Meeting on the cheap
Pick up smart, budget-saving ideas for event planning from the Frugal Planner’s Tip of the Week newsletter on www.meetings-conventions.com. Examples of recent tips:
Set up a ‘Next time’ folder
When the boss repeats, “Next time I’m in Dallas, I’ll have to remember to stay at …” or “Next time I have a lunch meeting at The Bistro, I should order …,” make a note. Next time the boss heads to one of those locations, remind her of her thoughts.
Regaling the unsung heroes of the office
Recently, executive assistant Angie Knode won the Adminologist of the Year award presented by Office Dynamics. And it wasn’t by accident. “One of the goals of our executive assistants’ team is to increase the recognition for our administrative staff,” says Knode’s co-worker Peggy Vasquez. “These are often the unsung heroes …”
Noteworthy
Send peer-to-peer congratulatory notes for achievements small and large. Go out of your way to pay someone a compliment for excellent work. Everyone loves to be recognized. And it puts you in a positive mode by looking for good in others.
Google Maps offers experimental tools
Frequent mappers may appreciate knowing that Google Maps has a set of experimental features. Some of these neat tricks can make mapping more efficient.
The ideal approach
Maintain a positive outlook by making “ideal” statements. Example: “So, ideally, this new plan will help us eliminate mistakes.” Gallup studies show that people who approach work positively are 22% more productive.
Evolving rules of politeness
In theory, the word “ma’am” is a courtesy extended to women. But many women say it makes them cringe. The best course of action? When in doubt, skip the courtesy term altogether.
The power of listening
Boost your influence at work and elsewhere simply by listening. That’s Warren Buffett’s secret. He makes whomever he’s listening to feel like the center of the universe. The result: loyalty.
Admins’ secrets for tracking assignments
A reader writes: “We have tasks assigned to us via e-mail, the phone, in-person, in passing, etc. I carry my notebook and keep it on my desk to jot down assignments and then transfer some tasks to Outlook, but I’m wondering if there is a better, more efficient way to keep track of everything. What are your secrets to staying organized and on top of all your assignments?”
P.S. Remember this
Make sure everyone reads your e-mail by putting your main point in a postscript (P.S.) People always read postscripts, and they’ll remember the message, since it’s the last thing they’ll read.