author: Jonathan Stuckey
Productivity. Now what?
Tons of people and sites online offer advice on using the Office applications. Even Microsoft have got smart and their own online support includes nice 1-pagers, usually with a simple video at the top.
There's stuff pumped out all over the internet: LinkedIn (artist formerly known as Lynda.com), Alison.com, Udemy etc - but the content is all generated with the same mindset: the user knows what it is that they are looking for, and know the right key-words to find things they are looking for.
In my experience most users don't have the time to learn the correct name (or term) for a feature to look it up; have not been show what is good vs. bad advice and guidance, and usually just accept show-n-tell from person sat next to them in the office.
Not all support pages, guides or expert-tips have the same value. In fact, unless you while away your evenings watching videos, or pay for yourself to go on courses, most people done even get given an introduction to the basic features and capabilities which have been in the products for 20yrs+
If you take the core Office apps I can guarantee that there are probably 2 or 3 basic things I can show you right now which have high-value - and which you've never been shown, or forgotten were there.
So shall we...?
Excel - the easy way
control-A - select all, format as a table
select row(s) or columns - control-alt-right_arrow
recommended charts - show, toggle
insert a slicer on a table - its a filter buttons
PowerPoint - less essays please
Insert screen recording - create a quick how-to guide
add a section - document chapters, or instant structure, then drag to restructure
Word - the best bits
control-F - Headings - drag-restructure
styles - just use them will you.
SharePoint - desktop integration
organisation_templates
version history
There are a huge number of useful bits-n-pieces in Office applications, and having the direct integration in to SharePoint Online and Office 365 services makes for a massive upside in productivity and professionalism.
Personally I think all organisations should given some basic coaching for staff once a quarter, and give staff time to try out some of these things, but most organisations keep everyone busy being busy. Which is a massive missed opportunity. A small regular investment in making life easier will lift the whole organisations capability - and internal spirits.
A final thought...
The best piece of advice I ever received was from Dr Nitin Paranjape (efficiency365.com). I've tried to summarise it here:
before you do a task in a document, right-click (or hold your finger down) - see if there's a menu.
when you open a menu, Stop. take 1/2 minute to read the options - especially the ones in the middle - then try one you haven't done before
if you see > or ... - have a look to see what is hidden away - then see step 2.
because there can be some fantastic surprises there ...its amazing the things you find.
about the author: Jonathan Stuckey
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