EXPERT Q&A FOR ADMINISTRATIVE
PROFESSIONALS
QUESTION: I’m good at my actual work as an administrative
professional, but I think that I’m less assertive than my admin peers at
work. Perhaps you could even describe me as timid at times when it comes to
speaking up at staff meetings or communicating verbally in-depth with my
managers. I’m starting to wonder if this is affecting my chances at salary
increases and promotions in a negative way. Do you think that being and
appearing more assertive and self-confident at work gives administrative
professionals an edge over their peers who are not so when it comes to
career advancement and salary increases?
ANSWER (by Joan Burge, founder and CEO of Office Dynamics):
The
answer is yes. Self-confidence has everything to do with your ability to
advance, and most certainly affects things like promotions and salary
increases.
That said, all is not lost if you’re not an “outgoing” person. Many people
in the world who once thought themselves shy have advanced in ways they
never thought possible. To name a few: Abraham Lincoln, Albert Einstein, Tom
Hanks and Lucille Ball. Imagine that!
Gaining self-confidence takes a small shift in the way you view yourself and
interact with the world. Let me explain:You have just read an article
excerpt from The Effective Admin newsletter archives. This complete article is available in The Effective Admin paid
newsletter archives that are included in membership at
http://www.TheVAAP.com. |