What kind of practical advice can you expect to find in the exclusive new office guide, The Really Useful Guide to Working Smarter, Not Harder, available from Quill Corporation? Basic tips like these for keeping communication channels open – a topic that is especially important given the volatile atmosphere of today’s marketplace.

• Keep everyone in the loop with daily e-mails. Make messages simple and to-the-point – just a brief update. If you must be more detailed, attach a document.
• Schedule regular, short meetings with your colleagues to bring everyone up to speed and provide an opportunity to stay on top of changes or obstacles that need to be addressed.
• Schedule regular briefings with your boss. He or she doesn’t need to know everything you do each day, but would probably appreciate a weekly update. If you can save questions or concerns until you meet, you may save time on both fronts.
• Don’t always be the one talking. If you truly want to improve communications, you need to become a good listener, too.
• Show some appreciation. If your co-workers present good suggestions or ideas, make sure you acknowledge them in a positive way. Let them know you appreciate their hard work. In turn, they’ll feel good about themselves and will be more open to actively communicating and making future contributions.