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Start Your Day the Right Way 

1. Don’t Check Your Email First  It’s very tempting to check email first thing in the morning.  It’s the prevailing culture these days. Most of us check email first thing when we get to work. Some even check it before they get to work. And some check it even before they get out of bed!  You’ve probably been checking email ‘first thing’ […]

More Leadership Tips for Assistants 

1. Be More Flexible in Your Thoughts and Behaviours  Assistants must be flexible, as arrangements have to be changed at short notice, priorities change, etc. However, an exceptional Assistant must also be flexible in their thoughts and behaviours to influence the outcome of interactions with colleagues, managers, and clients.  2. Treating People Equally Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Treating Them the […]

Avoiding Priority Pitfalls 

Take a look at what you’re working on right now. That task in front of you? That email you just opened? That spreadsheet you’re adjusting? Whether you intended to or not, you just made it a priority. But if we don’t allocate time intentionally, our day will run away from us.  The Great Priority Drift  You may start the day with a clear plan. Then an email arrives marked “ASAP.” Slack pings. A calendar invite appears. […]

A Practical Guide to Making Effective Decisions 

Why Effective Decision-Making Matters  Every decision, whether selecting a supplier, preparing a board report, managing diaries, or streamlining processes, shapes outcomes. Effective decisions:  Rather than seeing decisions as obstacles, you can approach them with clarity, intention, and structure.  The IDEAL Decision Model  Adapted from well-known problem-solving methods, the IDEAL model provides a simple, repeatable framework for tackling decisions of any size.  […]

Riding the Wave: How to Cope and Navigate Being Laid Off 

Hearing the word â€œdownsizing” or â€œrestructuring” often leads to fear of losing one’s job. Personally, I have been laid off several times from small to large size organizations. At the time of writing this article, I was laid off again for the fourth time in my career. Whether the organization is based in the US or internationally, it is never easy to go through this experience. However, I’m here to let you know you are not alone. Let […]

A Commitment is a Contract – One Minute Strategy 

We all start out with the best of intentions, but let’s not rush into putting up our hands whenever we’re asked to do something. The most important question is WHY? Why do you want to take on this role? The second thing to determine is ‘Do I have the time?’  Before making that commitment, ask these questions:  Take time to consider […]

Working With Type A and B Executives 

In my experience, most executives lean towards one of two broad personality types: Type A or Type B. Recognising where your manager sits, how they make decisions, handle pressure, and communicate, can transform your relationship from one of administration to one of genuine partnership.   Understanding the Two Types   Type A leaders are driven by achievement. They’re fast-paced, goal-oriented, […]

How to Give Your Voice Dynamism

The key to an attractive, dynamic speaking voice lies in something we all do – breathing – or more exactly, in finding a depth in our breathing so that our voices are nourished by a steady flow of breath as we speak.  Set the Scene  Posture counts for a lot. Your feet should be no more […]