Admin Pro Forum

Question: “I’m searching for tips on how to handle co-workers who steal, tweak and execute others’ ideas and then smile with glee when receiving recognition for it. How should I handle it? Should I keep my ideas to myself and only share them with upper management or in a group setting where I’ll receive the credit?” —Lisa

Question: “I’m having a hard time finding training programs for administrative assistants. Can anyone suggest training/skill-building programs in the Austin, Texas, area?” —Tonia Bouldwin

Question: “I need to set up a scheduling/tracking calendar for conducting performance appraisals, so I’ll know when each employee’s appraisal is due. Any ideas?” —Anonymous

Question: “Can anyone suggest a good software program or site where I can learn to create a web site?” — Ina Piner-Givens

Question: “I’m looking for suggestions for outside team-building exercises for a small group of three employees. All exercises seem to be for larger teams. Our company budgets $150 per quarter for such events. Thanks.” – Susan

Question: “Our administrative employees – fiscal, HR, data, support – are grouped together in a separate unit and we have contact with the public as well as potential employees. My question: I feel I’m the only person in an administrative role who projects any level of professionalism. Some people wear skin-tight denim capris, tank tops and flip-flops. Others apparently wear whatever happened to be lying on the chair beside their bed. How do you recommend – besides being an example (which hasn’t worked thus far) – improving the professional image of this unit?  (FYI, we don’t have a dress code.)” – Lisa

Question: I have a problem when sending a recurring invitation in Microsoft Outlook that is set weekly for a specific day and time. When I instruct Outlook to change the date for only one specific week, the original invitation is still generated to all invitees. Does Outlook generate this re-invite only when specific date information is changed? — Ellen Golden

Question: We have 100 employees who switch workdays, take vacation leave, training, etc., and we’re having a hard time tracking them. Currently, we use a sign in sheet to update the record. We’d like to track employee leave via the computer and have everyone access it from his or her workstation. Can anyone suggest a good software program? — Jennifer Sparrow

Question: Recently, I accepted a very challenging new position with my company. I will be supervising five receptionists/secretaries, two at one site and three at another. I will be traveling between the offices each week. This is my first supervisory position. I’m hoping my fellow AdminPro Forum readers with supervisory experience can offer advice on how to lead a group and how to supervise staff located at multiple locations. — Anonymous

Question: With the new fiscal year right around the corner, I need suggestions for three goals that I can accomplish in the coming year.  I have already cleaned and updated my filing system; held quarterly secretarial meetings, brought in outside speakers; held travel training sessions; and arranged for field trips.  I'm looking for new ideas that I can turn into goals for the coming year. - Anonymous