You actually care about doing your best at work. You’re meticulous, conscientious and productive. Chances are, you're already going well beyond the expectations outlined in your role., but here's the thing that sets you apart from the rest....
You never settle. Ever. Second best just isn't your thing - you're always looking for ways to improve and upskill yourself - EVERY.SINGLE.DAY
Congratulations..! You're in the top 1% of the top 1%, and if you want to make sure all the bases are covered below are a few ways to ensure continued success in your role as Office Manager.
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Take planning and organisation to a scrupulous level.
Instead of reacting to what arises, make a plan and get out in front of things, whether they’re issues, standard challenges or daily services your company provides.
This includes meetings. If you're finding that 'certain' people in your organisation are sucking all the time out of your day due to incessant meetings - suggest a 'team huddle' to save on time.
Team huddles can take anywhere from a few minutes to 15 minutes MAX... Everyone is standing up (if they're all sitting down and comfy, this will make the meeting go way longer than the allocated 15 mins). Everyone has an opportunity to update each other with the going-ons, and then move on with their day..
You just got at least 30 minutes back in your day.
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Have the clock on lockdown.
How much time gets lost not knowing where key stakeholders or staff members are? Have a team calendar where all staff members have access to each other’s work calendars, preferably virtually so that it’s easy to make last-minute changes. These calendars are a good way to hold meetings (if the Team Huddle isn't long enough for you..) and make sure things get done. Reassure others that these don’t need to be personal in nature. No one needs to know anyone’s Friday night plans - just where they'll be during the week - easy...
This means planning your own day well, too. We all tend to default to either over packing or under packing our days, so know yourself and your best motivators, and remember it’s about balance not micro-managing.
No-one likes micro management, and it's totally counter productive...
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Examine your office culture.
I know, I get it . Some offices are just B.O.R.I.N.G.
Here's the thing, though. You can make a difference. Sure, your office may not look like Google's head office or Facebook's with all the cool stuff, but that doesn't mean it can't be a great place to work..
To a large extent, you can take charge of the company culture. Yes, you
What kind of environment have you and your fellow team mates combined to create, whether intentional or not? As the Office Manager, you have the power to make great changes - celebrating your colleagues' birthdays is a great way to bring the team together, Or, how about introducing "Meditation Monday" like they do in the Communications Team at Redbull? Twenty minutes of down time, getting your 'omm on" in the Boardroom.
Consider ordering fruit for the office each week...
Cultivate a positive work atmosphere with consistent by being a positive role model, plan some fun events, or rewards programs, even small difference-makers like listening to music when appropriate, or having beautiful fresh fruit brought in from Fruit At Work for everyone to enjoy.
These are small things, which if done right, will have the rest of the team sharing resources and helping each other, and that’s a sign that your office is doing something right.
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Keep an eye toward innovation and professional development.
Stay informed of industry trends, news and exceptional ideas by reading articles or listening to podcasts. Schedule events and conferences when you can. Look into continuing education courses or find industry leaders speaking nearby to facilitate team members sharpening their skills.
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Know when to delegate.
It’s relieving to realise you can’t (and shouldn’t) do everything yourself. Exercise your project management skills often. Delegating is the best way for everyone to use skills efficiently.
Clearly define roles and responsibilities ahead of time in order to avoid conflict. If the office culture is where it should be, open lines of communication will help make your company a seamless delegation machine.
One of the roles you absolutely should delegate is the cleaning. PRO TIP: If your boss has you and your fellow team members cleaning the office each day - it's not good for productivity, morale or feeling valued. You already take care of so many responsibilities; cleaning shouldn’t be one of them. Make full use of your resources and leave providing a clean environment to the professionals at Cleancorp.
The key to the success of any quality cleaning program is better communication.
That phone in the pockets of each of our cleaning team isn’t just for talking. It’s a sophisticated computer that allows cleaners, yes, your cleaners, to check in with GPS, send messages and report problems in real time.
So, if anything does go wrong, we’re on it straight away.
So let me ask you a question. Do you trust the cleaning at your office to a company who manages your site with pen and paper, or one that uses technology and combines that technology with an amazing team?
With Australia-wide cleaning services for commercial office cleaning, click here to Get a free quote or call Cleancorp today on 1300 211 944 - and stay on top of your office management game.