I believe the way people view us is often a reflection of how we view ourselves. Talking to my peers, I'm frequently shocked and saddened by how many feel their role has little or no value, or that they are not respected. Under the category of things I know for sure, I know the role of the assistant IS a valuable one. But how can we get others to believe that if we don't believe it ourselves? How do we get our bosses to believe in us if we don't believe in ourselves?
I’ve been in administrative support roles for just shy of twenty years now. I’ve had roles ranging from entry level administrative support to executive assistant to the CEO and have always been considered a valued member of the team. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have worked with executives who understood the value I brought to the equation and utilized me to the point that their trust intimidated me. I’ve also had the misfortune to work with executives who refused to provide me with the information and tools to be successful. Those executives viewed my role as insignificant and thought executive assistants were a dime a dozen. Worse, they saw the role as a place to lay blame when they messed up. I didn’t last long with those executives. With one, I managed to change their mindset and partner with them as a strategic business partner. My goal, my passion and my dream is for all assistants to understand the value they bring and the importance of their role. If you believe you are “just an admin” that is how you will be viewed. When you embrace the significance of your position, others will as well.
7 Comments
Shari
5/18/2016 10:48:44 am
How do you change your own mindset and that of your supervisor?
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Audacious Admin
5/18/2016 12:00:30 pm
Good question. As far as my mindset, I never needed to make that adjustment. I grew up understanding the value of the role due to the respect and trust my father had in his own EA. If you don't believe your role has value, then I suggest a keeping a brag file ... a place you can easily access where you keep all the thank you notes and compliments you receive on the job. I also suggest networking with the admin community. Once you get in the conversation on the growth and value of the role, it is hard not to be excited about the scope of the role.
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Annette
5/18/2016 11:22:06 am
Please explain your comment, "I’ve gone from receptionist to a valuable member of the team." Not to be negative, because I love your insight, however, a receptionist IS a valuable member of a team. :(
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Lisa
5/18/2016 11:36:37 am
Yes, I enjoyed your insightful, encouraging comments as well, but I must say that I had difficulty getting past your line, " I’ve gone from receptionist to a valuable member of the team." In many companies, an employee is both Receptionist/Admin. Asst. I'm quite sure that you didn't intend for your comment to be perceived as such, but it came off as sounding a bit elitist.
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Audacious Admin
5/18/2016 12:02:33 pm
Lisa, in case you did not see my reply to Annette, I'm adding it again in response to your comment:
Audacious Admin
5/18/2016 11:50:56 am
You are exactly correct and I apologize for the unfortunate choice of wording. I have updated it to "I’ve had roles ranging from entry level administrative support to executive assistant to the CEO and have always been a valuable member of the team."
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Cade
5/23/2017 03:27:50 pm
Great read, always looking for extra ways to be more efficient around the office. I just wanted to share something I've been doing recently. I run an office and have noticed that unused toner was piling up in storage. Looked into returning but that was no good. Tried out the site http://www.tonerconnect.net/ and was impressed. They had quick service and that payout was nice.
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AuthorThe Audacious Admin is Debbi L. Shaffer, an outgoing, resourceful and highly motivated executive assistant with 20 years of experience specializing in C-Suite Executive Support. Archives
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