The power of listening
Boost your influence at work and elsewhere 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.
Office 2010: Already?!
For most of us Office 2010 became available on June 15, 2010. While it had been released to some groups of customers back in April, the majority of us couldn’t avail ourselves of it until June. It seems to be a shocker for many because so many of us just got our hands on Office 2007 or are at least contemplating a near term migration to the new Office suite.
Getting out from under an office bully
Feel exhausted, even on a vacation day? That’s one sign you’re being bullied at work, according to a “you know you’ve been bullied at work when …” checklist by Workplace Bullying Institute. Other signs that you’re in the bully’s bull’s-eye:
Own up to your blunder
Need to say you’re sorry? Apologize immediately, face to face. Don’t wait or try to smooth things over with humor. Speak slowly, which will make the apology sound more sincere.
Misusing reflexive pronouns
A reader recently wrote: What gives with everybody using the words “to myself” instead of “to me”? The administrative people around me always write things like: “Please send your response to my secretary or myself.” That makes no sense … Did someone make this grammatically correct and forget to tell me?
Maximize your commute
Use your drive time productively by listening to educational CDs. Learn a foreign language, develop your management skills, listen to a book or improve your parenting.
Jump ship now, or stick it out?
One reader, Linda, wrote us with this quandary: The company she worked for was acquired by another company. Previously, she’d been offered perks, such as reimbursement for the graduate degree she earned. But the new employer has frozen pay and promotions, cut pay and issued layoffs … Should Linda hang in there or leave?
Change your venue
You’ll spur innovative thinking by tackling an everyday task in a different environment. Hold an informal meeting at a coffee shop or during a walk.
7 bloopers that make a boss cringe
These seven phrases won’t get an admin noticed—at least, not in a good way, says Dave Willmer, the executive director of OfficeTeam. He recently compiled a list of the words your manager doesn’t want to hear:
Stress reducer
Roll a golf ball or empty bottle under your feet for a quick massage to relieve tension, fatigue and headaches.