[Don't over apologize]

Jo Rusin, author of Move to the Front: A Guide to Success for the Working Woman, says business people should be careful not to over apologize on the job because it appears weak and can cause embarrassment to all parties involved.

"When there are personality clashes or honest mistakes are made, apologizing makes sense and is the civil thing to do," says Rusin, a retired U.S. Army colonel. "If you have made a mistake or caused a problem, apologize once, sincerely, and let it go."

["I'm either on the phone or away from my desk ... "]

Will you be away from your desk for the day? For longer? Leave an outgoing message on your voice mail telling callers that you are out and when you will return. If you're planning to be out for more than a few hours, it's a good idea to let callers know the reason for your absence, such as "attending a conference" or "out of the office on business travel." It also pays to provide the name and number of another person in your office to contact in case of emergency.

Similarly, consider using the "out of office" feature on your e-mail software to alert business associates of extended absences. You can configure this feature to send e-mail replies automatically.

[Boosting your creativity]

Jeffrey Baumgartner, president of JPB Creative Company, a business consulting firm in Belgium, offers these tips to boost creativity:

- Listen to classical music. Johann Bach is said to be especially inspiring.

- Brainstorm with co-workers by discussing all possible angles or solutions to problems.

- Carry a small notebook and pen with you to jot down ideas as you think of them.

- Write down all the details of your problem to jog ideas on how to solve it.

- If you can't think of anything, go for a walk to get a change of atmosphere and a bit of exercise.

- Limit television and increase your reading levels.

- Talk to smart and interesting people.

[Getting up to speed after vacation]

Business experts say it generally takes two days to come up to speed after a two-week vacation.

To make it easier and faster, sit down with your supervisor before you leave and plan your agenda for your return to best address priorities. Returning phone calls or e-mails? Which projects will need immediate attention? Will a meeting be necessary with co-workers for you to catch up on recent developments? Experts also say that it's wise to time your vacation so that you leave at least a full day at home to unpack and unwind before returning to work.