Category: Problem Solving
In the evolving world of executive support, productivity is no longer about doing more; it is about showing the impact of what you already do best. For years, I believed productivity meant efficiency: an empty inbox, a color-coded calendar, and a long to-do list with every item neatly checked off. That sense of completion felt […]
Executive assistants are uniquely positioned to coordinate emergency responses across all levels of an organization. As companies face an increasing variety of natural disasters, EAs must be prepared for multiple scenarios. Here’s how to develop a comprehensive crisis-management approach.
Your ability to foresee and address potential issues is invaluable as an executive assistant. Proactive problem-solving not only streamlines operations but also solidifies your role as an indispensable asset to your executive and organization. Here’s how you can cultivate this crucial skill.
Create calm out of chaos by remembering the story of Apollo 13.
In many organizations, administrative professionals are the unofficial, de facto help desk people. People go to you because you’re always doing miracles, seem to be able to figure anything out and get everything done. Here are two techniques you can employ to make the most of the time you spend helping people and reduce the number of repeat performances necessary for a single issue.
Kronos, the HR and payroll provider, has been hacked, with its private cloud services being held for ransom. Whether or not you are a Kronos client, here are contingency plans you need to make.
Negative brainstorming, or reverse brainstorming, is just what it sounds like. Beginning on a negative note may sound a bit iffy, but this actually may be the direction our minds more naturally go.
When you’re working out a problem with employees, vendors, or customers, making threats can be risky. People resent them, and you may decrease the likelihood of cooperation and even risk inciting revenge. Yet, as negotiation experts Adam D. Galinsky and Katie A. Liljenquist point out, threats can be effective—if you follow these three principles.
For customers, time spent waiting for help is anxious time. Train your employees to take these steps when responding to customers.
What if we … ? Or maybe we should … ? Whatever the challenge you’re facing, it’s easy to get so caught up in trying to find creative solutions that you end up running around in circles and accomplishing nothing. Apply a little logic to the task by following these steps.