Common sense tells us that a tidy workspace is a more efficient workspace, but even great organizations can forget to practice good housekeeping. Here’s a Japanese philosophy that can transform any office space into a more serene one.
Sound more credible, competent and convincing by using “power talk.” That’s the term coined by communication expert George Walther to mean that every word you use creates value for you. Practice these techniques.
Q. How should I address a woman who uses two last names, such as "Geneva Besmer Silverstone"? By her maiden name, her surname or both?
You’ve scrupulously avoided office gossip, but that isn’t protecting you from being the subject of this week’s chitchat. Wanting to jump quickly to your own defense is a normal reaction, but it might exacerbate the situation. Follow these steps to salvage your reputation and stop the gossip.
Do you have a general reference guide, such as The Chicago Manual of Style, a grammar reference and a dictionary, but still not know what the preferred organizational usage or style is? We thought so. Your organization needs its own in-house style guide.
Someone always comes late. Someone goes off on a personal tangent. Someone adds her “two cents” and butts in no matter what. If the participants often derail your meetings, start each one by agreeing on the ground rules, advises Charlie Hawkins, author of First Aid for Meetings.
September 1, 2003
Categorized in: Word
When creating a form letter or other document template, the field code feature in Word versions 97 and higher can come in handy. With dozens of field codes available, you can manage everything from inserting information that is automatically updated to creating drop-down lists that allow users to choose which information to insert.
As a naturally helpful person, you may eagerly answer questions from a caller on the phone or a colleague in the office. Offering too much information can be costly. Use these guidelines.
When you’re frustrated by micromanagement or other demands at work, step back and study what the other person truly needs from you. One day Lydia Abram had an “ah ha moment” that taught her how to satisfy a micromanaging colleague’s needs without slowing down her work flow:
Signing a contract is always a hair-raising and nervous experience. But signing a hotel, convention center or other facility’s standard contract for your company could damage your organization’s financial well being. To protect yourself, ask to review the standard contract, but consider that as only a starting point.