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
Your career
From Food to Fabrication: How to Thrive as an Office Manager in a New Industry
Q: I recently took a job managing the office of a small machine shop after years of working for a food wholesaler. The change has been good—I’m closer to home and I like the team—but I feel completely out of my depth when it comes to the industry itself. I’m an experienced office manager, but I don’t understand the terminology, the workflow, or what our customers are asking for … [Read more...] about From Food to Fabrication: How to Thrive as an Office Manager in a New Industry
Stronger Together: Networking Tips for Office Managers
Networking isn’t just for job seekers or salespeople—it’s a powerful tool for office managers too. Connecting with other professionals in your field can provide you with a wealth of knowledge, support, and opportunities that can enhance your career and improve your office's operations. One of the best ways to start building your network is by joining professional … [Read more...] about Stronger Together: Networking Tips for Office Managers
Finding a Mentor: Your Secret Weapon for Career Success
In your journey as an office manager, seeking mentorship can be one of the most valuable steps you take. A mentor can offer guidance, share experiences, and provide insights that might take years to learn on your own. Whether you're new to the role or looking to advance further in your career, having a mentor can accelerate your growth and help you navigate challenges with … [Read more...] about Finding a Mentor: Your Secret Weapon for Career Success
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
The Creative Problem-Solver’s Toolkit: A Checklist for Office Challenges
As an office manager, problem-solving is one of your most important skills. This toolkit provides you with a series of creative techniques to tackle a variety of office challenges, from conflicts to tight deadlines. Use the following strategies to approach problems in new and innovative ways. Creative Problem-Solving Checklist Brainstorming: Open the Floodgates of … [Read more...] about The Creative Problem-Solver’s Toolkit: A Checklist for Office Challenges
Office Design with a Creative Twist: Boost Productivity and Morale
As an office manager, one of your main goals is to create an environment that promotes both productivity and morale. While the standard cubicle or desk arrangement might be functional, a creative office design can transform your workspace into a place where people are not just working, but thriving. By incorporating innovative design elements, such as flexible layouts, … [Read more...] about Office Design with a Creative Twist: Boost Productivity and Morale
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?
Is AI Pushing You Into a Career Change?
By Lynne Curry Tish spent fifteen years as a legal assistant. She’d honed her skills and mastered the ins and outs of case files and court scheduling. She knew the quirks of each of her senior partners. A year ago new software rolled in—AI tools that scanned thousands of pages of case law in seconds, summarized legal documents with eerie precision, and auto-generated … [Read more...] about Is AI Pushing You Into a Career Change?
Reconnecting with Purpose: How to Invite Someone from the Past into Your Career Network
Reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while can feel a little awkward—but when done with authenticity and a clear sense of purpose, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s a former colleague, mentor, or someone you crossed paths with years ago at a conference, reviving an old connection can open new doors and enrich your professional network. As an office … [Read more...] about Reconnecting with Purpose: How to Invite Someone from the Past into Your Career Network