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?
Your career
The Power of Good Habits for Office Managers
As an office manager, your role demands a unique blend of organization, leadership, and adaptability. The ability to develop and maintain good habits can be a game-changer in managing your workload, reducing stress, and boosting your effectiveness. Drawing insights from popular books like Atomic Habits by James Clear, this article explores the power of habits and practical … [Read more...] about The Power of Good Habits for Office Managers
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
What to Do If You’re the One Who’s Always Late
Let’s be honest—being an office manager who struggles to get to work on time can feel a little awkward. You’re the one who sets the tone for the office, enforces policies, and expects your team to be pun ctual and professional. So when you’re racing through the door with your coffee in one hand and your bag half-zipped, it can throw off your whole day—and your … [Read more...] about What to Do If You’re the One Who’s Always Late
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
The Adaptive Manager: Thriving in Every Situation
Your role is a balancing act, juggling multiple responsibilities while ensuring everything runs smoothly. One of the key elements to mastering this role is adaptability. The ability to adjust to different situations as you build your management style will set you apart as an effective and respected leader. Here’s how you can hone this crucial skill. Embrace Flexibility In … [Read more...] about The Adaptive Manager: Thriving in Every Situation
Unlock Your Potential: How to Spot and Improve Your Weaknesses
Identifying areas for improvement is a crucial part of your personal career development as an office manager. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day tasks, but taking a step back to assess where you can grow can make a huge difference in your effectiveness and satisfaction in your role. Start by reflecting on your strengths and weaknesses. What are the tasks you excel … [Read more...] about Unlock Your Potential: How to Spot and Improve Your Weaknesses
Humorbragging: Where Charm Meets Confidence
By Lynne Curry Are you heading into a job interview; meeting a new boss; pitching to potential investors, or stepping into another situation in which you need to impress—but don’t want to sound arrogant or conceited? Consider humorbragging—a strategy which you use self-deprecating humor, self-awareness and vivid storytelling while crediting yourself with traits like … [Read more...] about Humorbragging: Where Charm Meets Confidence
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