Think Smarter: Five Ways To Be More Strategic

by Rhonda Scharf | Nov 3, 2025 | Ask Rhonda, Communication, Efficiency, Goal Setting, Help Me Rhonda, Management, Tips

“Work smarter, not harder.” We’ve all heard that line before, and it’s one of my Wheel of Fortune game in my training workshops. And, of course, we understand that we do need to work smarter. We need to be more strategic; otherwise, we feel...

Beyond a Bullet List: A Smarter Way to Get Work Done

by Rhonda Scharf | Oct 27, 2025 | Ask Rhonda, Communication, Efficiency, Goal Setting, Help Me Rhonda, Management, Tips

If you’re like most professionals, you’ve probably written and rewritten your to-do list more times than you can count. You start with good intentions, only to end the day frustrated that the most important things are still waiting for you tomorrow. It’s not you. It’s...

Critical Thinking: Your Workplace Superpower

by Rhonda Scharf | Oct 20, 2025 | Ask Rhonda, Communication, Efficiency, Goal Setting, Help Me Rhonda, Management, Tips

If there’s one skill that will make you stand out at work, it’s critical thinking. It’s what helps you make smart decisions, solve problems, and avoid embarrassing (or expensive!) mistakes. It’s about taking a step back, thinking things through, and not reacting...

Stop Complaining and Start Venting the Healthy Way

by Rhonda Scharf | Oct 13, 2025 | Ask Rhonda, Communication, Efficiency, Goal Setting, Help Me Rhonda, Management, Tips

We can all admit there are times when we just need to vent. We have all experienced a coworker doing something that makes our blood pressure spike, or a boss dropping a last-minute task on our already full plate. You feel the frustration bubbling up and need to get it...

Avoiding Gossip at Work

by Rhonda Scharf | Oct 3, 2025 | Ask Rhonda, Communication, Efficiency, Goal Setting, Help Me Rhonda, Management, Tips

Gossip is one of those workplace temptations that seems harmless—after all, “everyone else is doing it.” But in my experience (and in the research), giving in, even passively, is dangerous. As administrative professionals, you have a unique role in shaping tone,...

The Communication Glow-Up: Tiny Word Swaps, Big Impact

by Rhonda Scharf | Sep 29, 2025 | Ask Rhonda, Communication, Efficiency, Goal Setting, Help Me Rhonda, Management, Tips

Have you ever read an email you sent and cringed at your own words? Maybe you wrote, “No rush, but …” or “Sorry to bother you…” and immediately wished you could snatch it back before anyone saw it? Don’t worry, because we’ve all...