Admins have a wealth of skills that can help their executives work efficiently and effectively. Yet getting your executive to utilize your entire skills set can be a bit tricky, especially if he or she isn’t used to having help or an admin.
So how to you train your executive to actually use your skills?
The solution is two-fold. First, you need to draw attention to things you can help with. If you see your executive doing something — such as filing or making travel reservations — that you can tackle, speak up and offer to help. Chances are good that your executive doesn’t realize he’s doing something he could — or should — delegate to you.
The other half of the solution is to regularly remind your executive of what you’re willing and capable of doing. This is especially important if you’ve worked with someone for a long time. Everyone gets stuck in a rut, and it’s easy for your executive to lose track of what you enjoy doing or new areas you’ve expanded with specialized training. Sometimes you have to be assertive and say, “Can I give this a try” or “I’ll take this off your plate.” You have to communicate with him or her and take the initiative.
Doing these things isn’t just important for your executive either — it can also benefit your career. Admins tend to feel more fulfilled professionally when we’re able to use our skills and feel like we’re adding value. So teaching your executive to use your skills is a win-win for everyone!
You can also find additional advice, information, and tips to help you work more effectively with your executive on our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages. And this week’s feature article specifically identifies nine ways to get your executive to better utilize your skills. Once you read the article, I challenge you to do just one of the items on our list with your executive this week.
Supporting your administrative success,
Julie
P.S. Join Office Dynamic’s Jasmine Freeman and Joan Burge Friday, October 16, at 1 p.m. EDT, 12 p.m. CDT, 10 a.m. PDT for part two of their webinar on partnering with your executive. Click here to register.
P.P.S. Boss’ Day is Friday, October 16! If you’re still looking for a gift for your executive, check out some of these fun ideas.
