Personal Development
Issue: March / April 2014

Tips to Build Your Confidence and Career

By - March 25, 2014

A new report from CBI/Accenture report stated that 51% of firms expect their workforce to be larger this time next year, the highest figure since the start of the recession in 2008. With more jobs being created and economic growth, 2014 could prove a fresh start for many people who have been considering a new... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: March / April 2014

Samoa – After Three Months

By - March 25, 2014

When I last wrote we had been here only a very few weeks. We have now been through Christmas, New Year and are well into our third month. Things that seemed new and strange have become normal and, in fact, the time we are due to be here is running by at great speed, which... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: March / April 2014

Unwinding Bad Habits (and Other Feeling-driven Behaviours)

By - March 25, 2014

In my previous article in this magazine, I talked about the benefits of accepting uncomfortable, or unproductive, feelings or desires. I pointed out that when we resist (have negative thoughts about), or try to avoid, such feelings, it generally makes them worse. We can become anxious about feeling anxious or depressed about feeling depressed. Other... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: January / February 2014

Making Decisions

By - January 25, 2014

For some people, making a decision is easy. Well, it certainly seems that way. They weigh up the situation, look at the alternatives and then they make a considered judgement after taking all relevant points into account. Such a decision might be to change jobs, choose a partner, rent a house, book a holiday or... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: January / February 2014

Impressions from a Volunteer – Apia, Samoa

By - January 25, 2014

Charles and I have been living in Apia, Samoa since 18 November 2013. We are loaded with first impressions and at this stage we are really enjoying it. We know some harder times are coming as our decision has separated us from our family at Christmas time and we have missed the birth of our... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: January / February 2014

Accepting Feelings

By - January 25, 2014

In a recent article in this magazine, I pointed out that whenever we have a negative thought, we’re either wanting something that’s happened not to have happened or we’re wanting a situation that exists right now not to exist right now. In other words we’re wanting something to be “already” different. The only exception is... Read more »
resolution
Personal Development
Issue: January / February 2014

A Different Kind of Resolution

By - January 1, 2014

Happy New Year! So Christmas and New Year are over, leaving in their wake a trail of pesky resolutions. Let's change the focus suggests Jessica McGregor Johnson
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 »