Why is that training for administrative assistants is always the first training to go? I can openly talk about this because:
- I was an administrative assistant for 20 years before starting Office Dynamics in 1990. I personally know the great value I brought to my executives, department and organization—especially those who realized investing in my education was a long-term payoff to them. When a manager or company invests in training, seminars, conferences, or books and CDs for administrative assistants and executive assistants often they end up benefiting. The more educated I became, the more able I was to assist my executive. I knew more, was exposed to new ideas and trends, increased my skill level, and had a much better understanding of my role and business in general.
Bottom line: When your assistants are unproductive, managers are restricted from being productive as well. However, if administrative staff are trained to embrace their role within the organization, managers will be freed to move on to higher priority tasks.
- I’ve been on the other side of the desk for 18+ years. I am a business owner and CEO. Our business is training and consulting. I know times are tough. We have had to cut many expenses in our organization. Sometimes training just feels like an unnecessary item. On the other hand, I have first-hand experienced seeing the benefit of investing in my own executive assistant. She is my right-hand business partner. Because of her skill and on-going learning, she is taking a lot off my plate. Because of her growth and increased responsibility, I can focus on the ‘business’ which is an absolute necessity to stay alive today.
This may be one area you want to change your focus from, “I can’t afford it” to “I can’t afford to not invest in my business partner (your assistant).” I am especially sincere about this if your assistant is a rising or shining star. You do not want to lose her or him!
Joan Burge