By Lynne Curry Question: We thought we’d hit the jackpot when we hired “Sonali.” She possessed all the right skills, and her interview dazzled. My manager said, “I love her fresh thinking. Keep her happy; we need her.” The trouble surfaced in week three. Sonali pinged me on Slack. “FYI—our ticket system’s outdated. I built a new one in Notion. Should triple … [Read more...] about The Heroine with a Headcount: Handling the Disruption Diva
Articles
What’s Your Management Superpower? How to Identify and Harness Your Style
Identifying your management style is a crucial step towards becoming a more effective office manager. Understanding how you naturally lead and interact with your team can help you leverage your strengths, address your weaknesses, and create a more productive work environment. Here’s how you can identify your management style and why it matters. First, take some time to … [Read more...] about What’s Your Management Superpower? How to Identify and Harness Your Style
How to Get the Most Out of Collaboration Tools for Your Team
As an office manager, you know that seamless collaboration is key to a productive and harmonious workplace. With the rise of remote work and geographically dispersed teams, collaboration tools have become indispensable. These tools can enhance communication, streamline project management, and boost overall efficiency. Here’s how you can effectively use collaboration … [Read more...] about How to Get the Most Out of Collaboration Tools for Your Team
Key Financial Reports Every Employer Needs from Their Office Manager
The office manager is often the go-to person for financial insights that help keep the organization on track. Your ability to provide clear, accurate, and timely financial reports is critical to helping your employer make informed decisions. But what reports should you prioritize? Here’s a breakdown of the key financial reports every employer needs—and why they … [Read more...] about Key Financial Reports Every Employer Needs from Their Office Manager
5 Cost-Cutting Strategies Every Office Manager Can Implement Today
An office manager is always looking for ways to stretch the budget without sacrificing efficiency or morale. Fortunately, some of the most effective cost-cutting strategies don’t require drastic changes—just a little creativity and focus. Here are five actionable ideas you can implement right away: Audit Your Subscriptions and Services Take a close look at recurring … [Read more...] about 5 Cost-Cutting Strategies Every Office Manager Can Implement Today
How to Implement a Leave Donation Program for Disasters
When one staff member faces a serious personal crisis—a medical emergency, natural disaster, or family tragedy—it often sends ripples through the whole office. Colleagues want to help, but don’t always know how. A leave donation program can offer a practical and compassionate way for staff to support each other during tough times by voluntarily donating their unused paid leave … [Read more...] about How to Implement a Leave Donation Program for Disasters
Wide Awake and Working (in Your Head)? Here’s How to Power Down for Real
By Lynne Curry At 2:38 a.m., Dave lies in bed, wide-eyed and wired. His inbox scrolls across his brain like a breaking news ticker: the half-baked budget draft, the client who’s ghosting, the slap-down from his boss in Monday’s staff meeting. He’s tried everything to fix his workday-fueled insomnia—melatonin, chamomile tea, melatonin, sleep podcasts, magnesium, and even … [Read more...] about Wide Awake and Working (in Your Head)? Here’s How to Power Down for Real
The Art of Prioritization: How to Tackle Competing Demands as an Office Manager
Balancing competing demands is one of the toughest parts of running an office. Every day, you’re juggling urgent requests, long-term projects, and unforeseen challenges—all while trying to keep everything running smoothly. Without a solid approach to prioritization, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or let important tasks slip through the cracks. The key is to focus on what matters … [Read more...] about The Art of Prioritization: How to Tackle Competing Demands as an Office Manager
Onboarding Excellence: Setting New Hires Up for Success
The way you onboard new hires can make or break their experience with your company. A strong onboarding process not only helps new employees feel welcomed and supported, but it also sets them up for success from day one. When done right, it boosts morale, accelerates productivity, and can even reduce turnover. Here’s how to create an onboarding experience that sets your new … [Read more...] about Onboarding Excellence: Setting New Hires Up for Success
How to Drive Change Without Ruffling Feathers
Change can be exciting, but it can also be met with resistance, especially in an office environment where people are comfortable with the status quo. As an office manager, you may be tasked with implementing new processes, technologies, or policies, but the challenge lies in doing so without disrupting the flow or causing unnecessary stress among your team. Here’s how to drive … [Read more...] about How to Drive Change Without Ruffling Feathers