Administrative assistants keep everything organized and running smoothly, and they make sure that the team can focus on their work without interruption. But what many people don’t realize is that administrative assistants can also add a lot of value to the workplace. In this blog post, we will discuss some of how administrative assistants can add value to their role. We will talk about both hard skills and soft skills, so that you can get an idea of what you can do to become a more valuable member of your team!
Be Proactive and Organized
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: organization is important. A lot of businesses hire administrative assistants because they simply need someone to help them get organized. By being organized and anticipating the needs of your team, you can make everyone’s job easier. Doing this also shows that you are invested in the team’s success and will go the extra mile to help.
Even if the team you’re working with is resistant to change (which never happens, I know), you can add value by being proactive and organized. This will help you anticipate the needs of your team and be better prepared to meet those needs. Being organized strengthens your business by making it more efficient and effective. It’s something that I can’t stress enough.
Anticipating the needs of your team is really what you’re aiming for, but you can only do that if you’re organized and dialed into the team and the flow.
So, if you’re looking to add value as an administrative support professional, be sure to focus on being proactive and organized. It will make a world of difference for you and your team.
Develop a Strong Work Ethic
As an administrative assistant, one of the best ways to add value to your team is by developing a strong work ethic.
This starts with your administrative system.
Your administrative system should help you develop your routine, consistency, and set expectations with and for your team. By doing this, you’ll build trust with your team and show that you’re reliable.
Furthermore, a strong work ethic will help you be add value because the reliability of your work will help build faith and trust in your ability. So if you want to be an asset to your team, start by developing a strong work ethic.
But remember, it all starts with your administrative system.
Stay Up To Date on Industry Trends
You may not think that administrative support is the most glamorous profession out there, but trust me, it is essential.
And as an administrative professional, it is your job to stay up to date on the latest industry trends. By doing so, you will add tremendous value to your team or boss.
In a previous position, I noticed my manager preferred to keep a paper notebook to handwrite notes in meetings. I also knew he liked to review documents and article in print, so I proactively did some research to help him find an electronic solution that could reduce the amount of paper, while still giving him a “paper” feel.
It was a hit. I gave him a “heads up” so he could be a little more open to something new a few months in advance because not everyone likes change. But he seemed to really work for him, and he’s been using it ever since.
Another example is how I found Trello. A story I’ve told a million times, but it’s worth repeating in this case because being open to learning to software changed my administrative game for the better.
There are always new software and hardware developments that can make the lives of those on your team and yourself much easier. By keeping abreast of these developments, you will be able to suggest them to others or use them yourself and show just how valuable you are.
Not only will your boss will be impressed, but your team will be grateful. So make a commitment to stay current with all the latest administrative trends. It could pay off in a big way!
Build Relationships
You know another secret power of the administrative professional?
Making connections.
Admins who know how to talk to other admins, vendors, clients are golden! The thing is, your team might not even realize how you can get things done as quickly or at all because they hit roadblocks. The newbie roadblocks.
Seasoned admins KNOW how to get things done because we spend our time making friends with other admins in other departments and organizations. You know the people who are in direct contact with the decision maker, who can remind them of your request. Or you know the admin who controls the calendar of the client you’re trying to woo.
You can, of course, extend this directly to your coworkers and other clients. It definitely couldn’t hurt.
The point is, valuable admins know how to make the right connections and add value as an administrative assistant by building relationships. These relationships add value by providing access to knowledge, resources, and a network of support that would be otherwise unavailable.
In other words, as an admin, your ability to build strong relationships is a superpower that can help you (and your team) get things done! So go out there and start making some connections!
Take Initiative to Improve Your Skill Set
Every admin job is different because every industry, organization, then department, team, and individual admin is unique. It’s impossible to have a one size fits all admin for every situation. Not ONLY that but also no one really knows what all an admin does! Therefore, it’s crucial that you take the initiative to improve your skill set on your own.
If you don’t know where to start, try asking your manager. However, as time goes on, get out there and explore new software and systems to set you ahead of the curve. To give you some ideas, I have learned how to build an Access database, took classes in Photoshop, advanced Excel courses, and website design.
By continually learning new skills and keeping up with technology trends, you will add value as an administrative assistant and be more indispensable than ever before! LinkedIn Learning is a great place to start!
You never know what skill could be helpful in the future. If you have an interest in it, learn more and learn it now.
My interest in databases saved me when I needed to keep track of multiple programs, budgeting, expense reporting, and event information in one place. Had I not known how to build databases, I would have drowned in the overflow of information.
Personally, I believe that all administrative support professionals should learn Microsoft Access. You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to know how to get started and navigate the program. Access typically comes free with Microsoft Office, and could save you as it did me.
Get out there and try it out!
Exhibit Professionalism and Pride in All you Do
Professionalism
It’s always a breath of fresh air when you encounter someone who is professional in their demeanor and in their actions. As an administrative assistant, exhibiting professionalism can add immense value to you and your brand.
Being professional means that you have built a rapport with others and that you are able to effectively communicate with them. It also means that you can maintain your composure in difficult situations and that you can resolve conflict constructively.
When you exhibit these qualities, it shows others you are someone who they can rely on and trust. In today’s world, exhibiting professionalism is more important than ever before. By adding value as an administrative assistant by exhibiting professionalism, you are setting yourself apart from the rest and position yourself for success.
When you respond to difficult situations with professionalism, you show you are above the antics of those who lack professional etiquette.
Never let the entitled bring you down to their level; instead, show them you are a cut above the rest.
Pride
Being an administrative support professional is important. I truly believe that and I don’t apologize for my passion for it.
No one can tell me that our profession isn’t important, valuable, and worthy of respect. I take great pride in my work, and so should you.
Our profession isn’t the most highly regarded of professions partly because I believe that many of us don’t believe it’s worthy of the respect. We often see ourselves as lower on the totem pole and attach a “not as important as” comparison or “just an admin” minimizer to our roles, which is completely unnecessary.
We don’t need to compare ourselves with anyone, and we don’t need to justify our importance. You are the only person who should try to impress. Are you proud of your role and the work you do? If the answer is yes, then 1) you’re important, 2) you are more than “just” an admin.
Lastly, one thing I’ve noticed is when I openly express the belief in the importance of my profession and my work, other people start to as well. (Don’t be an obnoxious jerk about it, but you are perfectly in your right to applaud yourself when you’ve rocked face.) And if they don’t, they dare not say that to my face. Because they know I take my profession seriously, and I have respect for my contributions.
Respect and pride start with us – you can add value as an administrative assistant by exhibiting pride in your work. Let’s lead by example and shift the perception of our profession, one person at a time.
Conclusion
Administrative support professionals add value to their team and company by being proactive, organized, hardworking, and staying up-to-date on industry trends. They also build relationships with coworkers and clients, take initiative to improve skill set, and exhibit professionalism in all they do.
What do you think? Is this list accurate? Do you have other ways that administrative assistants can add value? Let me know in the comments!
Feature Photo by Christina Morillo
