees with it?
Stand firm when marketing yourself
Sherry Turner, Chicago, wanted to apply for a newly created position in her organization that combined three jobs and offered more management duties than her existing admin job did.
Our Readers Write
Dear Personal Report: In the November issue, the article "Do your part to promote health" ad-vised: "And don’t forget to cover your mouth when you sneeze, cough or yawn." Most people assume they should cover their mouths with their hands, but this spreads more germs than an uncovered sneeze, cough or yawn. Pretend that the […]
Working Smarter
"Jean" had been battling with an executive secretary at admin meetings but felt ambushed the morning she was accused of timecard fraud.
Reduce your stress through innocence
Las Vegas—Issuing snap judgments of those who annoy or irritate you adds to the stress you experience, argues Richard Carlson, author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff at Work (Hyperion).
Head off surprise assignments.
Head off surprise assignments.
Training a bucking bronco?
Q. I’m training a new team member, and every time I clarify or correct something she has done, she immediately becomes defensive and short with me. How should I give her direction so it doesn’t spark a defensive reaction? What should I do when she reacts that way?