Productivity
Issue: July / August 2013

Managing Interruptions From Your Boss

By - July 23, 2013

Do you feel as if you’re constantly interrupted during the working day? “Most of us find these interruptions particularly difficult. After all, that’s our job — to be helpful, co-operative and available when needed. You want to maintain a positive relationship, demonstrate a “can do” attitude and keep on top of your workload. But it’s... 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 »
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 »
Personal Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Are You Being Seen in the Right Light? Tips for Boosting Your Visibility

By - July 23, 2013

If you were driven by acclaim or attention, chances are you would have chosen a different line of work. Administrative professionals are expected to efficiently handle a wide range of challenges behind the scenes, not to trumpet their own successes. (And who has the time for that, anyway?) On the list of indispensable administrative attributes,... Read more »
Business Strategy & Acumen
Issue: July / August 2013

Whistle While You Work?

By - July 23, 2013

It’s a hard one – turn a blind eye or tell on your colleagues? Read on for a guide to whistleblowing… “What do you do if your ethics and those of your employer differ? This can provide a dilemma for an individual and resolving it will depend on a variety of situations. Generally if your... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Are You Ready to Reach Your Highest Human Potential?

By - July 23, 2013

Throughout human history, reaching one’s potential has been the grand objective of life. It’s an honour to share the following principles, an extract from my book Leadership Lessons from the Summit which will be published in 2013. May these inspire you to live life not only to the fullest, but to push forward in making... 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 »
Profiles
Issue: July / August 2013

PROFILE – Marina Ivie

By - July 23, 2013

Marina Ivie is an Executive Assistant. At the early age of 14, her life was turned upside down during a freak accident that caused her to lose her leg. At the age of fourteen, I had very little to think about beyond where I was going that weekend, what to wear, or how to do... Read more »
Opinion
Issue: July / August 2013

A Modern Day in the Life of a PA

By - July 23, 2013

Over the many years we have focused on secretarial recruitment we have watched their role within businesses shift dramatically. Today, we are seeing two very distinct new directions evolving alongside the traditional PA requirement. “On the one hand we are seeing the growth of the PA as company “hub” within an increasingly virtual, mobile, self-sufficient... Read more »
Processes & Procedures
Issue: July / August 2013

Getting The Best Out Of A Venue – It’s All About Communication

By - July 23, 2013

You know that feeling when a successful event has finished – a mixture of relief, delight and probably a touch of fatigue? The feeling isn’t dissimilar for those behind the scenes at the venue – the execution of a brilliant event is tantamount for both venue and event organiser. And that two-way relationship is key.... Read more »
Health & Wellbeing
Issue: July / August 2013

Creating A Comfortable And Healthy Work Environment To Reduce Stress

By - July 23, 2013

Work-related stress can come from any physical conditions that we perceive as irritating, uncomfortable or unpleasant explains Carole Spiers
Technology
Issue: July / August 2013

Social Media – It’s A Hot Topic, Make Sure You Don’t Get Burnt

By - July 23, 2013

I’m going to start off this month’s column by talking to you about baking – not because I don’t want to talk to you about training, but because I think all becomes clear when you compare work to life. I’m taking you into the kitchen, where you’re baking gorgeous cupcakes and they’re all neat and... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Establishing Your Core Values

By - July 23, 2013

As we meander along our path in life we come across people who we get on well with and others who we don’t. We encounter organisations and groups that we resonate with – and others that we do not. “If we stop for a moment and consider what it is about the people, groups and... Read more »
Business Strategy & Acumen
Issue: July / August 2013

4 Steps to Building a Culture of Respect

By - July 23, 2013

Respect for ourselves guides our morals; respect for others guides our manners – Laurence Sterne “In surveys conducted by Weber Shandwick in 2011 it revealed what many already know or experience – incivility in the workplace is on the rise and many place the blame at the feet of workplace leadership. The online survey was... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Four Things you Will Never Learn in Your Comfort Zone

By - July 23, 2013

The year was 1947 and to date no one had broken the sound barrier. Most believed that it could not be done. Some argued that the sound barrier was a literal wall that once hit at 760 mph would destroy a plane. But despite the sceptics and critics there remained a committed group of people... 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 »