The Changing Role of Administrative Professionals Contributed by Theresa Frederick – www.fftsbiz.com and www.supportbistt.com
Do you know that advances in information technology are causing software to be developed that performs many of the functions previously done by Administrative Professionals?
Do you know that many managers are presently performing duties previously done by Administrative Professionals?
Do you know that there is available software to record and transcribe minutes?
Are you concerned about your future as an Administrative Professional?
The future lies in changing oneself to suit the new requirements of the profession. The duties of Administrative Professionals are changing and you have to retool/equip yourself with new skills in order to survive. Things have been rapidly changing for some time now and in 2007, the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) Website carried the following comparison:
The following is a comparison of typical duties that show how the profession has evolved during the past two decades
Take phone messages ► Coordinate communications, handle calls
Handle clerical details ► Manage projects
Identify problems ► Solve problems
Support one manager ► Work as partner and team player
Assignments are delegated ► Leads the improvement process
Good interpersonal skills ► Excellent interpersonal skills, oral, written, virtual
Is given constant direction ► Self-starter
Take minutes at business meetings ► Participate in meetings
Types dictated correspondence ► Mastery of integrated computer software applications
Collects information ► Researches, organizes and displays information
Considered a low-level clerk ► Is a contributing part of the management team
The above illustrates the need for the administrative professional to learn new skills. In today’s global and fast changing environment, the managers are continuously involved in projects as this is the way to bring about change – respond to the changing business needs/requirements. As the manager’s principal assistant, it is time that the Administrative Professionals learn vital 21st century skills such as Project Management.
The IAAP noted that “technology has empowered administrative professionals with timesaving systems and tools to process information and create a wide range of both electronic and print communications. Management relies on Administrative Professionals to organize the office, contribute on project teams, and solve problems. To be successful, the job demands top-notch interpersonal communication skills, a mastery of the latest office software, and advanced knowledge of key business functions.”
My Project Management for Administrative Professionals course will help administrative professionals make the transition to embrace the new roles. It will also allow them to projectize their operations and so yield additional benefits. It is a hands on interactive course that will leave them with: • a sample of a completed project plan (done during the course), • an action plan for at least six months, and • a personal project for a six months period that involves the projectization of their job functions. Persons can indicate their interest by leaving their contract information on the website