HOW TO BE A BETTER ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL

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EXPERT Q&A FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS

QUESTION:  I am an administrative support professional who wants to stand out beyond the crowd (so to speak) professionally. I want to be first in line for advancement opportunities, or at least be first on everyone’s mind and have those types of choices offered or available to me. But there are many administrative professionals in my large company who are very good at what they do and they can do my job equally as well as me. How can I make myself unique so that I’m recognized as an above-average administrative support professional?

ANSWER (by Erin O’Hara Meyer, PHR, international trainer and consultant and president of Administrative Excellence, Inc.):

Yes, there may be others who are equally qualified for the next opportunity, but no one has the exact composite of skills and abilities as you do. Focus on those things that you are exceptionally good at and use them as your launching pad to greater responsibility. For example, perhaps you are technically-savvy and enjoy learning new software or creating efficient processes. If so, find those opportunities in your organization that will highlight these talents. Or maybe your preference is working with other people and being involved in team initiatives. Whatever your inclination, you will stand out in the crowd when you build on your strengths.

Below are five leadership characteristics that will further support your career ambitions:

1. Perception – Possessing a self-awareness of behaviors and skills that maximize your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.

2. Purpose – Understanding the importance of job responsibilities and identifying with the overall objectives of your team, department, and organization.

3. Progress – Thinking progressively for continuous personal and professional improvement.

4. Partnership – Willingness and ability to foster good relationships and teamwork with co-workers, managers, and customers.

5. Professionalism – Maintaining high standards of appearance, personal conduct, work product, and expertise.

Practicing and exhibiting these characteristics will strengthen your performance, earn you respect in the workplace, and formulate a Model of Administrative Excellence* that will be appreciated by others.

* Administrative Excellence: Revolutionizing Our Value in the Workplace, Erin O’Hara Meyer, PHR, Beavers’ Pond Press, April 2005

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
For over 20 years Erin O’Hara Meyer, PHR, has performed administrative responsibilities, managed administrative teams, and led human resource initiatives culminating in award-winning professional development plans for administrative staff. As an international trainer and consultant, Erin promotes that each administrative job is a career waiting to happen. To learn more about Administrative Excellence, Inc. or to order a copy of Erin’s first book, Administrative Excellence: Revolutionizing Our Value in the Workplace, please visit www.adminexcellence.com.