Question: “I am on a task force to develop a “desk audit” or “task audit” that will give our 20-member staff a better sense of how our time is spent, where we can become more efficient, and address unanticipated tasks. Our strategic planning consultants have told us that it would be best to develop our own workflow audit, as there are few models in the not-for-profit world. They recommend choosing an “appropriate” unit of time and reporting frequency, making it easy and sharing data with staff frequently to show progress, but we’re still feeling daunted by the task. Has anyone developed a desk/task audit that they’d be willing to share? How did you make it palatable to your co-workers?” — Louise
Can you spot the errors in these sentences? 1. Come quick or you’ll miss the bus. 2. Hank felt badly about missing the deadline. 3. Which would be best, a raise or an extra vacation? 4. Speak slower when you answer the phones.
“All first drafts are terrible. I don’t care if you’re Hemingway.” That comes from a writing professor who may as well have been talking about email. No email should be sent without revision. Here’s an email etiquette checklist to follow:
Communication is a cornerstone of any relationship—at least any good relationship. So why do so many executives rely on casual, on-the-fly exchanges with their assistants? Joan Burge, an administrative trainer CEO of Office Dynamics, holds a daily huddle with her executive assistant. Here’s how they make the communication work:
Social media, such as blogs, Facebook and Twitter, are leading to confusion over what’s appropriate: Should your boss be your Facebook friend? Can you “tweet” about work? What would your firm’s VP say about your mentioning him in your blog? Some tips from etiquette expert and labor lawyer Joseph Clees:
Make Adobe Reader remember where you left off, as well as your selected zoom and pan settings … Improve daily planning by being specific on your to-do list … Expect a VIP visitor at the office? Use this tactic from Darienne Page, receptionist for President Obama’s Oval Office …
Company size isn’t important when it comes to saving money in little ways. Here are five practical ways to watch those workplace pennies: 1. Reduce delivery fees. 2. Cut overnight shipping. 3. Look for group discounts. 4. Turn off the lights. 5. Consolidate your suppliers …
Some marriages will make it, and some won’t. In these pressure-cooker days, marriage failure may be slightly up. Marriage expert Thomas Bradbury likens it to the treadmill stress tests used to screen cardiac patients. Here are some tips to make it through the strain:
With more than 200 other administrative assistants in her building, Ilja Kraag sees admins working away in their “own little boxes,” independently figuring out how to tackle tasks that an admin at the next desk may have mastered long ago. So she decided to share some of her “best practices,” especially for common tasks, such as scheduling meetings.