Administrative Assistant's Update

AUGUST 2018 2 Phrases smart people never use Considering how our words may be construed is a soft skill worth polishing. Once our words are out, we cannot summon them back. We've all said things we wish almost immediately we had not said. "Verbal slip-ups often occur be- cause we say things without knowl- edge of the subtle implications they carry," says Travis Bradberry in a recent blog. Bradberry is coauthor of Emotional Intelligence 2.0 and co- founder of TalentSmart, a leading pro- vider of emotional intelligence tests. "Understanding these implications requires social awareness—the ability to pick up on the emotions and expe- riences of other people." Bradberry suggests that there are phrases "that emotionally intelligent people are careful to avoid in casual conversation. Here are some. "As I said before�" Your impatience at having to repeat something makes you sound insulted, says Bradberry, and "is hard on the recipient – someone who is genuinely interested in hearing your perspective." Instead, Bradberry suggests, try to make yourself clearer or more interest - ing when you repeat the information. "It's up to you�" Or "Whatever you want�" Bradberry's view: Though you may be indifferent to the question, "your opinion is important to the person asking." Instead, you might say "I don't have a strong opinion either way, but a couple things to consider are . . ." "You look tired�" Lots of things could make someone appear tired – and unappealing, and your comment can imply this. Instead, say "Is everything okay?" You will likely be seen as concerned rather than rude. "Wow, you've lost a ton of weight!" As with the previous comment ("You look tired."), this one implies the recipient was overweight or unattract - ive, says Bradberry. Instead, say "You look fantastic." The compliment, says Bradberry, "takes the past right out of the pic- ture." If you'd like to see more, search "9 Phrases Smart People Never Use In Conversation." E D I TO R ' S N OT E George Pearson Administrative Assistant's Update is published once a month by Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Director, Media Solutions, Canada: Karen Lorimer Publisher: Todd Humber Editor: George Pearson george@adminupdate.ca Associate Editor: Jennifer Lewington jennifer@adminupdate.ca EDITORIAL OFFICE (519) 271-6000 Administrative Assistant's Update Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. 1 Corporate Plaza, 2075 Kennedy Road Toronto, ON M1T 3V4 CUSTOMER SERVICE (416) 609-3800 (800) 387-5164 FAX (416) 298-5082 (877) 750-9041 customersupport.legaltaxcanada @tr.com Contents copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Contents may not be reproduced without written permission. Brief extracts may be made with due acknowledgement. Annual subscription: $195. Publications Mail Registration No. 40065782 GST# 897176350 UPDATE Administrative Assistant's Be employable 10 years from now If you're looking ahead to 10, 20 or 30 more years in the workforce, how do you prepare for an ever-changing workplace? Pay close attention to what's happening in your industry and with your career path, says Gwen Moran in a Fast Company blog. Citing Stretch: How to Future-Proof Yourself for Tomorrow's Workplace as a resource, Moran passes along advice from co-author Barbara Mi - stick: Connect with conferences, organizations, websites, publications or other sources that have the most insightful information. What else can you do? Schedule regular checkups every couple of years to insure you have the skills and education to excel in your work. Recognize that it's up to you – don't' depend on your employer – to stretch your skills in the direction you want to be headed. Keep a professional log containing the formal and informal education you've achieved, as well as accomplishments at work. Step out of your comfort zone. This might include stepping up your tech skills or your capacity to collaborate.

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