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BUSINESS FORUM: ADMINISTRATION SUPPORT STAFFERS DESERVE RECOGNITION AND PRAISE

Published: April 18, 2004
Section: BUSINESS, page D3
Type of story: OPINION
Source: Teresa Hewitt Inge, Landmark Communications Inc.

Today's administrative professionals are no longer "just a secretary." They are key front line representatives for their employers. They have become "knowledge workers" by having a wealth of data and resources readily available through technology.

Administrative support professionals handle advanced responsibilities in the office, work in highly collaborative, diverse environments and are effective contributors to employers.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor statistics, there are more than 8.9 million administrative support professionals working in the United States. Administrative professionals are a fast-growing segment of today's work force. Next Wednesday , the country celebrates Administrative Professionals Day, formerly known as Professional Secretaries Day. This annual event calls attention to the important workplace role of the administrative professional.

Observed since 1952, Administrative Professionals Day originated and is solely sponsored by the International Association of Administrative Professionals, or IAAP, the world's largest association for administrative support staff with 600 chapters and 40,000 members worldwide.

Over the years, this event has become one of the largest workplace observances in history. IAAP recommends observing Administrative Professionals Day by providing education and training to administrative staff through seminars, continuing education and self-study materials.

Such professional development represents a win-win situation for the employer and the administrative professional. Employers will reap the benefits of increased productivity by providing opportunities to enhance individual skills.

Here are some suggestions for supervisors and managers on building effective working relationships with administrative support staff:
- Think of yourself and your administrative assistant as a team. Together, you will achieve greater results.
- Delegate for results. Administrative professionals are ready and willing to accept greater responsibilities in the workplace. They gain the reward of greater job satisfaction knowing that their that skills have been fully used.
- Listen. Your administrative assistant may have recommendations to help the workplace become more effective.
- Communicate. Be sure your instructions are clear and precise. Take an opportunity each day to review tasks and needs with your administrative assistant.

Give your administrative assistant sufficient authority to fulfill his or her responsibilities. Invite your administrative assistant to department meetings and functions. He or she will be more informed about department issues and will feel truly part of the team.

Let your colleagues know that your administrative assistant acts on your behalf. Offer training. Seminars and continuing education programs will help your administrative assistant increase the level at which he or she contributes.

Compensate your administrative assistant with a marketable salary and show support and appreciation for a job well done.

© 2004- Virginian-Pilot

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