Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

A Formula for Productive Office Relationships

By - July 23, 2013

Have you ever been afraid at work – afraid to ask a question or afraid to make a suggestion? Even if you are a confident person, perhaps you had a feeling more of hesitation or worry. No matter what you call it, chances are your answer is yes. At some time or another, most of... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

Go On, Persuade Me!

By - July 23, 2013

There are times when all of us need to persuade people to see things differently. To get others to do something we need them to do or to accept our view or ideas. There are also times when we need to negotiate deadlines, resolve conflict, change mindsets, resolve problems and obtain permission to do something.... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

Don’t Pull the Plug! – The Importance Of Admins as Connectors

By - July 23, 2013

Malcolm Gladwell, author of The Tipping Point, notes that there are three types of people involved in the phenomenon of word of mouth, and one of them is “Connectors”. While Gladwell is looking at character traits to clarify personality types, it seems to me that the same can be said for different positions as a... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

All the World’s a Stage

By - July 23, 2013

Many people, administrative assistants included, are afraid of public speaking. In fact, it’s the number one fear in America, rated higher than snakes or fire! Truth be told, there is so much more to it than just talking on a raised platform. While you speak, you stand alone and all eyes are upon you making... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

The Value of a Handwritten Note

By - July 23, 2013

Do you remember the last handwritten note you received? Even more, do you remember the last handwritten note you sent? With our technologically enhanced communications – email and voicemail, it is just so convenient to email people, or to leave one way voice messages for them, isn’t it? After all, sending a handwritten note is... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

The Art of Interrupting Meetings

By - July 23, 2013

The key is to get yourself in the room explains Adam Fidler The first rule is that there are no rules. But, in the absence of a “rule”, then try and agree with your boss what he finds acceptable and non-acceptable in terms of interrupting a meeting. I am often surprised at the number of... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

Finding the Magic Words

By - July 23, 2013

After 25 years of working as the Personal /Executive Assistant to actress Olympia Dukakis, I know a few things for certain. One of those things is that issues of communication can make or break an assistant in our workplace. “Some of the best advice I have ever received regarding building successful relationships in the workplace... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

Three Ways to Become a Better Writer … No, It’s Not Hopeless

By - July 23, 2013

The Dershowitz dilemma An article in the July/Aug 2012 Yale Alumni Magazine listed some famous Yale graduates’ favourite classes and the stories behind them. “In one vignette, Alan Dershowitz, Yale ’62 LLB attorney, Harvard law professor and best-selling author, told a surprising (and very well-written) tale (The Class I’ll Never Forget): In his first-year Torts... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

A Relaxing Saturday on the Links with Uncle Ron

By - July 23, 2013

Have you ever been on the receiving end of an angry tirade that made you feel threatened? That’s exactly what happened to me Saturday on the golf course. “I was on a minivacation with my mom, golfing on a beautiful Saturday with my Uncle Ron and my cousin, Debbie. My uncle is an average golfer.... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

Respect Makes Human Interactions Work

By - July 23, 2013

“Treat others as you would want them to treat you!” How many times do we hear this being said? We say it to our children and hope that they will remember it for the rest of their lives. We all know that to earn respect, we must first give respect and, of course, give it... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

PowerPoint – Friend or Foe?

By - July 23, 2013

Yes, PowerPoint has its uses for presentations in events, but it is limited, and there are other creative options that could help you pack a bit more punch into your presentations.   If you are a nervous speaker or presenter then you might use PowerPoint as a crutch to get you through your content. If... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

It’s hard to say ‘I’m sorry.’

By - July 22, 2013

Have you ever had to apologize for something you did, or meant to do, and didn’t know where to begin? Saying ‘I’m sorry’ and truly meaning it can be an extremely difficult thing to do. If we say ‘I’m sorry’ too quickly in the conversation (or error discovery), it looks like we’re just sorry we... Read more »
Communication
Issue: May / June 2013

Make Foreign Languages Work for You

By - May 25, 2013

America’s Foreign Language Deficit “, “Is Britain Falling Behind Due to a Lack of Language Skills ?”, “Foreign Language Skills Cost Scottish Businesses . This selection of recent headlines highlights the lack of foreign language skills in Anglophone businesses. With Frankfurt being touted as the up-and-coming financial centre in Europe, it is now essential that... Read more »
Communication
Issue: January / February 2013

The Power of Listening

By - January 25, 2013

Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. Winston Churchill The story is told of Franklin Roosevelt, who often endured long receiving lines at the White House. He complained that no one really paid any attention to what was said. One day,... Read more »
Career Development Communication
Issue: November / December 2012

How to Network With Confidence

By - November 25, 2012

So many PAs have said to me: ‘I am absolutely terrified about walking into a room full of strangers.’ I reply: That’s OK, they are just people you haven’t got to know yet.’ Then they say: ‘I am not very good at networking’, ‘I find that my hands are shaking or my voice goes all... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2012

7 Ways to use Emotional Intelligence at Work

By - November 25, 2012

Emotional intelligence is about understanding our emotions (and the emotions of those around us) and learning to manage the way we handle them says Lucy Brazier