Communication
Issue: July / August 2011

Success – It’s all about Professionalism

By - July 25, 2011

Susie Kay explains how professionalism is the key to our success There probably aren’t many people who would disagree that we have had a difficult couple of years. Even with a combined will to find new or better ways to make an impact on our current circumstances, it is likely that each of us will... Read more »
Leadership
Issue: July / August 2011

So How Do You Compare to Others?

By - July 25, 2011

So far in this column we have talked about the necessity of taking risks to function in the modern world, the fact that we are socialised to see risk negatively and what we can do to move past that bias. Now you are going to have an opportunity to determine your personal risk profile. If... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2011

Shorthand and Speedwriting – What’s the Difference?

By - July 25, 2011

Adam Fidler explains the difference between speedwriting and shorthand Two of the biggest questions I get asked by new students who want to learn shorthand is what type of shorthand they should be learning, and what the difference is between speedwriting and shorthand. It’s quite simple. A system of speedwriting is when someone uses a... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2011

Regional Focus: Brazil

By - July 25, 2011

Executive Secretary asks two experts on the region to give their personal guides to doing business in Brazil. The Consultant’s View The founder of Kwintessential, Neil Payne is currently the Managing Director of the company, overseeing global operations. He is also responsible for the management of cultural awareness training in Europe. The Bossa Nova, Pele... Read more »
Profiles
Issue: July / August 2011

PROFILE – Nadia Head

By - July 25, 2011

Nadia Head is PA to the Director of Counter Terrorism and Specialist Crime You started out as a Microbiologist based in Switzerland. That’s quite a leap. What made you decide to change careers? My time in Switzerland was idyllic with a flat on the edge of Lake Geneva and a five-minute walk to the laboratory.... Read more »
Processes & Procedures
Issue: July / August 2011

Organising your desk

By - July 25, 2011

We asked you for your favourite tip for keeping your workspace organised Helen Maxwell (United Kingdom) My very best top tip is to leave your desk in a state for another secretary to take over. Then you really do organise desk and to paraphrase a Peanuts and Snoopy observation, “… the top of my desk... Read more »
Project Management
Issue: July / August 2011

Managing Your Own Day

By - July 25, 2011

Effective Time Management For The Busy PA – A Sure Sign That You’re Winning. How well we manage our time is a crucial factor in the control we exert over our own lives. How well we manage our time is a crucial factor in the control we exert over our own lives. You can interpret... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2011

Make Your Languages Work for you

By - July 25, 2011

Tanya Ireland explains how being bilingual can help you get ahead It is well-acknowledged that one of the best ways to get ahead in your career and broaden your horizons is to learn a foreign language. Whether companies are conducting business overseas or fighting for a larger market share at home, employers are increasingly seeking... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2011

Lead Systems – VAKOG

By - July 25, 2011

V A K O G is an abbreviation a I’d like you to remember as it could be the formula for the most exciting changes you can make in your life, improving your ability to communicate and be communicated with effectively! It stands for visual, auditory, kinesthetic, olfactory, gustatory. I’ll help you make more sense... Read more »
Leadership
Issue: July / August 2011

How to Make Better Decisions Faster

By - July 25, 2011

Spend a few moments learning Ann Latham's decision-making process and make better decisions faster
Personal Development
Issue: July / August 2011

How To Boost Your Career Willpower

By - July 25, 2011

Graham W Price details the tools you need to change focus You know what you need to do to take your career forward but despite your best intentions you’re just not doing it. We make excuses, such as lack of time or other things getting in the way, but really it’s about us lacking the... Read more »
Leadership
Issue: July / August 2011

Help From The Trenches: Where Great Ideas Are Born

By - July 25, 2011

In his book, Rules of Thumb, Alan M. Webber shares a story about the most unlikely place for where your best ideas come. In an illustaration, he references what took place at Xerox, when the company was faced with an economic downturn and preparing to lay off a bunch of tech reps. Xerox knew it... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: July / August 2011

Experiencing the ‘Culture Shock’ of Family Life

By - July 25, 2011

After a working week, family life can be a culture shock explains Helen Letchfield 30th May-5th June was National Family Week in the UK, which is all about taking time out to celebrate quality family time together. However, many parents can find it difficult to do this when they still have to find the elusive... Read more »
Communication
Issue: July / August 2011

Email Etiquette? Not an Option

By - July 25, 2011

There’s a lot of talk about email etiquette. Do businesses need to promote it for their employees? Why is it so important to follow email etiquette guidelines? What are the best rules and practices to follow? First of all, businesses will benefit from promoting proper email etiquette for three great reasons: Protection from liability. Here’s... Read more »
Opinion
Issue: July / August 2011

Careering Ahead

By - July 25, 2011

Amanda Perry had sporadic success returning to work as an administrator after a 20 year career break. Here, she explains how the difficulties she encountered have shaped her very successful career as an interview consultant When I returned to secretarial college following my career break, I found that things had changed significantly. Back when I... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: July / August 2011

Bring a Touch of Showbusiness Into Your Next Interview

By - July 25, 2011

Nicky Pattinson specialises in ‘show business selling’ and regularly works with Pitman Training at conferences and events. Here she gives us her thoughts on making the right impression in an interview, so that what you put on paper matches what you offer from the first second you meet your potential new employer. Your preparation starts... Read more »