Your Unsung Hero, Your Assistant

Whether you call them your administrativeguarantee you will be longer than you originally
assistants, your secretaries, your executivethought, set up a time to discuss these things
assistants or your right hand person, do youwith them. I would suggest taking your assistant
realize how much they really contribute to yourout to lunch. Just make sure that you're not
business?interrupting their schedule or unintentionally making
As a busy professional, your time is valuable. Themore work for them!
more time that you spend focusing on what youThis might sound like a very simple gesture, but
do best, the more money you make.you'd be amazed how much a few words of
Enter your assistant. It's easy to overlook what aacknowledgement can really mean. You may think
vital role these professionals play in your daily life.that your assistant knows what a vital role they
Yet, when forced to actually consider life withoutfill in your organization but that may not be the
such support, most people can't imagine it!case.
So, for one week every year, it's customary toMany assistants get frustrated because they feel
show appreciation to these professional supportunappreciated. Don't get me wrong, they're not
providers. This year that week is April 24-28.asking for constant attention or coddling. Usually,
I challenge you to really let them know how muchit's very much the opposite. However, wouldn't
they mean to your success and to that of youryou rather go to work everyday feeling as if
business overall. Yes, people certainly appreciateyou're a part of something bigger? Now imagine
receiving bonuses, flowers, balloons, gifts, etc.that you know you're a part of that something,
However, sometimes it really is the thought thatbut you feel as if no one else realizes it!
counts and all of those nice gifts can seem ratherIt's not a pretty picture is it?
cold and thoughtless.So, this week as administrative professionals or
I suggest that this year you take a few minutesassistants or whatever title they may have are
and really think of all the ways that your assistanthonored all across the country, make sure you're
has contributed to and, at times, even facilitatedon board. Find some way to acknowledge your
your success. Really rack your brain for specificassistant's value. It take's so little time and effort
instances.on your part, but it can make your workplace so
Once you've come up with your list, which Imuch more pleasant for everyone!