Keep confidential conversations with the boss private by asking, “Could we discuss this in your office?” when he or she opens a sensitive topic in public. Whether you want to speak freely or protect your boss from blurting out a comment without realizing who is nearby, your assertiveness shows good judgment.
Avoid “death by PowerPoint” by stealing presentation tips from the charismatic Apple CEO, Steve Jobs. Carmine Gallo, communications coach and author of The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs, points out that Jobs uses presentation software as a tool to visually complement his stories.
People who schedule their vacation time at the beginning of the year are much more likely to use it, research indicates. Plan your vacation six months ahead, and that lowers the chances that you–or your boss–will change it.
Base pay for administrative professionals across the United States is expected to remain consistent with 2010 levels, according to the OfficeTeam Salary Guide 2011. The average increase in starting salaries for all positions is 1.1%, with slightly larger gains forecast in customer service and health care.
Instead of thinking, “I’ll work on these reports for one hour,” promise yourself: “I’ll knock out five reports before heading to lunch.” You’ll keep yourself from watching the clock and stay focused.
The biggest problem with e-mail, according to Scot Herrick, is that most people only use the tool as a way to manage to-dos, collaborate and move work along. Herrick believes that’s a problem because we should be thinking of e-mail as a personal branding tool, not merely as a workhorse.
Question: “I am in a very strange situation. When I was recruited by this company, I was told I would be reporting to the vice president. But when I started work, the VP said that I would report to one of his Directors instead…
While animation can be overdone, when used judiciously, it can add punch to your message. This is one example of how to accomplish that goal in 5 steps.