Snap back into the groove
OfficeTeam asked managers how long it takes employees to get back to normal productivity after a vacation. Average: 1.5 days. Impress your boss by diving back in.
What Microsoft Word might be saying about you!
I have just had the opportunity to be involved in a recruiting process for new trainers for my awesome Chicago client, CTS Training. In reviewing resumes of folks who touted themselves as “experts” in Microsoft Word, among other things, I decided to look “under the covers” to see if they really knew how to use it.
When to put a stop to office bickering
As hard as it is to listen to two co-workers arguing, it’s even worse when people keep their opinions to themselves. Creative tension happens when people share constructive differences of opinion, which can ultimately lead to better work. Of course, not all arguing is constructive or productive. Here’s how to tell whether you should step in to defuse bickering:
Finish with e-mail
Reply to nonurgent e-mails at the end of the day, when you’re eager to head home and won’t waste time lingering over them. If you need more time for your reply, send it first thing in the morning.
Managing the peer-to-boss transition
Question: “After a recent promotion, I have two former peers reporting to me. Supervising them has been very challenging. ‘Terry’ frequently comes into my office to gossip, and ‘Ellen’ refuses to recognize me as her boss … If I constantly remind them that I am now the manager, I’ll look like I’m full of myself. How do I handle this?”
Get constructive feedback
When you want feedback from the boss, don’t ask, “Was my work on the project OK?” Instead, ask, “What could I have done better?” or “If you could pick one thing that I could have done better on that project, what would it be?”
Travel sites
Check luggage limits and pinpoint other travel details with these two helpful web sites: LuggageLimits.com and VirtuallyThere.com.
Calm an angry caller
Instead of raising your voice to match the caller’s volume, speak softly. That will soothe the speaker and show him that you’re interested in handling the complaint in a calm rational way.
Office etiquette: Showing concern for a co-worker’s ill spouse
Question: “My husband had cancer surgery six weeks ago, and I have been on leave from work to take care of him. Although there are 30 people in my office, only three have contacted me to see how we’re doing. I’ve always had a good relationship with my co-workers, so I’m extremely hurt and disappointed by this treatment. I can’t seem to get beyond these feelings. When I return to work, I know people will ask about my husband. Since they weren’t there when I needed support, I have no desire to discuss his health with them. How should I handle their questions?” — Angry Wife
You: The secret workplace weapon
Administrative professionals could be a secret weapon in helping companies bounce back from the recession. New research by OfficeTeam and the IAAP shows admins are moving beyond their traditional roles to take on responsibilities in areas such as cost control, technology and the use of social media, hiring and corporate social responsibility.