Why listen to me, you ask, for advice on how to impress your boss as an administrative assistant? True, I’m not an administrative anything (though nine months spent as a receptionist have given me some insight into the intricacies of admin work); however, after interviewing Patti Groff, director of administration at law firm Butz Dunn & DeSantis, I feel quite confident in offering you these helpful tips on how to impress your boss as an admin assistant, including tips on mastering the art of detail, possessing confidence, and knowing the business. I’ve also included advice from a former boss of mine who is very particular about the admin assistants he hires.
Administrative Assistants Must Master the Art of Detail
Groff has been mastering the art of detail ever since her first job as a bookkeeper. Now, in her 12th year at Butz Dunn & DeSantis, Groff lives and breathes the mantra: “Pay attention to details.” Because of this, she aims to imbue others with an eye for detail as well.
“We work for and with highly detailed individuals who think quickly on their feet,” says Groff about her position. “You need to pay attention and offer well thought out responses and solutions.”
Be aware of your bosses needs. Is he someone who must have papers organized chronologically? If so, make sure you present papers to him chronologically. Is she someone who is particular about a document’s formatting? If so, make sure you know precisely what she wants and implement this each time you write letters, memos, drafts, etc.
Administrative Assistants Must Posses Confidence
“Be confident — you must possess the confidence to sometimes challenge the process and manage the business of law, allowing the lawyers to practice law, which is what they do best,” says Groff.
Everyone will make mistakes; however, not everyone can bounce back from them. An administrative assistant must be confident in the work he or she does in order to thrive in the industry. Most likely, you will be answering calls and dealing with all kinds of people — kind people and difficult people. By having the confidence to deal with difficult people, you will keep the office running smoothly. If you cave easily, these calls will be forwarded to your boss, who might not have the time to fix your problems.
Administrative Assistants Must Know the Business
Groff says, “Know the business and have vision — nurture your strategic outlook — always looking to the future for new and innovative solutions to both the business and the practice of law.”
Groff also suggests that you be ready to offer solutions. How, you might ask? By knowing the business. Immerse yourself in the business you are working in. For Groff, this meant law. For you, this could mean accounting, insurance, marketing, advertising — the list goes on. Whatever area of work you administer in, make sure you know it well. That way, you’ll be ready to offer solutions to your boss’s problems.
What One Boss Requires of His Administrative Assistants
When asking my former boss, Mr. Brock, about the kinds of qualities he found important in an administrative assistant, he says, “As for qualities, the ones that initially come to mind are: accuracy, honesty, good-natured, conscientious, diligent, reliable, happy, flexible, trainable, logical.” These qualities would impress this boss. What about yours?
Conclusion
By mastering the art of detail, possessing confidence, and knowing your business, you’ll be able to impress your boss and thrive in your role as an administrative assistant or director of administration — just like Patti Groff did and continues to do today.
