Ten
Commandments for Bosses
Never
start Work first thing in
the morning — secretaries prefer a rush in the late afternoon.
Please walk up and down the room when dictating. Secretaries
can then understand what is said more distinctly.
Please
chew gum while dictating as this assists pronunciation.
Lower
your voice when dictating names of people and places and in no circumstances
spell them to the secretary. Secretaries are bound to come up with the correct
spelling as they know the name of every person, place and firm in the world.
When
a secretary asks you to repeat a dictated word, please shout it
as loudly as possible Secretaries find this very gentlemanly. Alternatively, do not repeat the word
as secretaries have second sight and it will probably come to them.
Should
a secretary be too busy to take down dictation, write letters with a
blunt pencil, held, in the left hand. Incorrect spellings, abbreviations, balloons,
arrows and other doodles are very helpful to the secretary.
Should
a letter require alteration after it has be typed, score the word heavily
through about three times a write the correct word beside it, using the same
blunt pencil as in 6 above.
Should
work be required urgently (most unusual) the scene is aided if you rush in at 30
second intervals to see if is done.
If
a secretary is making a tricky alteration which requires concentration and
precision, stand over her, breathing heavily while she does it.
Dictation
times should always be during the lunch break and any time between 4.30 p.m.
and 5.30 p.m.