Communication
Issue: January / February 2012

Why You Should Talk to Your Boss

By - January 25, 2012

Adam Fidler explains why a successful boss/PA working relationship is founded on face-to-face communication, and how PAs fall into the ineffective trap of relying solely on email as a source of dialogue with their boss In a previous organisation where I worked, having come from outside (rather than being a PA who was recruited from... Read more »
Communication
Issue: January / February 2012

Rebuilding Workplace Relationships

By - January 25, 2012

Why they fall apart and how you can rebuild them ‘Whenever I walk into Jan’s office, she gives me the cold shoulder’. ‘Every time I see Tom, he gives me a nasty look before I can say hello’. ‘I get the feeling that Sally is mad at me’. Do any of these statements sound familiar?... Read more »
Communication
Issue: January / February 2012

Rapport

By - January 25, 2012

What does rapport mean and how can I create it with anyone? asks Garth Delikan
Communication
Issue: January / February 2012

Collaborative Working

By - January 25, 2012

Collaborating with your peers for best results The Executive PA is expected to be a Jill of all trades, but there are times where you need to call on the expertise and advice of others. The key to success? Effective collaboration with your peers. As obvious as it may sound, all too frequently it is... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2011

Working Well With Different Work Styles

By - November 25, 2011

It happened again. You carefully crafted an e-mail, making sure none of its points could be misinterpreted. You even numbered the three items that required attention and indicated the exact date and time by which you needed a reply. Nonetheless, the response arrived a day late, and you didn’t receive a clear answer to your... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2011

Regional Focus: Russia

By - November 25, 2011

Executive Secretary asks an expert on the region to give his personal guide to doing business in Russia.   On the face of things Russia has changed. Political movement, government reforms, a stable economy, vast natural resources and a large population have all led to Russia becoming the R in BRIC (The big four: Brazil,... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2011

Eye Patterns

By - November 25, 2011

Can they really tell me what someone is thinking? In the last article we covered modalities, what they meant and the different ways that people communicate and access information. How we can learn to recognise by the words and language patterns that individuals use to figure out the best way to effectively communicate with them.... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2011

Dealing with the Office Sniper

By - November 25, 2011

Dictionary.com defines a sniper as someone who: attacks a person or a person’s work with petulant or snide criticism, especially anonymously or from a safe distance. Have you ever worked with someone who made comments, filled with sarcasm or criticism, in public? It often happens during meetings or in public settings when you are restricted... Read more »
Communication
Issue: September / October 2011

Writing Wrongs

By - September 25, 2011

Whoops! I shouldn’t have clicked on send… Dealing with common mistakes in business communication   There can be so many opportunities for error in writing. The speed of email encourages us to click on send without proof reading what we have written. Tight deadlines mean we don’t always take enough care over our reports. Not... Read more »
Communication
Issue: September / October 2011

What would you do with an extra hour a day?

By - September 25, 2011

Dr Monica Seeley on ‘Brilliant’ email What would you do if you could create an extra hour a day every day? Have a proper lunch break, do some personal development, spend more time with the family, finish a quilt you started 18 months ago? These are some responses to a recent survey conducted for the... Read more »
Communication
Issue: September / October 2011

Ring Any Bells?

By - September 25, 2011

Telephone techniques   It takes another person just seven seconds to form an opinion of you over the telephone – your mannerisms and personality are expressed in the tone of your voice. The following tips can enable you to become a more effective communicator. Good telephone etiquette is important because we cannot see the other... Read more »
Communication
Issue: September / October 2011

Confident Life Skills: Association and Disassociation

By - September 25, 2011

How to empower yourself with great experiences and turn down the bad ones One of the things we are good at is making sounds and images in our head, more commonly referred to as memories. The way we remember an event either from the past (or imagine a future event) can have a profound effect... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2011

Success – It’s all about Professionalism

By - July 25, 2011

Susie Kay explains how professionalism is the key to our success There probably aren’t many people who would disagree that we have had a difficult couple of years. Even with a combined will to find new or better ways to make an impact on our current circumstances, it is likely that each of us will... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2011

Shorthand and Speedwriting – What’s the Difference?

By - July 25, 2011

Adam Fidler explains the difference between speedwriting and shorthand Two of the biggest questions I get asked by new students who want to learn shorthand is what type of shorthand they should be learning, and what the difference is between speedwriting and shorthand. It’s quite simple. A system of speedwriting is when someone uses a... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2011

Regional Focus: Brazil

By - July 25, 2011

Executive Secretary asks two experts on the region to give their personal guides to doing business in Brazil. The Consultant’s View The founder of Kwintessential, Neil Payne is currently the Managing Director of the company, overseeing global operations. He is also responsible for the management of cultural awareness training in Europe. The Bossa Nova, Pele... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2011

Make Your Languages Work for you

By - July 25, 2011

Tanya Ireland explains how being bilingual can help you get ahead It is well-acknowledged that one of the best ways to get ahead in your career and broaden your horizons is to learn a foreign language. Whether companies are conducting business overseas or fighting for a larger market share at home, employers are increasingly seeking... Read more »