Identify the nonessentials
If everything on your to-do list seems like a high priority, ask yourself which tasks you would drop if “all hell broke loose” in your office.
Dealing with a hothead? Keep it cool
From the ranting heard at political protests and on reality TV, it’s clear these are angry times. The problem is that many of us don’t know how to effectively handle an angry ranter when confronted with one. We can learn much from customer service professionals, who have honed their skills in defusing a hothead—and not taking it personally.
Start the day without e-mail
E-mail is a notorious time-waster, so knock off a few items from your to-do list before checking your in-box.
Transform the office kitchen
Four easy spruce-ups for the office kitchen: 1. No room for coffee cups? Maximize a small space with storage helpers such as wire stacking shelves. 2. Invest in a trash can that does double duty. 3. Replace plastic foam cups. 4. Add a splash of color and more purified air with potted plants or flowers.
Answer the question
Communication breaks down when people fail to address someone’s question. Even if you can’t come up with a ready answer, acknowledge that you heard the question and provide a preliminary or qualified response.
Out-of-Alignment?
Is there a gap that feels as big as the Grand Canyon between your aspirations and your accomplishments, between the dreams you want to achieve and the reality of your current circumstances? Why do we think one thing, say another and then do something else? It’s because we’re what I call out-of-alignment.
Deploy the power of your smile
It’s an old bit of advice that smiling while you’re talking on the phone is one way to improve your phone demeanor. But how many people actually follow that advice? New evidence may convince you to try it. Now scientists say that the people on the other end of the phone line really can tell whether or not you’re smiling.
You lose–twice–by not negotiating
Fail to press for a pay raise and you’ll sacrifice more than salary. You’ll also miss an opportunity to show your bargaining savvy, which is a key skill in any position you crave.
1-Minute Strategies: Nov. ’10
Become an effective networker even if you’re an introvert, writes Devora Zack, author of Networking for People Who Hate Networking … Know when to use—and when to skip—skycaps while traveling … Track your personal spending with two free online tools … Give your “audience”—the people around you—a new, great story.
Ditch perfection
Aspire to perfection, but don’t let the pursuit slow you down. And don’t dwell on mistakes. “If you deal with any business faux pas properly, others will get over it and you should, too,” advises executive coach Marjorie Brody.