How to deal with distract — wait, is that cake?

by Rhonda Scharf | Mar 19, 2013 | Ask Rhonda, Communication, Efficiency, Help Me Rhonda, Office Solutions, Tips

  Do distractions frustrate you and cause you to be less efficient? Of course they do. Whether those distractions come in the form of noisy co-workers, being in a high traffic area or social media, you know that if they weren’t there, you’d get more done. I’ll...

Have you been passed over on promotions?

by Rhonda Scharf | Feb 21, 2013 | Ask Rhonda, Communication, Efficiency, Help Me Rhonda, Office Solutions

Help Me Rhonda! “I just got passed up for another promotion. This is the third one in the last four years. I have a degree and great skills; I get excellent comments and scores on my yearly reviews, too. It seems impossible for me to break out of being ‘just a...

Are you an Email Hoarder?

by Rhonda Scharf | Sep 27, 2012 | Ask Rhonda, Communication, Efficiency, Management

I’ll admit that occasionally I watch the TLC show Hoarders. I always feel better about myself after I watch it. My life may be messy sometimes, but it isn’t anything like that! Or is it? You may not be a classic hoarder. You may not have areas of your home and office...

Are there flowerpots in your urinals?

by Rhonda Scharf | Jul 25, 2012 | Communication, Office Solutions, Tips

I’m attending a conference in Grapevine, Texas this week, and I was reminded in a humorous way how important it is to be flexible. The Gaylord Texan Hotel knows how to be flexible. I’m attending the Education Forum and Annual Meeting of IAAP. There are about 1,500...

Look As Professional As You Are!

by Rhonda Scharf | May 24, 2012 | Ask Rhonda, Communication, Help Me Rhonda, Office Solutions, Tips

Close your eyes and walk into your office or cubicle. When you open your eyes, look at your desk as if it doesn’t belong to you. Now describe the person who owns this desk. Do they seem professional and competent, or frazzled and disorganized? Now remember that this...

Have you ever listened to yourself?

by Rhonda Scharf | Apr 23, 2012 | Ask Rhonda, Communication, Help Me Rhonda, Office Solutions, Tips

Have you ever listened to yourself? The only thing more painful than listening to your own voice on a recording is watching yourself on video. (The latter always compels me to start a new fitness regime.) Unfortunately, my voice can’t be improved by going to the gym...