Mirror your boss’s image
If the boss never wears jeans in the office, you shouldn’t either. And always be guided by this principle: Dress for respect.
Lose the weak words
Speak and write more powerfully by avoiding intensifiers. “Very,” “really,” “truly,” “basically,” “essentially” and “fundamentally” add little to your sentences and can weaken your message.
The trouble with a ‘Sunshine Fund’
Fran’s work group plans to start a “Sunshine Fund” to buy gifts for special occasions, such as birthdays, weddings and baby showers. Her co-worker, Dan, wants to post a list showing the dollar amount contributed by each employee, but Fran thinks that’s a horrible idea. How can the team structure the fund so that people who can’t afford to contribute won’t feel obligated or embarrassed?
Excel help! I have a table open, but it isn’t visible
An Admin Pro forum reader reports a problem with Excel. The workbook window appears to be missing, though Excel indicates the file is open.
Time management = calendar management
Time is finite. All the more reason to give special attention to managing time blocks on your schedule and the boss’s schedule. Here are two tactics, taken from two executives who use time management to boost their productivity:
Make rescheduling easier
Speed appointment rescheduling by suggesting a day and time, instead of asking when the person would like to start the new meeting. He or she can quickly check the one you offer, instead of searching the entire calendar for an opening.
Fired for sexual harassment: Should you disclose it?
Melodie’s friend was fired for sexual harassment and is now looking for a new job. Should he disclose it to potential employers? The former employer only verifies employment and will not disclose the reason for the firing. Readers say honesty is the best policy and, if asked, her friend should disclose why he was fired. […]
Three cures for long meetings
Here are three cures for long meetings, adapted from “Work Smart: Unconventional Cures for Meetingitis”:
Make the most of down time
Teach yourself a new skill. If you haven’t been able to obtain training due to a tight budget, pick up a book and start learning.
What are your job accomplishments?
Someday, hopefully not too terribly soon, you’ll be looking for another job. And when that happens, you’ll need to sharpen your résumé so that it captures the attention of hiring managers. The main focus on your résumé should be itemizing victories, so that your future boss can imagine you doing the same things for him.