Newsletter for Jan 2013
Volume 3, Issue 14
Jan 2013
s d r o W t s e aW w a t t O P A A I
Chapter of Excellence 2011-2012 Inside this issue:
President’s Message— Happy New Year to everyone! I can’t believe how time flies. Each New Year we all make promises and resolutions to ourselves whether it be to lose weight, quite smoking or get healthier. I decided last year that I was no longer going to make New Year resolutions, but instead try not to change anything for January. The majority of people that make New Year resolutions end up quitting by the end of January and end up feeling bad or guilty. Instead, I try and do something small each month that will make me feel better. It might be shovelling my neighbour’s
driveway, donating food to the local food back or volunteering at the soup kitchen. Speaking of volunteering – if you are at all interested in helping out the chapter in any capacity, please speak to me or anyone else on the board. It doesn’t have to mean a large commitment of time, but helping out would assist the board in making sure the chapter runs smoothly. Another benefit of helping out is the Star points you would get.
Shelley Wong
This month’s speaker is Carrie Morgan. Carrie will be speaking to us about our Personal Brand. We will be learning how to integrate who we really are in our work and how to emphasize this through expression of our persona brand. We will also be better able to distinguish ourselves in the marketplace and achieve greater fulfillment from the time we spend at work.
2
Jan Meeting announcement
3
Member Spotlight
4
13 ways to start 2013 with a bang
5
Tips for Healthy and Balanced Lifestyle
6
Dates to remember
7
Simple Facts about New Years Resolutions
8
Members Marketplace
10
CAP News
11
Easing Office Culture
12
Looking for a Chapter
13
2012-2013 Executive
December and two Aunt’s and an Uncle in the summer months were the lows. Now that 2013 has arrived I am looking forward to an exciting IAAP year. BE THE ONE and make a resolution to become an
Morin
active member of your local chapter and even perhaps take the leap to the Division level. Check out Colleen Clarke’sarticle on page 5 item 7 of this issue. Hope to see you all at future meetings!
9
President’s Message
I look forward to seeing everyone on January 16.
F ro m t h e d e s k o f t h e e d i to r — B . J . As I reflect back on what occurred personally for me in 2012, there were highs and some lows. The birth of our first grandbaby in February and a couple of weddings were the highs. The passing of my Mother in
Courtesy Corner
President—Shelley Wong President Elect—vacant Vice President—vacant Secretary— Michelle Robb Treasurer—Laurie-Jean Smith
I hope you like the look of the newsletter—send feedback to [email protected]
IAAP OTTAWA WEST WORDS
PAGE 2
C o u rt e s y C o r n e r Let our courtesy chair Melanie Murphy know if you wish to acknowledge anyone or an event within the chapter. It can be a birthday, special occasion, get well, birth, death etc.
Condolences to B.J. Morin—Mother and Marilyn Wozniak—Brother Its as easy as contacting Melanie at: [email protected]
Ottawa West Chapter Anniversaries November 2012
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE www.iaap-ottawawest.org
Ramona Bietlot
2 years
Monique Cochrane
6 years
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 3
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 4
Member Spotlight
Melanie Murphy Program Chair, Courtesy
Name
Melanie Murphy
Where currently employed and how long
Bright Future Developments – BFD Inc. Since 2005
Current position
Currently Managing…Unofficially the CEO
Previous companies where employed
One Change Foundation Self-Employed – Bookkeeping/Admin
Very first job? (volunteer or paid)
Barn Assistant at a Horse Farm
If you were not an administrative Professional what would your fantasy job be?
Anything to do with horses!
Family
Married; kids – Chris (20) and Connor (2); and three stepchildren in their teens and older.
Favorite vacation spot
I don’t really have a favourite spot – haven’t been away in a long time. I would love to go to Scotland and Italy. Locally we really like the Picton and Sandbanks area.
Favorite foods
Italian!
What is something about you that people would be surprised to know
I’m Adopted
Favorite TV shows
Coronation Street – Dragon’s Den – CSI Series
Do you have a pet peeve
Poorly Organized Meetings
Hobbies
Yoga/Pilates – Reading Baking/Cooking/Entertaining Independent Rep with Silpada Designs Jewellery
Editor’s note: If you wish to profiled in a future edition, please contact [email protected]
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 5
13 Ways to start 2013 with bang Colleen Clarke
When the calendar starts a new year, it is like renewed hope that this year will bring what the last did not. This year will land you work opportunities, this year will find you gainfully employed or with a new boss, more remuneration or with the where with all to start your own business. To ensure success start with these strategies: 1. Decide that you are going to have a stellar year. It is totally within your control to cognitively decide how you are going to feel about your future, your destiny may not be in your hands but how you feel about it is. 2. Dump limitations, excuses, laziness and bad habits in the garbage bin. Even better, write them all down and then burn the list. 3. Reach out to people you have been thinking about or planning to connect with and just do it! Call and email and ask what the best method of connecting with them might be. If you can get referred your chances of getting through and communicating goes up 100% if they are conscientious people. 4. Set a goal at the end of the day as to how you are going to start the next day. You need a reason to get out of bed. Go to the gym, walk the dog, start a blog, follow someone on twitter, write an article for an association newsletter. 5. Read stories about successful people. 6. Broaden your mind and your world. Visit museums, art galleries and parts of your city or town you have never visited before. Read magazines you would not normally be interested in. 7. Volunteer somewhere that is congruent with your values and beliefs that will teach you new skills, introduce you to new people and put a smile on your face. 8. Take time every day, even 20 minutes, to do something for yourself. Find some quiet time to go inside yourself to interpret your feelings and find out what is going on with you. 9. Check up on a friend or relative you haven't seen or spoken to for a long time. Tell them you are thinking about them. 10. Move. Dance, sing, jog, run, walk fast, stroll. Use your body in a way that is different from what you usually do with it. 11. Learn a new language or study about a country you would like to visit and have never been to. Find a restaurant that serves their food and try it out. 12. Get a pet. Buy a small tank or big vase, put in some goldfish and place it near your work station. Watching fish swim is very soothing and calming. 13. Entertain. Ask some friends over for a pot luck. Laugh and giggle. Get those happy hormones fired up! The important thing is to try to be as positive as you can. Believe in yourself, assess your past accomplishments as a reminder to what you have achieved in your life and therefore what is possible in the future. I wish you a rockin' 2013. Colleen Clarke Career Specialist and Corporate Trainer www.colleenclarke.com Author of Networking How To Build Relationships That Count and How To Get a Job and Keep It
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 6
Reminder Don’t forget to bring in items for the monthly silent auction. Items count towards the STAR program
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 7
!! STILL TIME !! Don’t forget to bring in your pennies to our meetings for the Penny Drive. Support Central Canada Division 2012-2013 Upcoming Ottawa West Chapter Meetings and Topics Holiday Inn Select, Centrum Plaza, Kanata 2012
2013
September 19th
- Social Media
January 16th - The Power of YOUR Personal Brand
October 17th
- Diva in De-stress
February 20th - Resume Writing and Performance Reviews
November 21st
- A Wellness Evening
March 20th
- Event Planning
December 12th
- Office 2010 Tips and Tricks
April 17th
- Following his dream
May 15th
- Assert Yourself
June 19th
- Annual General Meeting
Other Dates to remember 2013
2014
Feb 15
May CAP exam registration deadline
May 28-Jun 2
Canada Division Conference (CDC), in PEI
March 15-16
Futures Conference in Anaheim, California
Jul 26-30
March 17-20
Tec 13—Technology Education Conference in Anaheim California (formally IAAP Spring Conference)
Education Forum and Annual Meeting (EFAM) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2015
April 21-27
Administrative Professional Week
April 24
AP Day
May 4
CAP and OM Exams
May 23-25
Canada Division Conference (CDC), Lethbridge, AB
July 27-31
Education Forum and Annual Meeting (EFAM) in Anaheim, California
Aug 15
November CAP exam registration deadline
Nov 2
CAP and OM Exams
Jul 25-29
Education Forum and Annual Meeting (EFAM) in Louisville, Kentucky
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 8
THE SIMPLE FACTS ABOUT NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS -Chuck Hansen
Every year around this time we resolve to change the way we work for the better. And every year, not long after this time, we find ourselves off track again. (We don’t have space to address personal resolutions, although the ideas below work for those too.) Why is it so hard to keep our New Year’s resolutions at work? One of the biggest challenges is technology: In 1845, in “Walden,” Henry David Thoreau wrote about the new technology of the railroad and the effort required to build it, maintain it and then to keep up with the faster pace of life it created. Thoreau said, “We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us,” perfectly describing our relationship with “labor-saving” technologies. With BlackBerries, cell phones and e-mail, we can work from anywhere – the family room, the soccer field, the beach, even the sickbed. About the only place we can’t work from is the grave, but I’ve heard they are working on it. When making a living completely overtakes making a life, what chance do our best intentions have?
Finally, let yourself be inspired. God, the laws of the universe and your family and (most) coworkers want you to succeed, and if you follow your dreams they will help you along. As Thoreau said, “…if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours… In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex… If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” Maybe this year, consider this resolution: Simplify.
So what is the answer? Try this: Simplify. Start by anchoring long-term goals in what you can control. Don’t resolve “to get my boss to listen to me.” That is out of your control! Instead, resolve “to offer my boss more innovative ideas.” That’s one you can control, and as a bonus, both goals become more possible with this approach.
“The greatest thing in the world is not so Next, simplify your daily to-do much where we stand as in which direction list. Thoreau said, “Our lives are frittered away by detail… I say we are moving? let your affairs be as two or three, not a hundred or a thousand.” When you are feeling overwhelmed, make a list, identify the top two or three items, and then, as Dr. Jim Flamming at First Baptist Church in Chuck Hansen is an associate member of Richmond, Va. used to say, “do the next thing.” And don’t get down on yourself. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Thoreau’s fellow transcendentalist, said, “The greatest thing in the world is not so much where we stand as in which direction we are moving.”
the IAAP-Old Dominion Chapter, a motivational speaker, an award-winning humor writer and author of two books. He has spoken as the IAAP Michigan, VAWVA and DE-MD-DC Division annual meetings. He can be reached at [email protected] or www.chuckhansen.com.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
Members Marketplace Do you have a side business that you would like to advertise? A great way to reach our members and others in the IAAP e-group community is to use the newsletter. For a nominal set up fee you can advertise for the chapter year with a business card size add. If interested contact your editor: [email protected]
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
DECEMBER PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE It’s December and that means most of us are busy at work, busy with holiday preparations and, most likely, not looking ahead to next year quite yet. I’d like you to think of the upcoming year for a moment. Put your day on hold for a bit of time and focus on 2013. I’m not talking about writing down resolutions but committing to one concrete goal that will advance your career and make your personal life better. It takes effort to make your life better but not as much effort as you may think. For those of you familiar with the Pareto Principle, you already know that. The Pareto Principle (or the 80/20 rule) is named after economist Vilfredo Pareto who discovered a unique relationship between inputs and outputs. The principle states that 20 percent of invested input is responsible for 80 percent of the results. For example, for those who sell for a living, 80 percent of sales come from 20 percent of the people. I imagine that many of you are nodding your head, thinking that’s what my workplace is like.
of office professionals. This year money raised will go for EFAM scholarships and for housing assistance to admins 55 and over who are in need. Join me in making a personal investment in the future of office professionals with a year-end donation to The Foundation. In a few weeks, a fresh year will be upon us. Until then, I ask you to take a moment to reflect on the many thousands of men and women who will not share the holidays with their homes and families and are serving your country during this holiday season. I wish all of you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season, peace, and prosperity in the coming year.
Created By: Rannals, Karlena
For the purpose of goals, 80 percent of productivity comes from 20 percent of the work. If you want to be more productive this year, use the Pareto Principle. Every morning get up, list the top five things you have to get done and then cross out the bottom four. Take the task that survived and spend 90 minutes on it. Who knows? This one goal for the year may change your life. When you’re thinking about how to invest your time for 2013, think about volunteering at IAAP. We need committed, professional volunteers to make a difference. Find out how you can serve for the upcoming 2013-2014 IAAP year. I’ve yet to meet one person who has given their time as a volunteer that hasn’t learned important skills that helped them in their job. Think about volunteering. It’s for the good of IAAP as well as your career. The end of the year is also a good time to think about giving to The Foundation of IAAP. The Foundation is dedicated to investing in the success
“ Time is the coin of your life. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” Carl Sandburg
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 11
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 12
EASING OFFICE CULTURE SHOCK How to acclimate to a new job You’ve started a new job and you’re about to attend your first staff meeting. Wanting to be considerate of your colleagues, you remember to silence your cell phone beforehand so you can discreetly check it during the meeting without being disruptive. It was acceptable to bring cell phones to meetings at your last job, so it’s safe to assume the same holds true at your new office, right? Well, no, and making such assumptions could be one of the reasons your colleagues are still referring to you as the new person.
The first few weeks in a new office can undermine your confidence and maybe even cause you to question whether the job is right for you. But if you give yourself time to get used to a new workplace culture, chances are you’ll start to feel less like the new person and more like a member of the team.
OfficeTeam is the world’s leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. The company has more than 315 locations worldwide, and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.
A new job comes with its own unique set of rules when it comes to workplace culture, office protocol and etiquette. Some things will be explained to you, but others can only be learned by observing or asking questions. “Don’t assume that rules are the same in In the meantime, you’re every workplace? bound to make some blunders and feel like an outsider. But don’t worry, there are things you can do to offset the awkwardness and the occasional faux pas. Following are a few tips to help you shed that new person moniker: Be proactive: Because your colleagues are all very busy, they might seem standoffish. Instead of waiting for people to reach out to you, try approaching them first. Introduce yourself to your new coworkers and find out what their roles are in the office. Your colleagues will appreciate the effort you make to establish a relationship with them, and you’ll feel more comfortable asking for help when you need it. Learn the do’s and don’ts: Protocol, both written and unwritten, helps define the culture of an office and failing to observe it might give colleagues the impression that you’re not a team player. Don’t assume that the rules are the same in every workplace. Learn what’s acceptable and what’s not in your current situation. If you’re unsure, ask questions to avoid a breach of conduct. Ask questions. Not asking enough questions is a top mistake new hires make when starting a job. When in doubt, seek clarification. Find a role model. An experienced team member might be willing to help you during your first weeks on the job. He or she could give you insight related to office protocol and highlight aspects of the role that you may not be aware of. The person may later develop into a mentor who can help you identify areas where you need to improve, such as communication abilities or software skills.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 13
Where IAAP Chapters are located in North America and beyond
Jan 2013
s d r o W t s e aW w a t t O P A A I
Chapter of Excellence 2011-2012 Inside this issue:
President’s Message— Happy New Year to everyone! I can’t believe how time flies. Each New Year we all make promises and resolutions to ourselves whether it be to lose weight, quite smoking or get healthier. I decided last year that I was no longer going to make New Year resolutions, but instead try not to change anything for January. The majority of people that make New Year resolutions end up quitting by the end of January and end up feeling bad or guilty. Instead, I try and do something small each month that will make me feel better. It might be shovelling my neighbour’s
driveway, donating food to the local food back or volunteering at the soup kitchen. Speaking of volunteering – if you are at all interested in helping out the chapter in any capacity, please speak to me or anyone else on the board. It doesn’t have to mean a large commitment of time, but helping out would assist the board in making sure the chapter runs smoothly. Another benefit of helping out is the Star points you would get.
Shelley Wong
This month’s speaker is Carrie Morgan. Carrie will be speaking to us about our Personal Brand. We will be learning how to integrate who we really are in our work and how to emphasize this through expression of our persona brand. We will also be better able to distinguish ourselves in the marketplace and achieve greater fulfillment from the time we spend at work.
2
Jan Meeting announcement
3
Member Spotlight
4
13 ways to start 2013 with a bang
5
Tips for Healthy and Balanced Lifestyle
6
Dates to remember
7
Simple Facts about New Years Resolutions
8
Members Marketplace
10
CAP News
11
Easing Office Culture
12
Looking for a Chapter
13
2012-2013 Executive
December and two Aunt’s and an Uncle in the summer months were the lows. Now that 2013 has arrived I am looking forward to an exciting IAAP year. BE THE ONE and make a resolution to become an
Morin
active member of your local chapter and even perhaps take the leap to the Division level. Check out Colleen Clarke’sarticle on page 5 item 7 of this issue. Hope to see you all at future meetings!
9
President’s Message
I look forward to seeing everyone on January 16.
F ro m t h e d e s k o f t h e e d i to r — B . J . As I reflect back on what occurred personally for me in 2012, there were highs and some lows. The birth of our first grandbaby in February and a couple of weddings were the highs. The passing of my Mother in
Courtesy Corner
President—Shelley Wong President Elect—vacant Vice President—vacant Secretary— Michelle Robb Treasurer—Laurie-Jean Smith
I hope you like the look of the newsletter—send feedback to [email protected]
IAAP OTTAWA WEST WORDS
PAGE 2
C o u rt e s y C o r n e r Let our courtesy chair Melanie Murphy know if you wish to acknowledge anyone or an event within the chapter. It can be a birthday, special occasion, get well, birth, death etc.
Condolences to B.J. Morin—Mother and Marilyn Wozniak—Brother Its as easy as contacting Melanie at: [email protected]
Ottawa West Chapter Anniversaries November 2012
CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE www.iaap-ottawawest.org
Ramona Bietlot
2 years
Monique Cochrane
6 years
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 3
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 4
Member Spotlight
Melanie Murphy Program Chair, Courtesy
Name
Melanie Murphy
Where currently employed and how long
Bright Future Developments – BFD Inc. Since 2005
Current position
Currently Managing…Unofficially the CEO
Previous companies where employed
One Change Foundation Self-Employed – Bookkeeping/Admin
Very first job? (volunteer or paid)
Barn Assistant at a Horse Farm
If you were not an administrative Professional what would your fantasy job be?
Anything to do with horses!
Family
Married; kids – Chris (20) and Connor (2); and three stepchildren in their teens and older.
Favorite vacation spot
I don’t really have a favourite spot – haven’t been away in a long time. I would love to go to Scotland and Italy. Locally we really like the Picton and Sandbanks area.
Favorite foods
Italian!
What is something about you that people would be surprised to know
I’m Adopted
Favorite TV shows
Coronation Street – Dragon’s Den – CSI Series
Do you have a pet peeve
Poorly Organized Meetings
Hobbies
Yoga/Pilates – Reading Baking/Cooking/Entertaining Independent Rep with Silpada Designs Jewellery
Editor’s note: If you wish to profiled in a future edition, please contact [email protected]
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 5
13 Ways to start 2013 with bang Colleen Clarke
When the calendar starts a new year, it is like renewed hope that this year will bring what the last did not. This year will land you work opportunities, this year will find you gainfully employed or with a new boss, more remuneration or with the where with all to start your own business. To ensure success start with these strategies: 1. Decide that you are going to have a stellar year. It is totally within your control to cognitively decide how you are going to feel about your future, your destiny may not be in your hands but how you feel about it is. 2. Dump limitations, excuses, laziness and bad habits in the garbage bin. Even better, write them all down and then burn the list. 3. Reach out to people you have been thinking about or planning to connect with and just do it! Call and email and ask what the best method of connecting with them might be. If you can get referred your chances of getting through and communicating goes up 100% if they are conscientious people. 4. Set a goal at the end of the day as to how you are going to start the next day. You need a reason to get out of bed. Go to the gym, walk the dog, start a blog, follow someone on twitter, write an article for an association newsletter. 5. Read stories about successful people. 6. Broaden your mind and your world. Visit museums, art galleries and parts of your city or town you have never visited before. Read magazines you would not normally be interested in. 7. Volunteer somewhere that is congruent with your values and beliefs that will teach you new skills, introduce you to new people and put a smile on your face. 8. Take time every day, even 20 minutes, to do something for yourself. Find some quiet time to go inside yourself to interpret your feelings and find out what is going on with you. 9. Check up on a friend or relative you haven't seen or spoken to for a long time. Tell them you are thinking about them. 10. Move. Dance, sing, jog, run, walk fast, stroll. Use your body in a way that is different from what you usually do with it. 11. Learn a new language or study about a country you would like to visit and have never been to. Find a restaurant that serves their food and try it out. 12. Get a pet. Buy a small tank or big vase, put in some goldfish and place it near your work station. Watching fish swim is very soothing and calming. 13. Entertain. Ask some friends over for a pot luck. Laugh and giggle. Get those happy hormones fired up! The important thing is to try to be as positive as you can. Believe in yourself, assess your past accomplishments as a reminder to what you have achieved in your life and therefore what is possible in the future. I wish you a rockin' 2013. Colleen Clarke Career Specialist and Corporate Trainer www.colleenclarke.com Author of Networking How To Build Relationships That Count and How To Get a Job and Keep It
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 6
Reminder Don’t forget to bring in items for the monthly silent auction. Items count towards the STAR program
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 7
!! STILL TIME !! Don’t forget to bring in your pennies to our meetings for the Penny Drive. Support Central Canada Division 2012-2013 Upcoming Ottawa West Chapter Meetings and Topics Holiday Inn Select, Centrum Plaza, Kanata 2012
2013
September 19th
- Social Media
January 16th - The Power of YOUR Personal Brand
October 17th
- Diva in De-stress
February 20th - Resume Writing and Performance Reviews
November 21st
- A Wellness Evening
March 20th
- Event Planning
December 12th
- Office 2010 Tips and Tricks
April 17th
- Following his dream
May 15th
- Assert Yourself
June 19th
- Annual General Meeting
Other Dates to remember 2013
2014
Feb 15
May CAP exam registration deadline
May 28-Jun 2
Canada Division Conference (CDC), in PEI
March 15-16
Futures Conference in Anaheim, California
Jul 26-30
March 17-20
Tec 13—Technology Education Conference in Anaheim California (formally IAAP Spring Conference)
Education Forum and Annual Meeting (EFAM) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
2015
April 21-27
Administrative Professional Week
April 24
AP Day
May 4
CAP and OM Exams
May 23-25
Canada Division Conference (CDC), Lethbridge, AB
July 27-31
Education Forum and Annual Meeting (EFAM) in Anaheim, California
Aug 15
November CAP exam registration deadline
Nov 2
CAP and OM Exams
Jul 25-29
Education Forum and Annual Meeting (EFAM) in Louisville, Kentucky
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
PAGE 8
THE SIMPLE FACTS ABOUT NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS -Chuck Hansen
Every year around this time we resolve to change the way we work for the better. And every year, not long after this time, we find ourselves off track again. (We don’t have space to address personal resolutions, although the ideas below work for those too.) Why is it so hard to keep our New Year’s resolutions at work? One of the biggest challenges is technology: In 1845, in “Walden,” Henry David Thoreau wrote about the new technology of the railroad and the effort required to build it, maintain it and then to keep up with the faster pace of life it created. Thoreau said, “We do not ride on the railroad; it rides upon us,” perfectly describing our relationship with “labor-saving” technologies. With BlackBerries, cell phones and e-mail, we can work from anywhere – the family room, the soccer field, the beach, even the sickbed. About the only place we can’t work from is the grave, but I’ve heard they are working on it. When making a living completely overtakes making a life, what chance do our best intentions have?
Finally, let yourself be inspired. God, the laws of the universe and your family and (most) coworkers want you to succeed, and if you follow your dreams they will help you along. As Thoreau said, “…if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours… In proportion as he simplifies his life, the laws of the universe will appear less complex… If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” Maybe this year, consider this resolution: Simplify.
So what is the answer? Try this: Simplify. Start by anchoring long-term goals in what you can control. Don’t resolve “to get my boss to listen to me.” That is out of your control! Instead, resolve “to offer my boss more innovative ideas.” That’s one you can control, and as a bonus, both goals become more possible with this approach.
“The greatest thing in the world is not so Next, simplify your daily to-do much where we stand as in which direction list. Thoreau said, “Our lives are frittered away by detail… I say we are moving? let your affairs be as two or three, not a hundred or a thousand.” When you are feeling overwhelmed, make a list, identify the top two or three items, and then, as Dr. Jim Flamming at First Baptist Church in Chuck Hansen is an associate member of Richmond, Va. used to say, “do the next thing.” And don’t get down on yourself. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Thoreau’s fellow transcendentalist, said, “The greatest thing in the world is not so much where we stand as in which direction we are moving.”
the IAAP-Old Dominion Chapter, a motivational speaker, an award-winning humor writer and author of two books. He has spoken as the IAAP Michigan, VAWVA and DE-MD-DC Division annual meetings. He can be reached at [email protected] or www.chuckhansen.com.
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
Members Marketplace Do you have a side business that you would like to advertise? A great way to reach our members and others in the IAAP e-group community is to use the newsletter. For a nominal set up fee you can advertise for the chapter year with a business card size add. If interested contact your editor: [email protected]
PAGE 9
PAGE 10
VOLUME 3, ISSUE 14
DECEMBER PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE It’s December and that means most of us are busy at work, busy with holiday preparations and, most likely, not looking ahead to next year quite yet. I’d like you to think of the upcoming year for a moment. Put your day on hold for a bit of time and focus on 2013. I’m not talking about writing down resolutions but committing to one concrete goal that will advance your career and make your personal life better. It takes effort to make your life better but not as much effort as you may think. For those of you familiar with the Pareto Principle, you already know that. The Pareto Principle (or the 80/20 rule) is named after economist Vilfredo Pareto who discovered a unique relationship between inputs and outputs. The principle states that 20 percent of invested input is responsible for 80 percent of the results. For example, for those who sell for a living, 80 percent of sales come from 20 percent of the people. I imagine that many of you are nodding your head, thinking that’s what my workplace is like.
of office professionals. This year money raised will go for EFAM scholarships and for housing assistance to admins 55 and over who are in need. Join me in making a personal investment in the future of office professionals with a year-end donation to The Foundation. In a few weeks, a fresh year will be upon us. Until then, I ask you to take a moment to reflect on the many thousands of men and women who will not share the holidays with their homes and families and are serving your country during this holiday season. I wish all of you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season, peace, and prosperity in the coming year.
Created By: Rannals, Karlena
For the purpose of goals, 80 percent of productivity comes from 20 percent of the work. If you want to be more productive this year, use the Pareto Principle. Every morning get up, list the top five things you have to get done and then cross out the bottom four. Take the task that survived and spend 90 minutes on it. Who knows? This one goal for the year may change your life. When you’re thinking about how to invest your time for 2013, think about volunteering at IAAP. We need committed, professional volunteers to make a difference. Find out how you can serve for the upcoming 2013-2014 IAAP year. I’ve yet to meet one person who has given their time as a volunteer that hasn’t learned important skills that helped them in their job. Think about volunteering. It’s for the good of IAAP as well as your career. The end of the year is also a good time to think about giving to The Foundation of IAAP. The Foundation is dedicated to investing in the success
“ Time is the coin of your life. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” Carl Sandburg
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EASING OFFICE CULTURE SHOCK How to acclimate to a new job You’ve started a new job and you’re about to attend your first staff meeting. Wanting to be considerate of your colleagues, you remember to silence your cell phone beforehand so you can discreetly check it during the meeting without being disruptive. It was acceptable to bring cell phones to meetings at your last job, so it’s safe to assume the same holds true at your new office, right? Well, no, and making such assumptions could be one of the reasons your colleagues are still referring to you as the new person.
The first few weeks in a new office can undermine your confidence and maybe even cause you to question whether the job is right for you. But if you give yourself time to get used to a new workplace culture, chances are you’ll start to feel less like the new person and more like a member of the team.
OfficeTeam is the world’s leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative and office support professionals. The company has more than 315 locations worldwide, and offers online job search services at www.officeteam.com.
A new job comes with its own unique set of rules when it comes to workplace culture, office protocol and etiquette. Some things will be explained to you, but others can only be learned by observing or asking questions. “Don’t assume that rules are the same in In the meantime, you’re every workplace? bound to make some blunders and feel like an outsider. But don’t worry, there are things you can do to offset the awkwardness and the occasional faux pas. Following are a few tips to help you shed that new person moniker: Be proactive: Because your colleagues are all very busy, they might seem standoffish. Instead of waiting for people to reach out to you, try approaching them first. Introduce yourself to your new coworkers and find out what their roles are in the office. Your colleagues will appreciate the effort you make to establish a relationship with them, and you’ll feel more comfortable asking for help when you need it. Learn the do’s and don’ts: Protocol, both written and unwritten, helps define the culture of an office and failing to observe it might give colleagues the impression that you’re not a team player. Don’t assume that the rules are the same in every workplace. Learn what’s acceptable and what’s not in your current situation. If you’re unsure, ask questions to avoid a breach of conduct. Ask questions. Not asking enough questions is a top mistake new hires make when starting a job. When in doubt, seek clarification. Find a role model. An experienced team member might be willing to help you during your first weeks on the job. He or she could give you insight related to office protocol and highlight aspects of the role that you may not be aware of. The person may later develop into a mentor who can help you identify areas where you need to improve, such as communication abilities or software skills.
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Where IAAP Chapters are located in North America and beyond
