Personal Development
Issue: November / December 2013

Five Strategies to Achieve Your Goals

By - November 25, 2013

Even when you’ve set a “good” goal – one that adheres to your higher objective and is specific and measurable – you can run into some issues along the way: namely, staying motivated. Without motivation, even the most ambitious person will get sidetracked. Here are the strategies that I feel will keep you on track... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: November / December 2013

What Will Be Your Legacy?

By - November 25, 2013

I have an indelible memory of being ten years old. I was talking with Mom (named Ruth) about what I would be “when I grew up”. This was during my doctor, model or stewardess phase. (We didn’t know about “flight attendants” yet.) Mom’s response was not what I expected. She said, “Leave the world better... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: November / December 2013

Accepting What Is

By - November 25, 2013

I probably shouldn’t begin an article by offending all my readers, but I have to tell you the truth. You’re crazy. In fact, with a few rare exceptions, we’re all crazy. Let me explain. Every time we have a negative thought such as dissatisfaction, disappointment, regret, irritation or blame, we’re always wanting something that’s happened... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: November / December 2013

“Sit at the Table”

By - November 25, 2013

Every year, I challenge myself to read a couple of career-minded books. I enjoy the learning process and am always looking for ways to step outside of my comfort zone, to expand myself personally and professionally. This year’s book of choice was Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating officer of Facebook. She is ranked... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: September / October 2013

Why Be a Star Achiever?

By - September 25, 2013

For 22 years, I have been teaching administrative professionals from all walks of life to embrace a Philosophy called the Star Achievement® Philosophy “For 22 years, I have been teaching administrative professionals from all walks of life to embrace a Philosophy called the Star Achievement® Philosophy. This Philosophy says: “You have the potential to be... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: September / October 2013

In Cruise Control, Stalling or Coasting Out of Gear?

By - September 25, 2013

Being the driving force behind a business or individual, facing a multitude of responsibilities and adapting to situations to suit the needs of a business is a common element of most EA and PA roles. Yet no two people are the same… it’s a crazy thought when you really begin to dissect the characteristics of... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: September / October 2013

“50 Shades of EA”

By - September 25, 2013

“You don’t need to be a “Christian” to do a good job although it does help immensely to have faith and confidence in yourself and your abilities. Confidence can be seen through your body language so make sure you stand straight, hold your head high, shoulders back, take deep breaths, breathing slowly from your abdomen... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: September / October 2013

It’s about what we can give – Samoa

By - September 25, 2013

I have been having one of those “times in your life” and have been reflecting. From this process has come something for me to give. As a young child I lived in a remote community which functioned in many cases on what we all gave to each other. This need to give to each other... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: September / October 2013

What Would You Do If You Weren’t Afraid?

By - September 25, 2013

Bonnie Low Kramen’s guide to taking courage when fear stops us being our best As I speak with Assistants from San Francisco to South Africa, I am struck by the common themes that burst forth – usually within moments and with stark honesty. One of the most loaded themes is Fear. That is why it... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: September / October 2013

Stuck in a Rut?

By - September 25, 2013

I’m curious! I wonder how many of you started 2013 with the intention of telling yourself “this is it! This will be the year I get out of my rut and take action to do something about my situation”? Whether it’s boosting your confidence, progressing in your current organisation, going for a new job or... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Professionalism – The Golden Rules

By - July 23, 2013

There are a great many “Golden Rules” available on every conceivable subject, for work, for leisure, for health and many more besides. However, here is a set for you to consider which generates enormous change for the better wherever it is used. When we think about the meaning of professionalism, we need to consider not... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Bullying at work

By - July 23, 2013

We asked you how to combat bullying in the workplace; here are your responses
Personal Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Workplace Habits: Making it a Habit to do Things Today

By - July 23, 2013

After working in the fields of commerce and industry for many years, it never ceases to surprise me how many people so often fail to follow through on their word and/or achieve their targets. It may well be the fear of getting it wrong; not being seen as the “expert” or just getting caught up... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Feel the Zeal: How to Keep Your Professional Enthusiasm Alive

By - July 23, 2013

Remember how eager and engaged you were when you first started out in your career? Just getting to your desk in the morning and thinking about the day ahead could give you a thrill. Meetings were exciting places to exchange ideas and make new contacts, and every new project came with a sense of opportunity.... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Better Networking

By - July 23, 2013

I meet a lot of people. It’s my job. I came to realise many years ago that “Who you know determines who you become in life”. Behind every successful person is a sound and well-nurtured network. The most successful people are always the best connected. They have invested in their future by realising the importance... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Excellence In Context

By - July 23, 2013

When we wake up and get ready for work each day, part of our mental preparation is likely to be a desire to get through what we know we must achieve that day, going over the lists as we have breakfast, rehearsing difficult phone calls as we get dressed, having ideas as we catch the... Read more »