Survey: Behind every good leader is a strong assistant

The effective executive may be the one to get the credit for a job well done, but it’s the behind-the-scenes work of the administrative staff that helped get him there.

In a recent survey, the majority of executives polled n 85 percent n said their administrative assistant is important to their success.

OfficeTeam, a staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals, developed the survey.

“Behind every successful business leader is an outstanding assistant,” said Diane Domeyer, executive director of OfficeTeam. “Administrative support roles are expanding, and managers now rely on their assistants more than ever for project management, research and budgeting tasks, in addition to their traditional responsibilities.”

The survey results were released just weeks from Administrative Professionals Week, which is April 22-28.

“The most effective forms of recognition n such as the chance to attend a professional conference or seminar, or recognition in front of managers and colleagues n have a lasting impact,” Domeyer said.

Assistants said their bosses had recognized their work in a variety of ways, according to OfficeTeam:

• “My boss acknowledged my contribution through a company announcement and reimbursed me for a professional development seminar and dinner.”

• “There was a huge banner and all kinds of presents in my office.”

• “My manager nominated me for the administrative professional of the year award.”

• “My company provided financial support for my education.”

• “My manager stood up at an APW event to tell everyone how important administrative professional are to the company.”