The Indispensable Office Manager

Office managers: the "unsung heroes" of corporate America

As an office manager, you are responsible for everything from authorizing purchases and paying the bills to managing projects, deadlines and priorities, mediating conflicts and being the go-to expert for all questions, problems and office crises. You are the behind-the-scenes person who keeps your entire office running like clockwork. Others may not always be aware of just how much you accomplish, but one thing is certain — without you, your office would descend into chaos!

Whether you are a newer office manager searching for ways to take control of your job, an administrative professional with office management responsibilities, a small business owner looking to expand your office management capabilities or a seasoned office manager in the market for some updating and refreshing of skills, this course is a perfect one-day overview of essential tools, strategies and techniques you can put to use as soon as you return to the office.

This skill-packed seminar preps you for real-world challenges

In today's do-more-with-less workplace, it's tougher than ever to stay calm, focused and energized. As an office manager, you're being pulled in a million different directions, have likely been asked to take on added administrative responsibilities and are still expected to function at your highest level of productivity.

It's up to you to handle crises, put out fires, keep an entire office humming along smoothly, deal with difficult personalities, manage time, projects and priorities and answer to multiple bosses … and that's just scratching the surface of your responsibilities! Your job may seem overwhelming at times, but it doesn't have to be. Believe it or not, you can improve your performance and productivity without sacrificing any more of your precious time or energy. In fact, we'll show you ways to streamline systems and procedures, boost your organizational skills and accomplish more than you ever thought possible.

This exciting workshop gives you so many tools, tips, tricks and strategies for excelling as an office manager. You'll wonder how you ever got along without this training! You'll master dozens of new ways to work smarter and more efficiently (not harder). Gain the knowledge you need to take your skills and abilities to the next level of excellence.

Office Management 101: A Look at the Fundamentals

• Your role as office manager — what to expect and what is expected of you
• Getting off to a successful start: ways to make sure you have access to the resources you'll need
• Your top three responsibilities — master these and the rest of your job will come easily!
• Creating your vision and getting others to accept and embrace it
• Rules every office manager must know to be successful
• How to establish your credibility with coworkers and upper management

Office Policy and Procedure

• Policies vs. procedures — defining the differences
• The benefits of policies and procedures: why they ensure a more effective work environment
• How to determine if your office needs a published policy and procedure manual
• The top 5 policies and procedures every office needs to operate smoothly and efficiently
• How to effectively implement office guidelines so that everyone is on the same page
• The risk of poorly written policies and procedures
• Bulletin boards and notices: making sure you meet posting requirements

How to Manage Multiple Tasks, Priorities and Deadlines

• The myth of "organized chaos"
• Files not piles: create a filing system that works for you
• Time management: how to identify and prioritize your most important accountabilities, responsibilities and deliverables
• What not to do on your to do list (this answer may surprise you!)
• What to do first when everything is a priority
• How to set goals that are measurable, attainable and results-focused
• When, what and how to delegate for minimum stress and optimal results
• How good communication habits can help you manage your time more effectively
• Keeping it all in balance — tips and tools to stay in control when you feel yourself slipping

People Problems: Dealing with Difficult Personalities, Defusing Conflicts and More

• 10 things to remember when dealing with difficult people
• The differences between internal and external complaints and the best ways to handle each
• Dealing with difficult personalities, negative attitudes and poor workplace behavior
• How to manage conflict without causing defensiveness or resentment
• Learn to accept and adapt to change with strength and confidence
• How to keep your emotions in check when trying to cool a heated situation
• Why listening is your greatest communication tool when dealing with difficult people

Taking Care of Business: Accounting, Payroll, Billing, Purchasing

• Basic accounting concepts to help you handle:
  • Office expenditures
  • Developing a budget
  • Billing and purchasing
  • Payroll rules and regulations
• Environmental concerns: how to create a leaner, "greener" office and still operate at optimum efficiency