Project Management
Issue: July / August 2013

Creating Excellence – Sigma Green Belt Project

By - July 23, 2013

I hope you enjoyed my article in the May edition of Executive Secretary on 5s. Have you tried it yet, even in your kitchen or garage? I am delighted to write my second article which is based around how I achieved my Sigma Green Belt. Six Sigma is widely used in industries worldwide and basically... Read more »
Business Strategy & Acumen
Issue: July / August 2013

What gender differences still exist at work?

By - July 23, 2013

Dr Lynda Shaw conducted detailed research to find out what some of these perceived gender differences in the workplace are in 2013
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

Face the Fear of Feedback

By - July 23, 2013

Whether it is standing in front of the mirror rehearsing a speech, your annual performance review or comments about a great meal you prepared we all want positive feedback and praise. But what about the feedback we don’t want to hear, but often need to hear? The bottom line is no one is perfect. Bu... Read more »
Profiles
Issue: July / August 2013

PROFILE – Anel Martin

By - July 23, 2013

Anel Martin is an award-winning South African assistant & task team member for IYOTSA What is your background? I was raised in a small town called Bloemfontein in the Free State (South Africa) and attended Eunice Girls High (my formative years have greatly influenced who I am today). I relocated to Pretoria in 1998 to... 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
Career Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Dressing for Success: an Administrative Professional’s Guide to Looking the Part

By - July 23, 2013

Like it or not, people form opinions about you based on the way you dress says Julie Perrine
Career Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Next in Line

By - July 23, 2013

Succession planning in a business is always a concern. But for smaller firms, worries about cost, wasted time and internal politics can obscure a real need to prepare for the future… Succession planning is all about ensuring survival. Lining up the next generation of people to run an organisation can ensure that a company continues... Read more »
Opinion
Issue: July / August 2013

So What Was Your Last Challenge?

By - July 23, 2013

It’s the weekend and the sun is shining. You’ve cleared your desk, had your meetings and circulated the action points, your “To Do” tray is cleared and the weekend is beckoning. So will it be a family weekend – meeting your parents, in-laws, aunts and uncles you haven’t seen for ages at your long lost... Read more »
Technology
Issue: July / August 2013

Using Social Media to Effectively Market and Run Events

By - July 23, 2013

In all aspects of our home and professional life there is no escaping Social Media. Whether we personally like or dislike it is now not the question; the question is “How do we embrace it and use it to its best advantage?” When planning your event it is becoming increasingly important to have a social... Read more »
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 »
Leadership
Issue: July / August 2013

Building Trust in a New Team

By - July 23, 2013

Anel Martin shares her top 10 tips for building trust in a new team At many times in my career I was the new kid on the block. That first morning on your way to a new job you feel the butterflies in your stomach. The unknown lies before you. Starting fresh is exciting and... Read more »
Health & Wellbeing
Issue: July / August 2013

Sun, Sand, Sea and Stress…

By - July 23, 2013

Claire Lister, MD of Pitman Training Group, offers her approach to proactively dealing with holiday hell Holiday season is approaching. It’s great to have the excitement of time out in the sun to keep us going and essential to have time to switch off, and enjoy time with family and friends. It’s also the perfect... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: July / August 2013

Writing Winning CVs for Commerce and Industry

By - July 23, 2013

We know the market is tough pretty much wherever you go, but you can sell your skills to future employers effectively if you think hard about writing a concise, targeted CV. Don’t be shy though – it is all part of your own personal marketing plan, so you need to describe your strengths and achievements... 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 »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2013

A Formula for Productive Office Relationships

By - July 23, 2013

Have you ever been afraid at work – afraid to ask a question or afraid to make a suggestion? Even if you are a confident person, perhaps you had a feeling more of hesitation or worry. No matter what you call it, chances are your answer is yes. At some time or another, most of... Read more »