Whose meeting is it, anyway?
You receive a meeting request for your boss, but there’s no agenda attached. You don’t want your boss to walk into the meeting room unprepared, but then again, it isn’t your job to do the organizing work. Is it?
Handshake etiquette
If seated, stand to shake hands. Hold the person’s hand for about two seconds, or long enough to notice the color of his eyes, where you should be looking anyway.
Would you use ‘these’ or ‘those’?
When choosing when you should use “these” or “those,” the decisive factor is whether the things you’re talking about are near or far. In some cases, it’s a psychological distance: Are you referring to something that you just mentioned or something that you mentioned a sentence or two ago?
Making small talk
Draw out the other person by asking his opinion on the latest blockbuster movie, best-selling book or vacation destination. Avoid politics.
3 picker-uppers
Here are three ways to break out of the feeling that you’re reliving the same moment over and over: 1. Tune in. 2. Partner up. 3. Try mentoring.
Don’t fidget in meetings
When you enter a staff meeting, take your seat without fanfare. Searching through your notebook, slapping files on the table or rearranging your hair can undermine your professionalism. You radiate more power through less movement.
Overcoming the ‘quiet person’ label
“Although I’m viewed positively at work, I believe my reserved demeanor is holding me back. I’m not shy, but I have trouble making small talk … Can you suggest some communication strategies for meetings and social situations?” — Not a Talker
Don’t dwell on mistakes
When you fail, determine whether the poor result came from something you control (like lack of hard work) or something you don’t control (like insufficient time or budget). That will tell you how to improve next time, or whether to stop blaming yourself.
Punch up your résumé with these 20 words
Every résumé should contain strong action verbs that kick off most bullet points and accomplishment-based statements, says Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, CEO of Great Resumes Fast. Could your résumé use sprucing up? Take a look at Hernandez’s favorite action words—and give your résumé a makeover:
Get the word out
Don’t overlook obvious places to display officewide info: The copier, fax machine and near the breakroom coffeepot are great places for posting information.