The holidays are just around the corner and this is a great time to participate in charitable activities. If you’d like to help those in need, we have some easy ways to get your whole office involved. Learn what others are doing and share your own activities with the OA community.

If you’re looking for help find the right career or just interested in learning more about yourself, a simple test might do it. Whether you’re changing jobs or looking to add a little oomph to your existing one, this information can be enlightening. Discover how an assessment test can help you find your perfect path.

It can be difficult to make the right choice when faced with an ethical issue. And for each person the final decision may be different. But many don’t realize how even some of the smallest decisions they make at work are impacted by ethics. How do you address ethical conflicts at work?

Article by Chrissy Scivicque: Managing People: Developing Your Team - Your Success is My Success is Our Success

by Toni Breeden: Planning a Meeting that is More Fun for Attendees

Article by Jackie Nees: The Games We Play: How Games at Work Can Boost Morale and Improve Productivity

Article by Chrissy Scivicque: Managing People: Giving Recognition - The Fun Part!

by Chrissy Scivicque: A Reminder: We’re All Just Human

Article by LisaOlsen: November Challenge: Today, I Elect To...

Question by juanchomexico: How to determine the job motivators?

Article by Chrissy Scivicque: Quiz: Are You a Leader?

by Libby Huffman: Managing Conflict in Meetings

Discussion by Ilona: Revitalize Your Surroundings: One Company’s Challenge

Article by Chrissy Scivicque: David Bohl on Burnout, Slowing Down, and Being versus Doing

Article by Caroline Cloutier: Tips for Motivating a Team

Article by Caroline Cloutier: Planning the Company Retreat

Article by Jackie Nees: Plan and Organize the Company Picnic

Article by Jennifer Flaten: When Your Boss Hates His Job

Templates2 by Chrissy Scivicque: Motivation Questionnaire (WORD)

Article by Chrissy Scivicque: Motivation Matters

by Chrissy Scivicque: How to be a Duck

Article by LisaOlsen: New! Ask the Career Consultant!

by Maggie Scivicque: How to Create a Fun and Motivating Company Scavenger Hunt

Article by Chrissy Scivicque: Healthy Competition or Battlefield Work?

One of the most sure-fire ways to keep the enthusiasm of your team high is to show everyone how much they are valued. Appreciation events are easy to put together and they have very powerful benefits. We’ll show you some ways to incorporate them into your office.

Would you rather knock out a quick email than pick up the phone? Do you find sending a text message just as useful as talking? If so, then you may be a candidate for online classes. But before you enroll, consider the pros and cons.

Going from working in an office to working at home can be difficult, even for the most seasoned professional. However, with a little effort and dedication, it can be done. Learn ways to transition from working for someone else to working for yourself as a virtual assistant.

Are you achy at work? Feeling stiff and stressed out? Yoga is usually reserved for the gym or Yoga studio; however, it’s just as easily done at the office. Explore these techniques to keep you limber while you work.

It turns out that laughter might just be the best medicine when it comes to the health of your business. Studies have found a surprising list of benefits associated with companies that encourage humor in the office. Learn how a simple chuckle might lift the spirits of your employees (and your sales) at the same time.

Have you ever set an impossible goal? It’s more common than you might think. A large percentage of Americans expect to get more done than is possible, according to recent research. Check out our tips on how to create more realistic goals and avoid self-defeating behavior.

Being in a managerial role is never easy. Layoffs may be inevitable for your company, but typically, the “decision-makers” don’t tell you how to handle it with sensitivity. Learn tips for letting go of employees and coping with the grief.

Sometimes it’s not enough to simply set a goal – what you really need to do is to set an effective goal. Explore our tips for getting the most out of your objectives. We’ll show you how to use the SMART method to create manageable, achievable goals.

We've probably all felt overworked at times. The occasional late night at the office and working a weekend can make us feel tired and rundown. But, is it possible that it's actually affecting our health? I recently read an article about a Japanese

Looking to keep track of your professional goals? Consider creating a career map. By evaluating yourself and your industry, you can effectively map out where you want to be in the future. Follow these simple steps to achieve your goals and take back control of your career.

In order to rise above the negativity you encounter professionally or personally, you’ve got to find positivity in your day and make the most of it. In this article, we offer some creative solutions for adding cheer to your day and shifting the focus to the positive things in life.

A little bit of negativity in the workplace is natural, but too much can be contagious and threaten the morale of everyone. In this two-part series, we’ll explore the problems that come with excessive negativity, as well as suggestions on how to handle it so you can keep a positive outlook throughout the day.

Afraid you’re not being paid what you really deserve? If your list of daily tasks and responsibilities is out of sync with your paycheck, it may be time to speak with your boss. Before you do that, we have a list of items to consider and suggestions on how to best approach your supervisor for that raise you deserve.

When you step foot in the office, your professional identity takes over. Who is that person? Your conduct at work is likely a bit different from the person you are at home with friends and family. Don’t worry – you’re not suffering from a personality disorder. Learn why it’s perfectly normal (and even healthy) to separate these two parts of your identity.

Life coach, David Bohl, knows a thing or two about getting things done. In his work, he helps people overcome career burnout and find their true passion in life. Here, we discuss his strategies, his personal experiences, and his outlook on life.

In his bestselling book, 'Never Eat Alone - and Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time', Keith Ferrazzi writes about how he learned about networking at an early age. Coming from a small blue collar town in Pennsylvania, he had

They’re not just for kids anymore. Games are a legitimate part of the running an effective workplace. If your office isn’t indulging some of their childhood sensibilities, this article will show you why you need to start playing around right away!

Dear Lisa, I just landed a great new job as a CEO's assistant at a successful, progressive company. I really want to make a good impression and stand out. I've worked hard to get to this point. After a week on the job, I'm worried that I may

Many of you may consider yourselves optimists. If a billboard blazed high in the sky, my name would be engraved in twinkling lights.....Optimist Extraordinaire!! I look for the silver lining, the forest through the trees, the light at the

Welcome to a new weekly column that lets you relax and give your brain a much needed break. The intention is to have a little fun every Friday in preparation for the weekend. It's just a little something to help us wind down for the weekend.

Yesterday, Business Week came out with an interactive case study on revealing depression in the workplace. While depression and other mental illnesses are gaining more acceptance in society, it's still tricky to decide when it's appropriate

We’ve all seen those people who just love their work. How does that happen? Finding your professional passion is sometimes a challenge. Putting some thoughtful effort into it will help you find work that feels fulfilling and satisfying – and what’s not to love about that?

As a community here at OfficeArrow we can all benefit from both our successes and failures by sharing ideas, lessons learned and motivational tips to help us be our best and influence others to be their best. We all have the potential - sometimes

CNN.com did a piece late last week on a very important problem facing us every day; workplace burnout. While they focus on the serious threat being to entry-level workers, it's applicable to anyone with a job. The article highlights two young

Are you stuck in the middle – an Executive Assistant doing the work of a Personal Assistant? You’re not alone! Maybe it doesn’t bother you – but if your talent isn’t being used to its full potential, it’s up to you to make a change. Check out our list of helpful suggestions on how to approach your boss about using your experience and education in the most effective way possible.

I recently read an article that included an interview with Alison Link, director of leisure education at Tully House in Newark, New Jersey. Alison's work is primarily done with those who are incarcerated; however, her work is better defined

There's an old saying: 'Attitude is everything'. And it's really true. Did you know that your perspective can actually change your reality? After all, your attitude shows up everywhere: in your words, your tone of voice, your physical look.

Are you Super-Mommy – balancing both a career and a family on a full-time basis? Discover ways to improve your time management skills so that you can be a star in both roles and create the tight balance that works for you.

Clearly defined goals can help us focus on what needs to be done and keep us on track. If you’re not sure how to establish an achievable, helpful goal, we have some tips to get started. Check out our article on the importance of goals and how to set them.

once read an interesting statistic about how work effects overall life happiness. It basically said that a good job won't make you happy, but a bad job will make you unhappy. I think this says a lot about how we view jobs. If we hate our

The happy news can lead to a bumpy road at the office.

As 'office arrows' we strive to aim straight, fly right and hit the target with every task, project or goal.But sometimes, our trajectory gets off course and we need a different perspective to help get us back on target.After spending over 20

It can be difficult to achieve the perfect work/life balance. In fact, there may not even be a perfect balancing point. The general idea is to have both a satisfying career and a fulfilling personal life. But sadly, many of us get so caught

Sure, you’ve got personal morals – they guide you through life. But how about professional ones? What do you value in the workplace and in your career? What guides you? Here, we discuss the importance of professional values, where they come from and how they affect your decision-making.

Who would think that an eleven mile run could teach you anything about your career? You might be surprised to learn just how enlightening a physical challenge like this can be. You don’t have to be an athlete to appreciate the interesting parallels between training for a marathon and building a career.

The Success Formula is our new series about the importance of setting effective goals and how to follow through on them in a no-nonsense fashion. Learn more about what it takes to achieve your dreams and live the life you deserve.

In this two part series, we take a look at career success – what it means and how to achieve it. Success isn’t a “one size fits all” kind of thing. In part 1 of this series, you’ll learn how to create your own definition based on who you are and what you want. Your success is your responsibility – no one else can do it for you.

We’ve all heard the famous phrase, “If I only knew then what I know now” and most of us can really identify with that sentiment. We all wish we could go back to our younger selves and give them some no-nonsense advice. Check out this article on 10 life lessons we could all stand to benefit from.

It goes without saying that in order to carry out any goal, you will have to be committed to it. When facing setbacks, a strong determination will be the only thing that keeps you going. Discover how to increase and maintain your commitment to a goal when challenges arise.

So you’ve set a goal for yourself. But what good is that if you don’t have a plan to help you follow through? Whether your goal is big or small, you can break it down and make it more manageable by creating a structured roadmap. Explore some ideas for creating a well-crafted plan for success.

How important can a goal really be? Well, if you’re looking to succeed in any venture, goals are an absolute necessity. Learn about the importance of goals and how they can help you move from wherever you are to wherever you want to go – there’s no limit to what you can accomplish.

Life certainly has its ups and downs. When times are hard, what do you do and where do you turn for guidance? Check out this article for some simple advice on getting through difficult times inspired by Liz Gilbert’s book, Eat, Pray, Love.

Are you interested in starting a blog? Now may be the right time. OfficeArrow’s own Chrissy Scivicque shares her experiences, letting you in on the potential benefits of blogging and how it can do to change your life.

Ever wonder what personality traits are common among successful people? There are plenty, but we’ve chosen six that stand out, along with examples of people who demonstrate those characteristics in their everyday lives. Check out our list and feel free to add the traits you find important in the discussion section.

Afraid to admit how great you are? Don’t be! In a society where thinking highly of yourself is somehow unacceptable, we’re here to encourage you to recognize all you’re worth. Explore some tips for loving, valuing, and praising yourself.

How do you cope with negative situations? You’ve heard the phrase, “like water off a ducks back” used to describe when a person is unaffected by something. We’re here to help you be just like a duck and bounce back from negativity. Read more for tips on getting the most out of life’s lessons.

If you feel like you’ve just taken a step back in your career or your personal life, don’t worry just yet. Sometimes a simple step back is just the thing to push you further than ever before. Discover why it’s necessary to make sacrifices, and at times even backpedal, in order to reap big rewards.

What motivates you? When you wake up in the morning, what makes you get out of bed and go to the office? Is it the paycheck? Is it the nagging voice inside your head that tells you it's what you're supposed to do? Or is it your passion for

It’s easy to get caught up in a negativity spiral when life isn’t going the way you’d like. When you feel yourself getting down in the dumps, think of all you can be thankful for. Discover the power of gratitude with these simple tips for keeping a positive outlook on life.

Come on, be honest. How do you really feel about your job? Don’t hold back! This article explains how our own Chrissy Scivicque, Executive Assistant extraordinaire, views her position in a truthful, personal way.

It’s that time of year again. Are you prepared for your annual review? Not sure what you’ll be judged on? We’ve compiled a list of some core competencies that may be used to judge your performance. Use this article to assess where you stand and start taking the steps to get the raise (and praise) you deserve.

In this tough economy, your company may be experiencing cut backs and layoffs, which could be killing your employees' spirits. If the tone in the office is gloom and doom, this article is for you. Explore the possibility of reducing costs while still appreciating and motivating your team.

You probably already know this, but there’s absolutely nothing good about unmanaged stress: It’s a productivity killer, a motivation drainer, not to mention it can have disastrous consequences for your body and mind. It’s time to start controlling stress before it controls you. We’ll show you how.

You may have heard about the funny sounding acronym BHAG, made popular by the book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. While the concept was originally applied to company vision statements, everyone can benefit from it. Learn what BHAG means and how it applies to you.

A few days off now and then can make a world of difference in your attitude, outlook, and productivity. Learn why vacations are so important (as if you don’t already know!). And be sure to print a copy of this article for your boss!

Has sitting at your desk left you feeling sluggish and tired all day? It’s time to break out of the rut and invigorate yourself. We’ll show you some easy ways to boost your physical energy and clear that mental fog.

Ok, work is work. It’s not play. But that doesn’t mean it has to be miserable. You can still have fun at the office. Use these tips to help put a positive spin on your workday and a smile on your face.

Embracing change can be difficult. The challenge is recognizing that new opportunities often involve an element of chaos. You have to balance the risks and rewards. Sometimes, in order to take advantage of life’s possibilities, you have to accept a certain amount of disorder in the process. Is it worth it? You decide…

Whatever your title, if you work for a boss, you probably have certain “opinions” about him or her. But how much does it really matter? Can you work for a boss you dislike personally? Or should you seek out a supervisor who you actually enjoy being around? We’ll share our views on the importance of liking, respecting and getting along with your boss.

Job burnout is not uncommon. But it is preventable. By being aware of what it is and what steps you can take in order to correct or eliminate it, you can improve your performance and beat job burnout. Here’s some information to help you avoid potential burnout before it even starts.

Do you ever feel completely stuck in your personal and professional life? You’re not going forward, you’re not moving backward, you’re just stagnant? Well, it’s time to get things working again. Lisa Olsen, OfficeArrow’s expert Career Coach, shares her 5 Guiding Questions for aligning your life and career. Take a look and see how these can help you get “unstuck.”

Who are the women in history that have moved you? So many have made an impact, it’s hard to choose just a few. Check out these classic quotes from incredible women who have paved the way for outstanding ladies like us!

Do you think that company party is all about having fun? Believe it or not, it’s actually a very helpful business tool. Events like this can boost productivity and employee morale. Learn why social gatherings are an important part of any company culture.

If reaching future achievements seems light years away, you may be in need of a little career management. Determining your professional ambitions can really set your life on track. Explore strategies for bolstering your employment and setting professional goals.

If reaching future achievements seems light years away, you may be in need of a little career management. Determining your professional ambitions can really set your life on track. Explore strategies for bolstering your employment and setting professional goals.

Looking for a little motivation? Why not look inward? If you are expecting others to give you the inspiration you need to move forward, you may be waiting around for a very long time. Instead, rely on self-motivation to find your dreams and reach your goals.

The OfficeArrow Career Consultant tackles the biggest question of all – if you’re in a position that doesn’t fully utilize your skills, experience and education, when is it time to let it go? It’s a tough call, but as you might have guessed, Lisa has some helpful advice.

Here we are again - another New Year is upon us. Creating resolutions is one of the many grand traditions of this time of year. If you're looking to set some big goals for '09, we have some helpful tools to get you in the spirit.

Habits are easy to keep and tough to break. But bad work habits can cause you a lot of grief if they impact your ability to perform at your peak level. If you believe that you have a bad work habit that you would like to eliminate, here are five tips to help you succeed.

When you want to inject positive things into your life, it takes time and discipline. A strong commitment and a few helpful hints go a long way. Use these easy steps to create better habits in your life for health and happiness.

Are you group leader who has considered organizing a team-building activity to encourage cohesion? If so, be careful. The concept of team-building is to join people together for the greater good, but these exercises often serve a counterproductive purpose. Learn how to avoid overly competitive events and build your team the right way.

Obesity, smoking, stress, alcohol and drug use, and many other issues impact the workplace daily. However, an employee-wellness program offers solutions to everyday health problems in order to make office life more manageable. If your organization is ready to set up an employee-wellness program, here’s what you need to know.

Are you an Arial aficionado? Or, do you prefer flowery and ornate fonts, ala Lucida Calligraphy? Despite your personal preferences, new research shows that computer fonts can strongly impact our motivation to complete certain tasks. Learn key take-home messages from this eye-opening study.

You’re a working parent trying to balance your career, care for your family, and maintain your sanity. If it sometimes feels like a juggling act, you’re not alone. And, you’re not alone in wanting to find ways to make it all work. Learn some helpful tips on how to balance your career and children.

If you’re like most people, you’re probably concerned about the impact of the economy on your career. And while there are never any guarantees, there are some ways that you can keep your career on track. Here are five tips to keep your career moving forward even during this down economy.

Ever wondered what makes those peaceful Buddhist monks so stress-free? The mind behind the popular blog, The Daily Mind, offers some wisdom and shares the secrets of ancient yogis. Learn how to put these meditation techniques to work in your daily life and become a modern day “corporate yogi.”

Has it been one of “those” weeks? Do you need a little pick-me-up? Check out these inspirational and witty quotes from various historical figures and others. Chances are, these words of wisdom will help you crack a smile and get moving on your work.

When you hear “prima donna,” do you automatically envision one of your coworkers? You know: The one who exhibits an inflated self-image and feels a strong sense of entitlement? Well, according to a recent study, office divas are on the rise. Why? Read on to find out.

You can run, but you can’t hide: The office mooch will find you. Whether this individual regularly hits you up for rides home or asks you for lunch money, it’s important to handle this situation carefully. Read on to learn how to avoid the office mooch.

You’re working diligently on a deadline when your coworker interrupts you with a seemingly unsolvable problem. Or, perhaps your significant other calls to tell you some bad news. How do you regain your focus when something threatens to sideline you? Read on to learn some strategies for success.

Given today’s corporate culture, it’s nearly impossible to scan the newspaper without catching wind of a fallen CEO or an unethical company. However, corporate ethics don’t have to be thrown to the wayside. In this article, communication strategist Michelle Burke provides viable ways to handle ethical dilemmas. Don’t miss out.

Hate your job? Think your manager makes “The Office’s” Michael Scott look like “Boss of the Year?” Instead of losing sleep over your job woes, it may be time to take a different approach – utter indifference. Read on to learn five ways to emotionally withdraw from a job you despise.

Do your coworkers jokingly refer to you as a drama queen? Do others fear your anger and wrath when things don’t go your way? Take this quiz to determine whether or not you’re a corporate prima donna.