Project Management
Issue: March / April 2015

A New Look at Project Management

By - March 25, 2015

In modern times, project management is a technique utilized in many different fields of application including construction, engineering, industrial, defense (military logistics and organic) and, more recently, the development of software. One of the earliest and most important contributions was given by the American Henry Gantt, who introduced in the early years of the 20th... Read more »
Communication
Issue: March / April 2015

Pushing Back, Appropriately and Diplomatically

By - March 25, 2015

Adam Fidler explains how to say “no” (without actually saying it!) Do you ever say “no” to your boss? Do you ever push back and tell your boss that you’re too busy? These questions might alarm you – but I am being serious. They are the questions I ask, deliberately, to the delegates on my... Read more »
Communication
Issue: March / April 2015

The Powerful Duo of Listening and Empathising

By - March 25, 2015

Lindsay Taylor details the two skills that combine to create a formidable approach Listening Listening is the key to creating and maintaining rapport. Combine it with empathy and you have a powerful duo to ensure a great working relationship with your manager and team. Let’s consider each in turn starting with Listening. Listening is a skill... Read more »
Communication
Issue: March / April 2015

Managing Your Boss

By - March 25, 2015

Time and time again I hear from PAs how they struggle to find a way to work with their executives. With the constant demands and complexities of your role, the last thing you need is a resistant executive, who slows you down, and obstructs your ability to assist and work with them to the best... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: March / April 2015

Ultimate Secrets for Career Success

By - March 25, 2015

I have been privileged to meet many executive administrative professionals over the years. Every time I speak with someone who is exceptionally competent in their job and has an unwavering positive attitude toward their career, several themes invariably arise.   Three exceptional individuals shared with me the following truths that guide their actions, help them... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: March / April 2015

Have a Goal? Get a System!

By - March 25, 2015

Most admins have personal and professional goals. However, many are missing a crucial component to accomplishing them: a system. James Clear, an author and habits expert, says, “Forget goals. Focus on systems instead.” And he is right. Systems are procedures with a built in repetitive plan of action for how you get stuff done. Part... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: March / April 2015

Create a “Mindset Spiral” to Become Powerful

By - March 25, 2015

One of the key determinants of the life we lead and what we get out of life is our beliefs. Self belief, belief about what’s possible, belief in what we can achieve and contribute to others and the world. A term that’s often used to describe these kinds of beliefs is “mindset”. People with a... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: March / April 2015

Why Use a Coaching Approach as a Line Manager?

By - March 25, 2015

Coaching cultures The use of coaching within organisations, whether formally (through structured internal or external coaching arrangements) or informally, as an element of a style of conversation, is becoming recognised as a powerful tool for individual and organisational development. Organisations are increasingly seeking to develop “coaching cultures”. What is coaching? Coaching is used as an... Read more »
Technology
Issue: March / April 2015

Subject Line, not Surprise Line

By - March 25, 2015

Shirley Taylor explains how to create better email subject lines that get your emails opened
Technology
Issue: March / April 2015

Social Media and the Job-hunter

By - March 25, 2015

According to research carried out by the company I work for, Randstad Business Support, just two in 10 job candidates tailor their LinkedIn profile when going for new jobs. But more than three-fifths remember to make their CV relevant for specific posts. Three-quarters of applicants are comfortable with future employees viewing their online profiles.  ... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: March / April 2015

Preparing for Retirement

By - March 25, 2015

The period leading up to retirement can be one of the most stressful times of our lives but is now widely recognised as a time of greater risk of stress-related illnesses such as stroke, heart disease and depression. Consumers’ Association Which? state the number of people in the UK who work beyond state pension age (currently... Read more »