Category: Managing the Boss

Sometimes, it’s difficult to be en­­gaged if you and your boss don’t agree. Here are four tips that can help you see eye to eye.

One of the most pivotal periods in your relationship with your boss is those first few weeks while you’re getting routines established, learning each other’s temperaments and mapping out expectations. This is especially true when it’s the boss who’s new to the company and not you. You can make yourself indispensable and ease her transition into your organization if you do the following.

The biggest difference between the admin support pro of yesteryear and the one that excels today boils down to the ability to not just respond to the boss, but think like the boss.

Office Dynamics founder and Presi­­­­­dent Joan Burge has been coaching administrative assistants for more than 25 years. Over time, she realized she was teaching the same things over and over, which gave her the idea to develop an operational guide to help executives and their assistants work together more effectively. This year, she partnered with career coach, writer and speaker Chrissy Scivicque to write Executives and Assistants, Working in Partnership: The Definitive Guide to Success.

Ever had to keep covering for a boss who was frequently late, forgetful or just plain not available? We’ve got advice on what to do from experts and admins.

Face it: Your boss holds the keys to your next pay raise, that potential promotion and even whether you can take a vacation this summer. Do your best to foster a positive relationship with the person who has so much influence over your future.

It may seem like Patrizia Iacono is a CEO, says Sydney Morning Herald reporter Sue Green. Iacono checks emails and reviews her schedule when she’s off work, and her day starts at 5:30 a.m., when she starts reading the day’s news. But she’s an executive assistant who mentors more than two dozen other EAs across Australia.

Modern technology combined with the recession-era focus on fewer people doing more work more efficiently have resulted in fewer admins on staff at organizations across the United States, reports Scott Kraus for The Morning Call. But many people could still use a hand managing their calendars, scheduling meetings and responding to simple emails. And that’s where virtual assistants come in.