Business writing made simple
Strengthen your sentences by using fewer words and getting rid of awkward or passive construction. Practice by rewriting these wordy sample sentences, inspired by the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL):
Why playing nice pays
It still pays to play nice at work, a Robert Half survey confirms. When employees were asked, “In your opinion, to what extent does being courteous to co-workers positively impact a person’s career prospects?” 48% responded it can accelerate advancement.
Crafty ways to corner challenging work
Colleagues may hesitate to share work if they’re not confident in your abilities. Here are some crafty ways to show others that you’re more than capable:
Do 2 ‘mismatched’ jobs in 1 year label me a job hopper?
Question: “I recently lost a job after six months because management said I was a ‘mismatch.’ Although I found another job immediately, it is not something I want to do long-term. I like my supervisor and co-workers, but I don’t enjoy the work…
What’s the use of LinkedIn for an admin?
“Exactly, what is the advantage of LinkedIn?” asks one administrative pro on our online forum. “Many people I know are on it, but no one can say what they get out of it.” According to most admins, the benefits are many, if you use the online tool the right way.
How to handle a boss who’s a hoarder
“My boss carried several boxes of files into the office one day because his wife told him to remove them from their garage. They have been sitting in the office for more than two years! He won’t let me throw anything away.” What can this admin do about a boss who’s a hoarder?
Strike up the best conversational mix
The best communicators balance advocacy and inquiry. Advocacy means you state what you think, know, want or feel and express your own views. Inquiry involves learning what others think, know, want or feel. The best conversationalists mix both skills. They don’t dominate by blabbing on about themselves nor do they badger with constant, prying questions. […]
Creating harmony among the generations
In some offices, you might kick-start relationships between older and younger workers with these tips: Try reverse-mentoring … Go out of your way to collaborate with different generations … Don’t get hung up on office etiquette you think everyone should be following.
Conversation stoppers
While these phrases aren’t grammatically incorrect, they tend to be used in all the wrong places: “With all due respect, …” “Does that make sense?” … “I hear what you’re saying, but …”
Being “management material” means losing resentments
Question: Two of my female co-workers have management wrapped around their little fingers. These women have been here much longer than I have, but my qualifications and experience are twice as good. However, I recently discovered that my salary is a lot lower. Although my supervisor’s boss says that I am management material, my supervisor treats me no differently than my complacent co-workers. After receiving an excellent performance review, I was dismayed to learn that he gave them the same rating…