It’s easy to get swept up in the to-do lists, reports, scheduling, and troubleshooting that fill an office manager’s day. You’re juggling a hundred moving pieces, and just getting through the day without a printer jam or a staff meltdown feels like a win. But amid the whirlwind, there’s one small habit that can make a big difference—for morale, for relationships, and even for … [Read more...] about Why “Thank You” Matters More Than You Think
Team Management
Dealing with Mean Girls and Mood Leeches
By Lynne Curry A coaching client collapsed into the chair across from my desk, her face telegraphing defeat. “I barely survived a lunch break with Paula from Payroll.” “Lexy, what happened?” I asked. “Paula looked at my quinoa bowl and said, ‘So, you’re dieting—Is it working?’ Then she asked, ‘Are you still doing the dating apps? What’s it been, a year?’” A … [Read more...] about Dealing with Mean Girls and Mood Leeches
The Office Culture Blueprint: Create a Team That Thrives
As an office manager, you play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining the culture of your workplace. A positive office culture not only enhances employee satisfaction and productivity but also helps attract and retain top talent. Here’s how you can build and nurture a positive office culture that benefits everyone. Understand Your Current Culture Before you can build a … [Read more...] about The Office Culture Blueprint: Create a Team That Thrives
Get Buy-In Fast: How to Communicate Change with Confidence
When changes are on the horizon, clear and effective communication is your best tool as an office manager. Whether it's a shift in policy, the introduction of new technology, or a restructuring of roles, how you convey these changes can make all the difference in how they are received and implemented. So, how can you ensure that your communication is clear, effective, and … [Read more...] about Get Buy-In Fast: How to Communicate Change with Confidence
Declutter for Success: A Tidy Office Equals a Productive Office
A clutter-free office isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s essential for productivity, efficiency, and overall well-being in the workplace. As an office manager, maintaining an organized and tidy environment can significantly impact your team’s performance and morale. Here’s how you can effectively keep your office clutter-free and create a more productive workspace. Implement … [Read more...] about Declutter for Success: A Tidy Office Equals a Productive Office
Celebrate Success: Simple Ways to Recognize and Reward Your Team
Recognizing achievements is a powerful way to boost team productivity and morale. When team members feel their efforts are acknowledged and valued, they are more motivated to maintain high performance and contribute positively to the workplace. As an office manager, effectively recognizing achievements can lead to increased engagement, job satisfaction, and a more … [Read more...] about Celebrate Success: Simple Ways to Recognize and Reward Your Team
Top Metrics to Measure and Improve Employee Performance
One of your key responsibilities is to ensure that your team operates at peak performance. But how do you measure something as nuanced as employee performance? The key lies in identifying the right metrics—ones that give you actionable insights without becoming overly burdensome to track. Once you have these metrics in place, you can use them to guide improvements and help your … [Read more...] about Top Metrics to Measure and Improve Employee Performance
How to Create a Calm, Focused Environment in a Small Office
It only takes one loud phone call or a string of interruptions to derail productivity in a small office. When space is limited and everyone works within earshot of one another, creating a calm and focused environment isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Picture this: you're trying to finalize a report while two coworkers chat about weekend plans right behind you, someone’s printer … [Read more...] about How to Create a Calm, Focused Environment in a Small Office
Do I Fire A Staffer Who Doesn’t Deserve It?
By Lynne Curry Question: When our newly hired general manager pulled me into his office this morning, he asked me to fire a staff member, an individual I know well and who’s always impressed me as a hard worker. I run our company’s HR department. I asked, “Could you give me the details, so I can create a solid case for our file?” The GM, a fifty-something white man … [Read more...] about Do I Fire A Staffer Who Doesn’t Deserve It?
Revenge Quitting: Why Employees Are Sabotaging Employers on Their Way Out
By Lynne Curry On Adam’s last day, he recorded a TikTok video walking through his employer’s facility, pointing out every OSHA violation. The video amassed millions of views, prompting an investigation and hefty fines for the company. Maggie managed her company’s social media accounts. After a heated argument with her boss, she changed all the account passwords and … [Read more...] about Revenge Quitting: Why Employees Are Sabotaging Employers on Their Way Out