Question: “A co-worker uses the monthly staff meeting as a forum to openly criticize my work unnecessarily. Unfortunately, when put on the spot, I become defensive rather than putting an end to her bullying. What can I say to her to stop these monthly put-downs? Should I tell her that if she has something to discuss with me, the staff meeting is not the proper forum and she should address her concerns to me privately?” — Anonymous
Question: “How would you file the business name William Starck Architects? Is it Starck, William Architects, or Starck Architects, William, or something else?” — Lisa
Get your sleep or watch your decision-making skills decline. That’s the advice from Duke University researchers who studied people denied sleep for 24 hours and found that their decision-making capabilities declined in critical ways.
As business travel picks up, try incorporating this savvy tip to make trips hassle-free: Ship your luggage via FedEx ahead of time, using three-day service or ground. It’s relatively affordable, and you get door-to-door service. CBS travel editor Peter Greenberg told O, The Oprah Magazine that he hasn’t checked luggage on domestic flights in nearly […]
Fortunately, most admins have strong partnerships with their managers or see ways to build that bond. But some admins are still struggling through their relationships with lousy bosses. Is the solution to quit? Not with unemployment rates above 10%. Here’s another option: Negotiate with your boss, the way the FBI negotiates during a hostage situation.
The magic of a thesaurus is that it can take your business writing from drab to unforgettable. Which thesaurus to use? Nothing beats the print version of Roget’s International Thesaurus. But for ease of use, try these bookmarkable online editions:
Question: I know that applicants should send a thank-you note after a job interview, so I normally fax a letter within one or two days. However, I have some questions about the process. When I’m interviewed by several people, should I include all the names on one letter or send an individual note to each person? If I send separate letters, can they all have the same wording or should each one be different? — Puzzled
Loyalty in all aspects of our lives is at a steady decline. Twenty years ago, a person had on average three people he or she could confide in. Today that number is two. And two out of 10 people say they have no one to confide in. And it’s not enough to have loyal connections with friends. Here are three ways to build loyal connections at work:
Hold a shorter, more effective meeting by remembering the three purposes for having a meeting in the first place: to inform, to gather input or to ask for approval … Read faster using this technique developed by reading expert J. Michael Bennett: rhythmic perusal … Try this remedy for a foul-mouthed boss …
To help an audience tune in to your PowerPoint presentation instead of zoning out, stick to these four cardinal rules from communications coach Carmine Gallo when creating a presentation: 1.Stick to three or four themes. 2.Type should be no smaller than 30 points. 3. Use charts sparingly. 4. Divide the number of minutes you’re allotted to speak by two—that’s how many slides you should have.