Key Characteristics of a Successful Administrative Assistant
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Your Office Coach is copyrighted to Marie G. McIntyre. All rights
reserved.)
The Key
Characteristics of a Successful Administrative Assistant can be grouped
into three basic areas: displaying a positive attitude or mindset;
possessing effective people skills, and consistently doing your best
work.
Displaying a Positive Attitude
Smile!
Present a positive attitude, even when the circumstances make it
difficult. This will sometimes be easier said than done, but a good
mindset will carry you a long way – even when you are up against a tight
deadline on Friday afternoon!
Approach your job with enthusiasm. It’s easy to dwell on the downside
of things, but be careful not to get too caught up in that. Things
could possibly be better, but they could also be a lot worse. Try to
find something good in every situation.
Keep
your cool, even when it’s hot. Don’t lose your temper or show your
disdain for your boss or your co-workers. So what if you’ve told your
boss the name of that vendor three times already – who’s counting?
Certainly not your boss! Be patient, but not condescending. It’s also
a good idea to keep any sarcastic or demeaning comments and actions out
of the office (in fact, you might want to get rid of them for good!)
Maintain your self esteem and confidence. It is important to have self
esteem. Being sure of yourself and your abilities is a definite plus.
Don’t measure yourself by what others do. That is not realistic. Focus
your energy on your work and do your best. Don’t overdo it though; it
is one thing to be confident in your ability, but quite another when you
brag about your accomplishments to anyone who will listen.
Effective People Skills
Respect
your boss and your co-workers. Just because you don’t think something
is important, doesn’t mean it’s not important to someone else. Be
tolerant and open-minded to other ways of thinking.
Build
relationships. Don’t act as though you and your boss are an island.
Network with other administrative assistants in your company. Find
common areas where you can work together for the good of the whole
organization.
Don’t
gossip. Participating in office gossip or talking about others almost
always comes back to haunt you. Keep yourself out of that cesspool. If
someone tries to reel you in, walk away. They’ll eventually figure out
that you’re there to work, and not gossip, and if need be, they will
find someone else to gossip with.
Keep
confidential things confidential. In most cases, administrative
assistants are privy to a wealth of information, some of which is very
confidential. Your boss relies on your ability to keep it that way. A
slight slip of the tongue may have far reaching consequences, including
affecting someone’s job.
Work
Performance
Be
accurate. In everything you do, be accurate. Check and double check
your work. A few extra minutes before you turn in your report or mail
that letter is a worthwhile investment. It may prevent you from sending
Mr. Smith’s invoice to Mrs. Jones!
Be
accountable. Do what you are supposed to do, when you are supposed to do
it. Be known as someone who will follow through on your
responsibilities. People will know that they can count on you to
deliver what you promised. If something goes wrong, take the necessary
steps to rectify it. Don’t play the “Blame Game”.
Offer
to take on the extra work once in awhile. Not only will you be helping
someone else, you may be expanding your skill set by learning something
new.
