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
Managing staff
Cheat Sheet: Quick Conflict Resolution
Workplace conflicts happen—it’s just part of working with people. As an office manager, you’re often the go-to person for keeping things from boiling over and helping everyone get back on the same page. Whether it’s a disagreement between coworkers, frustration over office policies, or just a simple miscommunication, knowing how to step in the right way can make a big … [Read more...] about Cheat Sheet: Quick Conflict Resolution
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
Offering AI Upskilling as a Job Benefit: A Smart Move for Office Managers
You’re always thinking about how to support your team, boost productivity, and stay competitive in a changing workplace. One way to do all three? Offer AI upskilling as an employee benefit. You’ve probably heard plenty of buzz about artificial intelligence transforming industries—but the practical question is: how can your team keep up? The answer might be simpler than you … [Read more...] about Offering AI Upskilling as a Job Benefit: A Smart Move for Office Managers
Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
By Lynne Curry As employers push forward with their return-to-office (RTO) policies, many unknowingly step into legal minefield. The shift back to in-person work presents a host of challenges—especially for employers balancing productivity with legal obligations. Whether it’s handling accommodation requests, avoiding discrimination claims, or ensuring compliance with … [Read more...] about Navigating Legal Risks in Return-to-Office Mandates
How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
Staff scheduling can feel like a never-ending puzzle—one where the pieces keep shifting, employees swap shifts last minute, and unexpected absences throw everything off balance. No matter what industry you’re in, managing schedules effectively is crucial to keeping operations running smoothly and maintaining team morale. If you’re tired of constant scheduling headaches, here’s … [Read more...] about How to Handle Staff Scheduling Challenges Without Losing Your Mind
How to Set Clear Roles and Responsibilities in a Small Office
When you work in a one- to three-person office, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking, “We’re so small — we all just pitch in and do whatever needs doing.” While pitching in is great, relying on that mindset alone can lead to confusion, frustration, and, frankly, a lot of things slipping through the cracks. Setting clear roles and responsibilities isn't just for big … [Read more...] about How to Set Clear Roles and Responsibilities in a Small Office
How to Celebrate National Administrative Professionals Day
National Administrative Professionals Day, coming up on April 30, is an occasion to recognize and celebrate the hardworking administrative professionals who keep your office running smoothly. As an office manager, this day is an opportunity to show your appreciation for the critical role your administrative staff plays in the success of the organization. Here’s why … [Read more...] about How to Celebrate National Administrative Professionals Day
Using Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) Effectively with Staff
One of the toughest parts of your job is addressing underperformance. It’s never fun to have those difficult conversations, but when handled thoughtfully, they can be a real turning point—not just for the employee, but for your whole team. That’s where a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) comes in. Done right, a PIP isn’t a punishment—it’s a tool for clarity, accountability, … [Read more...] about Using Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) Effectively with Staff