Leadership
Issue: November / December 2013

4 Distractions Every Leader Must Ignore

By - November 25, 2013

Happiness can only be found if you can free yourself of all other distractions – Saul Bellow There is a story involving Yogi Berra, the well-known catcher for the New York Yankees, and Hank Aaron, who at the time was the chief power hitter for the Milwaukee Braves. The baseball teams were playing in the... Read more »
Profiles
Issue: November / December 2013

PROFILE – Dale Stafford

By - November 25, 2013

Dale Stafford is the Principal & Founder of The Principle Department Can we start with a little background information? My parents were both performers in Variety Theatre – my dad was the straight man in a comedy double act and my mum was an equilibrist and dancer – so I was that person you’ve heard... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2013

Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry

By - November 25, 2013

Lindsay Taylor explains how to work quickly and efficiently without getting tongue tied As a busy Assistant having to “think on your feet” is part and parcel of your role – you need to work quickly and efficiently without getting tongue-tied – in order to foster credibility and respect in your workplace. So, how do... Read more »
Events Excellence
Issue: November / December 2013

Finding the Perfect Venue for Your Event

By - November 25, 2013

How do you ensure that your next choice of venue is the right one for your event? asks Claire Derrick
Communication
Issue: November / December 2013

The Hidden World of the Team

By - November 25, 2013

It was not so long ago everyone who worked for a company was based in the same place and to contact someone in the next town or village meant a day’s walk or a carriage ride of several days. Later, people went to an office and sat behind a desk from 9-5.30pm with an hour... Read more »
Leadership
Issue: November / December 2013

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

By - November 25, 2013

The world has changed dramatically since The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was first published in 1989. Life is more complex, more stressful, more demanding. We have transitioned from the Industrial Age to the Information/ Knowledge Worker Age – with profound consequences. We face challenges and problems in our personal lives, our families and... Read more »
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 »
Career Development
Issue: November / December 2013

How Can I Find a Private PA Job?

By - November 25, 2013

The thought of working as a Private PA can be an attractive proposition for both experienced and junior Assistants, explains David Morel
Communication
Issue: November / December 2013

Leave Those Excuses Behind

By - November 25, 2013

Leave Those Excuses Behind “”The reason that I didn’t get that report in on time was because my computer crashed, and I lost all of my supporting information…” “I’m sorry for being late for the meeting; I got caught in traffic, and there were no alternate routes.” “I wasn’t able to call you – your... Read more »
Technology
Issue: November / December 2013

Don’t Let Technology Rule

By - November 25, 2013

Time is the only issue we have absolutely no control over, it ticks relentlessly by, second on second, minute on minute. It is precious, so precious we all want more of it and it is the one commodity we cannot buy, the one issue that stops for no one. The pace of our lives is... Read more »
Technology
Issue: November / December 2013

How I can see your Facebook posts even if we aren’t connected

By - November 25, 2013

Unless you’re part of my family, a close friend of mine, a classmate, old boyfriend or someone I’m stalking, I’m pretty sure that we aren’t connected on Facebook says Vickie Sokol Evans Yet. But if you email me it’s quite possible (and scary) that I can see that you’re leaving for a 7-day cruise vacation... Read more »
Technology
Issue: November / December 2013

The Ultimate App Guide for Assistants

By - November 25, 2013

Like a lot of us these days I am glued to my iPhone and I have a lot of my life on my iPad. If I’m honest, I am really just lost without them (sometimes I am literally lost without them thanks to my dependence on Google maps to get me around!) I use my... 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 »
Career Development
Issue: November / December 2013

Be Your Own Best Professional Advocate

By - November 25, 2013

If you don’t proactively promote yourself, and your professional abilities and accomplishments, who will? asks Julie Perrine As an admin, being your own biggest professional advocate is crucial in advancing and preserving your career… because if you don’t take the initiative, nobody will. Advocating for yourself in a professional capacity shows that you have confidence,... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2013

Advice for Manager Assistants to Get What They Deserve

By - November 25, 2013

Advice for Manager Assistants often sounds contradictory: State your position, but not too strongly… Be assertive, but be sure not to offend others… It’s good to be proactive, but not too much… Do this, but do not overstate… Just be perfect, all right? This is the biggest challenge we have to face in our profession... Read more »