By Lynne Curry bio Question: After unsuccessfully responding to job listings on LinkedIn and Indeed.com for five weeks, I finally received a request to interview. When I asked, “Where do I meet you?” I learned I’d be interviewed via Zoom. I’ve had bad experiences with Zoom. For some reason, they have my name misspelled; I’ve tried but haven’t been able to fix this. I can’t … [Read more...] about Preparation is the key to a good Zoom interview
Your career
Job searching during a pandemic
By Lynne Curry bio The career worst has happened. You lost your job during a pandemic. You suffer through the “sorry to tell you” call from your supervisor. When he says “take care of yourself,” you respond, “You take care too.” Then you sit frozen. When every employer is furloughing or laying or workers, how the heck are you supposed to get a new job? You spend the hours it … [Read more...] about Job searching during a pandemic
Managing virtual teams in a COVID-19 era
By Lynne Curry bio If you’re a manager struggling your way up the steep virtual workplace learning curve, you may discover the COVID-19 pandemic makes you a better leader. Here’s how to navigate your way through this trial by fire. Focus on results Effective remote supervision requires managers to switch gears from supervising activities to managing results. Train yourself … [Read more...] about Managing virtual teams in a COVID-19 era
How to handle the ‘bully doctor’ without losing your temper or your job
A growing concern in all types of professional offices is the bully boss. "Bullying is the issue for this decade that sexual harassment was in the 1980s," says Rachel Schaming, a business and leadership coach based in Tucson, AZ. In a physician practice, the issue is especially difficult, because the bully is often a senior doctor. As a result, staff don't want to mention the … [Read more...] about How to handle the ‘bully doctor’ without losing your temper or your job
What to wear to a business conference
The event looks interesting. There are many great sessions from which to choose. And the location is ideal; in fact, it takes place in a city you've always wanted to visit. The biggest dilemma is what to wear. Are you nodding "yes"? Take comfort in knowing you're not alone. What to wear to a business conference is confusing, even when guidelines are posted at event … [Read more...] about What to wear to a business conference
The myth of multitasking
It's a typical day at work. You're on the computer, entering data, while you're talking on the phone. A staff member comes to your office door, stack of papers in hand, and you motion for her to come in and put the papers on your desk. You continue your phone conversation, momentarily removing your hands from the keyboard in order look through the papers. You're a multitasking … [Read more...] about The myth of multitasking
Are you “aggressive” or “assertive”? Take this quick self-evaluation and find out
To manage people, a manager has to be assertive. But be aware that there's a strong difference between being assertive and being aggressive, says Judy Belmont, MMF, LPC, a psychotherapist and workplace wellness trainer in Philadelphia. The assertive manager sets limits and enforces standards. Every manager has to do that. If the rules aren't enforced, or if there are no … [Read more...] about Are you “aggressive” or “assertive”? Take this quick self-evaluation and find out
Creating a peaceful office environment
It goes without saying that office conflict, poor attitudes, and negative staffers undermine peace and tranquility. But any bad behavior you bring to the workplace also impacts harmony. Who, you? Yes, it's all about the people and you're one of them. To the mirror Your negativity or bad mood greatly affects others. "We engage in emotional contagion," says Sigal Barsade, a … [Read more...] about Creating a peaceful office environment
Do you have the ‘right stuff’ to be a successful medical office manager?
As the office manager of a medical practice, you have an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a valuable contribution. "You really get the chance to be a part of a small business and to wear a lot of different hats," says Mary Pat Whaley, co-founder and president of Manage My Practice, a medical practice consulting firm. What's more, because most physicians are not business … [Read more...] about Do you have the ‘right stuff’ to be a successful medical office manager?
Asking for a raise
One of the most frequently asked career questions is, "What is the best way to ask for a raise?" Not surprising, a frequently asked management question is, "What are best practices when it comes to employees asking for a raise?" Answers to these two questions actually have a lot of overlap. Think about the times staff members approached you for a raise. When did they make a … [Read more...] about Asking for a raise