Expert insights. Personalized for you.
“I’m not expecting Shakespeare.” Your boss or colleague has probably said something along these lines after asking for a memo or briefing on a tight timeline. Business communication should be quick, precise, and easily digestible. Deadlines aren’t negotiable and accuracy is vital. MORE
I have been fortunate to gain a three-dimensional view of communication between executives and assistants: I was an assistant for 20 years thus understanding what I needed from my executive so I could be effective. I worked with a variety of managers and executives, each with different personalities and communication styles. Since 1990, I have been the CEO of my own company and have worked with several of my own assistants. MORE
More words don’t always translate into more meaning. That’s why it’s important to avoid wordiness in your writing, especially in a business setting. Your colleagues’ and customers’ time is precious. They need to know what you offer, need, or suggest quickly and concisely. If you find yourself rambling, it might be due to a lack… Writing and Grammar MORE
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Being an Administrative or Executive Assistant is not always a walk in the park. There is always a fire to be put out, there is the juggling of 9,000 different tasks, and sometimes you are an assistant to more than one executive or manager. MORE
Most of the time assistants tell me they can’t attend our conference for administrative assistants or training because of budget cuts or not getting financial support. Sometimes it really is a budget issue. I understand that perfectly as a business owner and CEO. But often, it’s just lack of knowing how to sell the conference to the executive. Have the courage to go after what you want. That in itself is a learning experience. Below are strategies that really work. MORE
In an ever-changing world consumed by apps, devices, and software, some administrative assistants think that their experience can be measured by their technical savvy. While staying abreast of the latest tools of the profession is important, it takes a particular skill-set to navigate through the uncertainties thrown our way – timeless skills. When I started… Communication Skills Conflict Resolution Interpersonal Skills Self Development MORE
A meeting planner by MY definition is the go-to person and should be a key member of the design (or planning) team within an organization — be it corporate, association or otherwise — charged with the responsibility of planning and executing a meeting or special event. Planners utilize their project management. experience, planning skills and attention to detail to help create and deliver events that meet or exceed expectations. MORE
Several years ago, I came up with Adminology. It was a formula for success for assistants. I still teach Adminology in our World Class Assistant™ certification and designation course because it never changes. Just bear with me as I explain this to you as it will all come together. Assistants should apply the Adminology formula to achieve better outcomes. The formula is: Science + Art = Success. So, what do I mean by that? Well, the left side of the brain is the science side. MORE
Ask an Admin was created by Office Dynamics to help administrative professionals with their problems through the help of their peers. We don’t always have an answer to each individual’s problem but we know some of you might. Please read the question and comment below. MORE
The world around us is in a state of pandemonium. The threat of Coronavirus has highlighted our greatest fears and worst nightmares. Its tentacles have a firm chokehold on the economy, and basic infrastructures are grinding to a halt. Times like these remind us of an old concept developed during the Cold War era, VUCA. VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. It’s an acronymized way of saying, “Buckle up. It’s a crazy world out there.”. MORE
There’s a saying that success is 5% strategy and 95% mindset. When you set your mind to improving your job skills, you take control of your life to reach your full potential. It results in you performing at your optimum level. That leads to opportunities for your career advancement. MORE
One of the biggest struggles executive assistants report to me is mastering effective time management. Let’s face it: your days are chaotic. You’re pulled in a million different directions, and many of you have multiple leaders to support. MORE
Rare and unusual times have presented themselves as a result of the onset of Coronavirus COVID-19. As an office, we learned just how many Assistants across the nation and world have become impacted. While we anticipated learning of non-essential business closures leading to working from home, we did not anticipate the high number of Assistants around the world struggling with the uncertainties, isolation and communication barriers brought on by the circumstances. MORE
Ask an Admin was created by Office Dynamics to help administrative professionals with their problems through the help of their peers. We don’t always have an answer to each individual’s problem but we know some of you might. Please read the question and comment below. MORE
It is no secret that Joan Burge and the Office Dynamics team believes in continuous education and training so we wanted to provide you with several resources that give you access to free education and training. Educational Video Library. MORE
A meeting planner by MY definition is the go-to person within an organization – be it corporate, association or otherwise – charged with the responsibility of planning and executing a meeting or special event. Not all people who plan meetings are “meeting planners,” nor do all meeting planners start out their careers as meeting planners. MORE
Your office environment is a mix of workers and trailblazers, and the two have nothing to do with titles. Workers tend to know their job and only their job. They work with their heads down. MORE
To Our Clients and Colleagues: 30 years is a long time to sustain and build a business in a very unique niche. one that I created. administrative training and development. There have been many ups and downs over the years but I would not have chosen any other path. MORE
Top-notch telephone screening and etiquette skills are paramount regardless of industry, company size, or geographic location. Their importance hasn’t diminished in our modern world of text messages, e-mails, and online chats. What exactly am I talking about? MORE
Many assistants hear self-management and perceive it as the ability to not rely on their executive to move forward with projects. After all, the ability to think on your feet comes with the job title of an assistant. Self-management is more than being self-sufficient. MORE
Did you know that bad grammar can ruin a good message? You could be missing opportunities to get your point across because your readers have to wade through awkward sentences that set their teeth on edge. MORE
Office Dynamics International is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Since 1990, we have provided rich resources for administrative professionals around the world. As you can imagine, we have covered thousands of assistant-focused topics over the decades. MORE
Because your writing reflects your credibility, you want to craft your messages as effectively as possible. You can immediately improve it by applying these five points. Make your opening sentence compelling. It starts with knowing your reader—a boss, a coworker, a customer. MORE
A natural reaction to change is fear of the unknown. Many assistants would much rather stay in their comfort zones where they feel safe and secure. However, change is a must if we want to grow in our careers, in our relationships, and as a person. While the thought of it may seem challenging, change… Attitude Conflict Resolution Problem Solving Self Development adaptibility change in the workplace development for assistants skills for assistants MORE
Last week Office Dynamics sent an email to all of our subscribers saying, “Thank you,” and we also provided the Office Dynamics Top 10 Blogs For Administrative Professionals. MORE
I would like to address the recent article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal on January 18, 2020 by Rachel Feintzeig regarding The Vanishing Executive Assistant. First, I have been entrenched in the administrative profession for 50 years. MORE
An administrative conference should feed your brain and soul! You have finally gotten the approval to attend an administrative conference, maybe you have decided to invest in yourself by attending an administrative conference but choosing the best administrative assistant or executive assistant conference is no easy task. Attending an administrative conference is a big investment of your time and money. You should choose wisely. MORE
Are you in the market for a new job? You’re not alone. Recent events have led to a rise in job seekers, which means more competition. So, how do you stand out in a saturated market in which employers are receiving resumes by the minute? In this blog, we will cover a few resume and… Career Management Etiquette Interpersonal Skills Networking Self Development interview advice interview tips resume MORE
Some executive assistants have it. Some executive assistants don’t. What is it, you ask? That intangible, invaluable “wow” factor. Here’s the good news: It’s a learnable trait! Anyone can develop their own unique wow factor. It has nothing to do with your title or pay grade; it’s about who you are as a professional. MORE
A stellar career portfolio captures your progressing skill levels, professional recognition, career enhancements, development activities, and impressive accomplishments. MORE
We live in a day and age that has forgotten which word comes first in the phrase, “business casual.” Too many professionals lose focus of their lofty career goals in the day-to-day grind. MORE
Working with people has its pros and cons. When you work with others you are able to bounce around ideas, collaborate, get feedback, and share knowledge. However, when you work with difficult people, you may experience resistance. In the past, we’ve touched on how to deal with difficult people but let’s face it, dealing with… Attitude Career Management Conflict Resolution Difficult People Stress Management Work-Life Balance bad boss bad manager difficult people difficult situations MORE
Ask an Admin was created by Office Dynamics to help administrative professionals with their problems through the help of their peers. We don’t always have an answer to each individual’s problem but we know some of you might. Please read the question and comment below. MORE
Sunday, March 8. In a recent interview, I was asked, “What motivates you to be an Administrative Professional Trainer and Coach”? I made it clear: I am passionate about my career of choice. More importantly, I am driven by the concept of igniting the power of you , the opportunity to gain control over your outcomes, and to value your value. MORE
Ask an Admin was created by Office Dynamics to help administrative professionals with their problems through the help of their peers. We don’t always have an answer to each individual’s problem but we know some of you might. Please read the question and comment below. MORE
I created the above visual as an image of the ideal situation between an executive and their assistant, especially when it comes to communication. Because of all the technology today, assistants have a very hard time staying “in the loop.” When an assistant is aware of what is going on or what is on the horizon, she or he can better anticipate, be proactive, plan better, foresee barriers, look more professional, and reduce stress. MORE
Not all people who plan meetings are “meeting planners,” nor do all meeting planners start out their careers as meeting planners. MORE
Have you ever come across someone whose decorum is composed amidst the chaos? Their organizational skills, attitude, and outlook seem unscathed. It’s likely that the person you see before you developed those traits over time and has chosen to be resilient regardless of what lies ahead. Developing resiliency is beneficial for two main reasons: Throughout your career and personal life, there will always be turmoil, upheaval, and unwanted change. MORE
We all know how hard it is to mentally get back in our work mode after a holiday—especially a long holiday like Christmas season. Here are some tips to help assistants refocus on business and their priorities. MORE
Heather Asks: Background: The majority of my career has been as an EA to a VP of Operations for a local Fortune 500 company. They “restructured” leaving my team with a job almost 2 yrs ago. MORE
Whether you have been coordinating meetings for decades or days there are some simple tips to follow to make any meeting more productive and the attendees feel welcomed. MORE
From Joan Burge’s new book, Joan’s Greatest Administrative Secrets Revealed (2018). I know many seasoned executive assistants who think they do not need to focus on or pay attention to their basic skills, what is also known as the fundamentals. MORE
Planning and executing meetings and events is no easy task and requires a PLAN and a PROCESS and a TEAM of experts to make it happen and for it to be deemed a success. If you fail to plan appropriately, you are setting yourself up to fail and who wants to do that? Not me and hopefully not you. MORE
If you feel you are on the verge of stressing too much because of your job or even home life, take a step back. You might be burning out. Before it becomes full-blown, take these steps: Find time to play. Even if it means forcing yourself. MORE
Office Dynamics
JANUARY 21, 2020
I would like to address the recent article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal on January 18, 2020 by Rachel Feintzeig regarding The Vanishing Executive Assistant. First, I have been entrenched in the administrative profession for 50 years.
Office Dynamics
AUGUST 13, 2020
In an ever-changing world consumed by apps, devices, and software, some administrative assistants think that their experience can be measured by their technical savvy. While staying abreast of the latest tools of the profession is important, it takes a particular skill-set to navigate through the uncertainties thrown our way – timeless skills. When I started… Communication Skills Conflict Resolution Interpersonal Skills Self Development
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Office Dynamics
JULY 10, 2020
Did you know that bad grammar can ruin a good message? You could be missing opportunities to get your point across because your readers have to wade through awkward sentences that set their teeth on edge.
Office Dynamics
JUNE 1, 2020
Office Dynamics International is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Since 1990, we have provided rich resources for administrative professionals around the world. As you can imagine, we have covered thousands of assistant-focused topics over the decades.
Office Dynamics
MARCH 25, 2020
Rare and unusual times have presented themselves as a result of the onset of Coronavirus COVID-19. As an office, we learned just how many Assistants across the nation and world have become impacted. While we anticipated learning of non-essential business closures leading to working from home, we did not anticipate the high number of Assistants around the world struggling with the uncertainties, isolation and communication barriers brought on by the circumstances.
Office Dynamics
AUGUST 31, 2020
“I’m not expecting Shakespeare.” Your boss or colleague has probably said something along these lines after asking for a memo or briefing on a tight timeline. Business communication should be quick, precise, and easily digestible. Deadlines aren’t negotiable and accuracy is vital.
Office Dynamics
APRIL 14, 2020
Planning and executing meetings and events is no easy task and requires a PLAN and a PROCESS and a TEAM of experts to make it happen and for it to be deemed a success. If you fail to plan appropriately, you are setting yourself up to fail and who wants to do that? Not me and hopefully not you.
Office Dynamics
FEBRUARY 5, 2020
A stellar career portfolio captures your progressing skill levels, professional recognition, career enhancements, development activities, and impressive accomplishments.
Office Dynamics
FEBRUARY 18, 2020
There’s a saying that success is 5% strategy and 95% mindset. When you set your mind to improving your job skills, you take control of your life to reach your full potential. It results in you performing at your optimum level. That leads to opportunities for your career advancement.
Office Dynamics
FEBRUARY 10, 2020
Not all people who plan meetings are “meeting planners,” nor do all meeting planners start out their careers as meeting planners.
Office Dynamics
FEBRUARY 19, 2020
Ask an Admin was created by Office Dynamics to help administrative professionals with their problems through the help of their peers. We don’t always have an answer to each individual’s problem but we know some of you might. Please read the question and comment below.
Office Dynamics
JANUARY 3, 2020
We live in a day and age that has forgotten which word comes first in the phrase, “business casual.” Too many professionals lose focus of their lofty career goals in the day-to-day grind.
Office Dynamics
FEBRUARY 4, 2020
Because your writing reflects your credibility, you want to craft your messages as effectively as possible. You can immediately improve it by applying these five points. Make your opening sentence compelling. It starts with knowing your reader—a boss, a coworker, a customer.
Office Dynamics
MAY 14, 2020
Have you ever come across someone whose decorum is composed amidst the chaos? Their organizational skills, attitude, and outlook seem unscathed. It’s likely that the person you see before you developed those traits over time and has chosen to be resilient regardless of what lies ahead. Developing resiliency is beneficial for two main reasons: Throughout your career and personal life, there will always be turmoil, upheaval, and unwanted change.
Office Dynamics
JANUARY 27, 2020
Ask an Admin was created by Office Dynamics to help administrative professionals with their problems through the help of their peers. We don’t always have an answer to each individual’s problem but we know some of you might. Please read the question and comment below.
Office Dynamics
JANUARY 22, 2020
To Our Clients and Colleagues: 30 years is a long time to sustain and build a business in a very unique niche. one that I created. administrative training and development. There have been many ups and downs over the years but I would not have chosen any other path.
Office Dynamics
JANUARY 7, 2020
We all know how hard it is to mentally get back in our work mode after a holiday—especially a long holiday like Christmas season. Here are some tips to help assistants refocus on business and their priorities.
Office Dynamics
MARCH 11, 2020
The world around us is in a state of pandemonium. The threat of Coronavirus has highlighted our greatest fears and worst nightmares. Its tentacles have a firm chokehold on the economy, and basic infrastructures are grinding to a halt. Times like these remind us of an old concept developed during the Cold War era, VUCA. VUCA stands for Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity. It’s an acronymized way of saying, “Buckle up. It’s a crazy world out there.”.
Office Dynamics
OCTOBER 2, 2018
Being an Administrative or Executive Assistant is not always a walk in the park. There is always a fire to be put out, there is the juggling of 9,000 different tasks, and sometimes you are an assistant to more than one executive or manager.
Office Dynamics
MAY 21, 2020
A natural reaction to change is fear of the unknown. Many assistants would much rather stay in their comfort zones where they feel safe and secure. However, change is a must if we want to grow in our careers, in our relationships, and as a person. While the thought of it may seem challenging, change… Attitude Conflict Resolution Problem Solving Self Development adaptibility change in the workplace development for assistants skills for assistants
Office Dynamics
NOVEMBER 12, 2019
Top-notch telephone screening and etiquette skills are paramount regardless of industry, company size, or geographic location. Their importance hasn’t diminished in our modern world of text messages, e-mails, and online chats. What exactly am I talking about?
Office Dynamics
JULY 20, 2020
Are you in the market for a new job? You’re not alone. Recent events have led to a rise in job seekers, which means more competition. So, how do you stand out in a saturated market in which employers are receiving resumes by the minute? In this blog, we will cover a few resume and… Career Management Etiquette Interpersonal Skills Networking Self Development interview advice interview tips resume
Office Dynamics
MAY 28, 2020
Many assistants hear self-management and perceive it as the ability to not rely on their executive to move forward with projects. After all, the ability to think on your feet comes with the job title of an assistant. Self-management is more than being self-sufficient.
Office Dynamics
NOVEMBER 10, 2018
It is no secret that Joan Burge and the Office Dynamics team believes in continuous education and training so we wanted to provide you with several resources that give you access to free education and training. Educational Video Library.
Office Dynamics
JUNE 30, 2020
Working with people has its pros and cons. When you work with others you are able to bounce around ideas, collaborate, get feedback, and share knowledge. However, when you work with difficult people, you may experience resistance. In the past, we’ve touched on how to deal with difficult people but let’s face it, dealing with… Attitude Career Management Conflict Resolution Difficult People Stress Management Work-Life Balance bad boss bad manager difficult people difficult situations
Office Dynamics
MARCH 6, 2020
Sunday, March 8. In a recent interview, I was asked, “What motivates you to be an Administrative Professional Trainer and Coach”? I made it clear: I am passionate about my career of choice. More importantly, I am driven by the concept of igniting the power of you , the opportunity to gain control over your outcomes, and to value your value.
Office Dynamics
FEBRUARY 13, 2020
Ask an Admin was created by Office Dynamics to help administrative professionals with their problems through the help of their peers. We don’t always have an answer to each individual’s problem but we know some of you might. Please read the question and comment below.
Office Dynamics
NOVEMBER 15, 2019
I have been fortunate to gain a three-dimensional view of communication between executives and assistants: I was an assistant for 20 years thus understanding what I needed from my executive so I could be effective. I worked with a variety of managers and executives, each with different personalities and communication styles. Since 1990, I have been the CEO of my own company and have worked with several of my own assistants.
Office Dynamics
NOVEMBER 19, 2019
A meeting planner by MY definition is the go-to person within an organization – be it corporate, association or otherwise – charged with the responsibility of planning and executing a meeting or special event. Not all people who plan meetings are “meeting planners,” nor do all meeting planners start out their careers as meeting planners.
Office Dynamics
SEPTEMBER 5, 2018
From Joan Burge’s new book, Joan’s Greatest Administrative Secrets Revealed (2018). I know many seasoned executive assistants who think they do not need to focus on or pay attention to their basic skills, what is also known as the fundamentals.
Office Dynamics
AUGUST 7, 2019
I created the above visual as an image of the ideal situation between an executive and their assistant, especially when it comes to communication. Because of all the technology today, assistants have a very hard time staying “in the loop.” When an assistant is aware of what is going on or what is on the horizon, she or he can better anticipate, be proactive, plan better, foresee barriers, look more professional, and reduce stress.
Office Dynamics
NOVEMBER 8, 2018
If you feel you are on the verge of stressing too much because of your job or even home life, take a step back. You might be burning out. Before it becomes full-blown, take these steps: Find time to play. Even if it means forcing yourself.
Office Dynamics
MAY 14, 2019
An administrative conference should feed your brain and soul! You have finally gotten the approval to attend an administrative conference, maybe you have decided to invest in yourself by attending an administrative conference but choosing the best administrative assistant or executive assistant conference is no easy task. Attending an administrative conference is a big investment of your time and money. You should choose wisely.
Office Dynamics
APRIL 2, 2020
One of the biggest struggles executive assistants report to me is mastering effective time management. Let’s face it: your days are chaotic. You’re pulled in a million different directions, and many of you have multiple leaders to support.
Office Dynamics
DECEMBER 2, 2019
Heather Asks: Background: The majority of my career has been as an EA to a VP of Operations for a local Fortune 500 company. They “restructured” leaving my team with a job almost 2 yrs ago.
Office Dynamics
JUNE 12, 2020
More words don’t always translate into more meaning. That’s why it’s important to avoid wordiness in your writing, especially in a business setting. Your colleagues’ and customers’ time is precious. They need to know what you offer, need, or suggest quickly and concisely. If you find yourself rambling, it might be due to a lack… Writing and Grammar
Office Dynamics
JUNE 20, 2018
Last week Office Dynamics sent an email to all of our subscribers saying, “Thank you,” and we also provided the Office Dynamics Top 10 Blogs For Administrative Professionals.
Office Dynamics
FEBRUARY 6, 2020
Ask an Admin was created by Office Dynamics to help administrative professionals with their problems through the help of their peers. We don’t always have an answer to each individual’s problem but we know some of you might. Please read the question and comment below.
Office Dynamics
AUGUST 29, 2019
Several years ago, I came up with Adminology. It was a formula for success for assistants. I still teach Adminology in our World Class Assistant™ certification and designation course because it never changes. Just bear with me as I explain this to you as it will all come together. Assistants should apply the Adminology formula to achieve better outcomes. The formula is: Science + Art = Success. So, what do I mean by that? Well, the left side of the brain is the science side.
Office Dynamics
MAY 21, 2019
Most of the time assistants tell me they can’t attend our conference for administrative assistants or training because of budget cuts or not getting financial support. Sometimes it really is a budget issue. I understand that perfectly as a business owner and CEO. But often, it’s just lack of knowing how to sell the conference to the executive. Have the courage to go after what you want. That in itself is a learning experience. Below are strategies that really work.
Office Dynamics
SEPTEMBER 27, 2018
Whether you have been coordinating meetings for decades or days there are some simple tips to follow to make any meeting more productive and the attendees feel welcomed.
Office Dynamics
AUGUST 22, 2019
A meeting planner by MY definition is the go-to person and should be a key member of the design (or planning) team within an organization — be it corporate, association or otherwise — charged with the responsibility of planning and executing a meeting or special event. Planners utilize their project management. experience, planning skills and attention to detail to help create and deliver events that meet or exceed expectations.
Office Dynamics
AUGUST 20, 2019
Some executive assistants have it. Some executive assistants don’t. What is it, you ask? That intangible, invaluable “wow” factor. Here’s the good news: It’s a learnable trait! Anyone can develop their own unique wow factor. It has nothing to do with your title or pay grade; it’s about who you are as a professional.
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