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Punch In, Punch Out? Office Manager Goes Karate Kid

Posted by Heather Brautman | Thu, Oct 17, 2013 @ 10:29 AM

KarateBusinessWoman1Ever used the terms “Wax on, wax off” outside of the salon and “Sweep the leg” during something other than household cleaning? In 1984, the world suffered a TKO when Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso (23 y.o. at the time of filming, hasn't changed an iota since - we want his beauty regiment) came out swinging in the instant classic, “The Karate Kid.”

You may wonder what a down-and-out bullied shrimp from New Jersey has to do with your job as an office manager. Well, we encourage you to step onto the mat and get ready, no gloves required.

“Man who catch fly with chopstick accomplish anything.” Possibly one of the pivotal moments of the film, but one you may not associate with your job as an office manager. Well, think about how hard it can be to get all of your work done each day while dealing with incoming requests, clashing personalities, all of your office technologies, and more. The idea is, you’re probably excelling at all of these things, which would be incredibly difficult to many others, so don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for catching those flies.

“Use head for something other than target.” When the executives above you are going Kobra Kai (Strike First, Strike Hard, No Mercy) on you but the people you supervise are just not coming together quick enough, it may feel like you’ve got a major target over your own head. As Daniel learned in the movie, your head’s able to achieve much more. They hired you to run the office for important reasons – perhaps your years of experience, a certification you completed, your ability to soothe fragile egos, maybe even your ability to heal with your hands. Put that ability to good use to get whatever target you’re struggling with moving right along.

KarateChair1“First learn stand, then learn fly.” Whether you’ve been an office manager for longer than you’d care to admit in mixed company or this is your first turn at the reigns, there’s always a benefit of taking it slow. Learn as you go. Yes, it will be wonderful to soar, but you’ll get there. In the meantime, learn everything you can to build a solid foundation. Create strong relationships on all levels with your coworkers. Teach yourself about the company’s history, reach out to vendors, establish relationships wherever you can. If it kills you to go slow, think of it this way: The stronger you build your platform, the stronger it’ll be when you use it to push up off of it into the sky.

“No scare fish.” Your job may feel like as much of a balancing act as the crane kick required, but remember that people outside yourself may be scared too. They may see you come in and take over, wondering how they fit with you. While it may save time up front to steamroll other workers and simply take on all the work for yourself, in the long run, you want those people to be your allies. Don’t scare the fish you work with away – toss some bait in the water and encourage them to swim to you.

“Whole life have balance. Everything be better.” We could not agree more. When your life feels right, comfortable, happy, then you are right, comfortable, and happy. Which is why we developed our Office Manager Cookbook. It’s got 9 recipes to cook up a successful and fulfilling life in the sometimes stressful role of being an office manager. You don’t have to smash your fist through bricks or perform the crane kick to get the cookbook either. Just download it right here, for free. We bow down in respect for everything you do in your job each day! 

 

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Written by Heather Brautman