Communication
Issue: May / June 2014

An American in London by Bonnie Low-Kramen

By - May 25, 2014

My topic at Executive Secretary LIVE in London on March 29th was “The Elephant in the Room: Workplace Bullying.” Thanks to Lucy Brazier, the publisher of this ground-breaking magazine you are reading, it was the first time I have ever given an entire presentation on this topic. Workplace bullying has been a passion (okay, obsession)... Read more »
Communication
Issue: May / June 2014

Breathing Tips and Exercises for Great Public Speaking

By - May 25, 2014

Tom Balmont shares 5 tips to help you master breathing during a presentation or speech
Communication
Issue: May / June 2014

Assertiveness

By - May 25, 2014

Being assertive means showing emotional intelligence explains Heather Baker
Communication
Issue: May / June 2014

Nothing Like a Good Read

By - May 25, 2014

As a self-confessed “printaholic”, who has been known to read the back of cereal packets when no other printed matter is to hand, I realise that a recent lack of spare time means that I have been missing the pleasure of reading for its own sake. Are you a fiction or non-fiction aficionado? Do you... Read more »
Communication
Issue: March / April 2014

Be in Control – Never Let Conflict Manage You!

By - March 25, 2014

We all have to remember that when bosses are under stress or feeling frustrated, they are probably not going to be on their best behaviour and may be detached, inflexible, stubborn, argumentative, shouting etc. Also when you are the closest person to them it is probably you who they vent off to. The same goes... Read more »
Communication
Issue: March / April 2014

Are You Writing for Today or Yesterday?

By - March 25, 2014

“With reference to your letter…” “Enclosed herewith please find…” “I am writing to inform you…” “Please be advised…” Are you still writing letters and emails using these old-fashioned, boring clichés? In today’s fast-paced business world with its focus on effective communication, these stuffy formalities make your writing unnecessarily complicated and impersonal. Yet many writers seem... Read more »
Communication
Issue: March / April 2014

Why Good Writing Skills Are Important in Today’s Workplace — and Tips for Developing Them

By - March 25, 2014

Good writing skills are a key asset at every stage of your career, from the moment you write your very first cover letter and CV until your retirement party explains Robert Hosking
Communication
Issue: March / April 2014

The Art of Listening

By - March 25, 2014

Marsha Egan gives her top tips for cultivating the art of listening
Communication
Issue: March / April 2014

Toxic Colleagues

By - March 25, 2014

Angela Garry's encounter with a toxic colleague led her to commission a cartoon with the types of people she has worked with over the years
Communication
Issue: January / February 2014

Your Ultimate Secret to Success

By - January 25, 2014

Psst – It’s not really a secret… Before you read the rest of this article, do a quick Google search for “secret(s) to success”. It doesn’t matter if you make the word “secret” singular or plural. Now take a look at a couple of the lists you get on your search. And yes, your search... Read more »
Communication
Issue: January / February 2014

“I’ve said the wrong thing!”

By - January 25, 2014

In my last article, I wrote about “sitting at the table” – getting more involved in the meetings you support, partnering with your upline for a better outcome of each meeting and gathering the confidence to participate. In taking my own advice, I sat at the table for a meeting I was invited to. I... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2013

Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry

By - November 25, 2013

Lindsay Taylor explains how to work quickly and efficiently without getting tongue tied As a busy Assistant having to “think on your feet” is part and parcel of your role – you need to work quickly and efficiently without getting tongue-tied – in order to foster credibility and respect in your workplace. So, how do... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2013

The Hidden World of the Team

By - November 25, 2013

It was not so long ago everyone who worked for a company was based in the same place and to contact someone in the next town or village meant a day’s walk or a carriage ride of several days. Later, people went to an office and sat behind a desk from 9-5.30pm with an hour... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2013

Leave Those Excuses Behind

By - November 25, 2013

Leave Those Excuses Behind “”The reason that I didn’t get that report in on time was because my computer crashed, and I lost all of my supporting information…” “I’m sorry for being late for the meeting; I got caught in traffic, and there were no alternate routes.” “I wasn’t able to call you – your... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2013

Advice for Manager Assistants to Get What They Deserve

By - November 25, 2013

Advice for Manager Assistants often sounds contradictory: State your position, but not too strongly… Be assertive, but be sure not to offend others… It’s good to be proactive, but not too much… Do this, but do not overstate… Just be perfect, all right? This is the biggest challenge we have to face in our profession... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2013

New Rules of Written Communication

By - November 25, 2013

As we are writing more than ever now, we depend on our writing skills to influence, persuade, encourage, collaborate and to lead. However, most people don’t really notice the quality of the writing they read – they simply react positively, negatively or not at all. If you have ever wondered if there’s a better way... Read more »