"Administrative Professional Day"

I can remember years ago when "Secretaries Day" meant that my bosses would take me out to lunch. I had many of them, actually too many. I was hired to be a secretary to the VP of Operations, but a year later was the secretary not only to him, but also to the Plant Manager, Assembly Plant Manager and Engineering Manager. I also did inventory for the Shipping Department on the weekends and when the Payroll Department needed help, I was the one they called.

Today, I don't have a "secretary". I answer my own phone, type my own letters and schedule my own meetings. Sometimes I will get asked why I do these things when I have staff that could do them. My answer is because I want to.
And because they all have a lot of work to do. Plus it makes me work harder. I like that.

But even though I do many things myself, they are always there to help me when I need it, just as I am there to help them. That is how we operate. Each of us performs multiple tasks each day, yet we collectively work together to get the job done.

I am taking the Chamber ladies to lunch today as a small token of my sincere appreciation of their hard work and dedication to the Chamber and to me. I consider myself a very fortunate person not only because I love my job, but because I love working with Vicky, Jennifer and Mandy every day. What a great feeling it is to get up each morning happy to go to work.

Take time today to thank those around you who have made your days a little easier at your job. They don't have to be "secretaries or administrative assistants". Look around you. Surely there is someone who deserves to be recognized today.

How To Clear Your Inbox

Here are some good ways to manage your email via zenhabits.

Ways To Annoy Your Co-Workers

Came across this post at Mental Floss today on things that annoy your co-workers. I have to admit that I am guilty of #2 - Shouting over cubicles to have a conversation. Although we don't have cubicles, I can often be heard shouting "Hey Lois" or Hey Jen" from my office. (Vicky and Mandy don't get it as much because there are walls between us). I know it has to drive them crazy. Why do I do this? Because it is easy.

So what am I going to do about it besides confess? I will make a strong effort to either pick up the phone (second easiest thing) or get up out of my chair and walk to their desks and talk with them face to face. Hmm. That's a new concept.

Sorry ladies.