Continuing education is one of the best investments you can make in your career as an office manager. In a role that demands adaptability, staying updated on the latest trends, tools, and best practices is essential. Whether it's mastering new software, understanding evolving HR laws, or refining your leadership skills, continuing education helps you stay ahead of the … [Read more...] about Keep Growing: The Best Continuing Education Options for Office Managers
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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 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
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
Insecure Boss Treats Me Like a Threat
By Lynne Curry Question: I work for a general manager who’s brilliant with code and clueless about people. He bristles at feedback, shuts down suggestions, and appears threatened by the fact that I managed a team with my prior employer. He ices me out in meetings and sidelines me every chance he gets. I like my job, but I’m considering quitting. Why do so many … [Read more...] about Insecure Boss Treats Me Like a Threat
Why “Thank You” Matters More Than You Think
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
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
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