Avoid stewing about a frustrating task by asking yourself, “Is there a better way to do this?” “Even if you don’t implement it, just by trying to solve the problem, your whole viewpoint changes,” says executive coach and author Lee Silber. Stretch your creativity by coming up with one new idea each day and writing […]
Self-discipline is about small things paving the way for big things, author and career columnist Penelope Trunk says. What she means is that if you can work hard on one small area, you can create self-discipline in other areas.
Of the millions of iPhone 4 (and iPhone 3GS) users in the United States, most are unaware of the advanced shortcuts that can make them more efficient. Here are six ways to boost your productivity:
Slice the “ums,” “ahs,” “likes,” “you knows,” and “kind ofs” from between your thoughts. Silence while preparing your next comment exudes more confidence than any filler.
After two years of carrying the load as office manager, receptionist and secretary, administrative assistant Dusty was delighted when the company hired three new people. But several months later, she’s still “babysitting” them and crying out for help. Forum readers suggest that she use this opportunity to show off her leadership skills by making sure each new hire receives proper training and document all duties. Also, as admin Sue commented, “Try to incorporate a program such as StrengthsFinder to improve the distribution of duties based on each person’s strengths.” Good advice.
Great minds don’t always think alike, a new OfficeTeam study suggests. Work styles vary based on personality traits, communication preferences and organizational methods.
Adecco’s 2011 Workplace Outlook Study asked men and women whether they thought they’d receive a raise, bonus or promotion in the coming year. More than 40% of men said they thought they would receive a raise. But only 29% of women did. What accounts for the difference?
Once a month ask yourself “three A’s”: 1. Assess what has happened over the past month. 2. Affirm what has worked (and consider what has not). 3. Adjust what you do to achieve better results. — Adapted from The Secret: What Great Leaders Know and Do, Ken Blanchard, Mark Miller and John C. Maxwell, Berrett-Koehler.
Question: “I’m not sure how to handle a new employee whose religious beliefs prevent her from acknowledging Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day, or birthdays. In our small business, the owners have always encouraged us to celebrate these holidays. This employee won’t attend our office Christmas party, but she accepts the Christmas card that contains her annual bonus. She doesn’t recognize Easter or Valentine’s, but she eats the candy that the owners give us. She leaves the room when we celebrate birthdays, then later goes back to get a piece of cake. This behavior upsets her coworkers, who are starting to act very resentful towards her. They feel that she’s being hypocritical and that if she’s not going to celebrate, she should refuse the gifts and treats. The employee says that when she was hired, she told the owners she would not be able to participate in holiday celebrations. But now the rest of us feel really down, because we are having to change for her.” — Nan