Is it possible to give feedback to your boss in a way that improves her performance as a leader? Or is it better to keep quiet than put your relationship at risk? The ability to give upward feedback depends on the relationship between you and your boss. Without trust, the feedback will be impossible to receive. Tips for giving upward feedback:
Question: “I recently hired an administrative assistant who makes a lot of mistakes. Two months ago, I told her that this was unacceptable and that she must be more vigilant about proofing her work. Everything was fine for a few weeks, but then the errors started again. Yesterday, she mailed an important letter to the wrong address. I sign these letters, but I shouldn’t have to proofread them. Now I feel that I have to review everything she does. I don’t trust her work, but I can’t afford to lose her. Any suggestions?” — Unhappy Boss
No pay raise is the worst part of the recession, say more than a quarter of administrative professionals, while slightly less (21%) say their workload has increased, according to a new survey from the International Association of Administrative Professionals.
Before trying to lift a heavy item, grasp one edge and slowly try to tilt it. If it’s tough to move, it’s too heavy to lift by yourself. Get a dolly or seek help from a co-worker.
Interviewing for a job? Ask whether this is a new position or whether you are replacing someone … Avoid misunderstandings by asking others to repeat what they heard … Trade in old electronics for cash or discounts … Humanize interoffice communication by relaxing some of the grammar rules you grew up with …
When you need a few minutes to fix a technical glitch during a presentation, ask the meeting leader to call a brief “intermission.” That allows you to straighten out the problem without being in the spotlight.
“Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration,” Thomas Edison once said. Making ideas happen is usually more difficult and time-consuming than announcing it in the first place. Jack Dorsey, creator and co-founder of Twitter, offers these tips for making ideas happen:
At the end of each conversation, ask if you can do anything more for the person, whether it’s your boss or a customer. That simple question may prompt the other person to remember something then, rather than interrupting you later.
Listen to novices, as their fresh eyes can provide insights that you are unable to see. Young staffers or those who have recently joined your business may see things that are odd, wrong or could be done differently.