Global Assistants

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I enjoy my outdoor time in nice weather. My husband and I go camping in our small travel trailer, go fishing, travel and spend time with family and pets. I enjoy photography and sometimes enter photography contests. I also do school work because I'm still working toward a bachelor's degree in business (and I'm a grandma!) I spend so much time on the phone in my work that I DON'T like to talk on the phone much in my leisure time.

I would be curious to know if you replaced someone or if this is a new position? If you replaced someone, it sounds like this boss is suffering from "PASD" or, post admin stress disorder! Her nutcase tendencies may simply be outward behavior that is a symptom of this every popular disorder. She is used to doing things a certain way, and unfortunately from the way you describe her, is lacking in some leadership skills that help her recognize the value of having you on board with fresh ideas and a willingness to step in get the job done well.

I agree with Chrissy. Talk to her. Give her a probationary period. If after a certain time, you still feel you are the victim of her PASD, then it might be time to actively and aggressively search for a new position. It has to be a good fit for you too, Joann, otherwise your skills and talents won't shine through.

Good luck.

I suggest that you be direct and let them know that your boss is in a meeting and unavailable. Ask if there is anything that you can help them with. If they continue to insist on seeing your boss, let them know that they are welcome to wait (however long that may be).

When that happens here, the receptionist will call me (I'm the EA) and I will go out and greet the visitor. I explain to them again that my boss is in a meeting and unable to meet with them right now. I see if there is anything I can do. If not, I let them know when I better time would be to come back or take their contact info and let them know that I will have the boss give them a call when he is available. If they are persistant, and it is not an emergency, I don't back down. I look them right in the eye and tell them that he can not see that right now.

Hello J,

I know exactly how you feel. When all of the files have been filed and refiled and all reports are current, it can be quite a challenge when your exec does not produce enough work to keep you busy. I would suggest that first you make sure that he is aware of your situation and ask if he has any objections to you searching out work from other departments. He shouldn't mind. What is the busiest or most unorganized department at your company? They should be overjoyed to have you help them, even if the work is not mentally challenging; at least it would keep you busy and show what a great team player you are to help out in a pinch.

If you are already helping out and the other departments have no work for you, then you need to ask your exec for suggestions so that others will not start giving you a "she sure doesn't look busy" or "why is she still being paid" look which could lead to unpleasant circurmstances that are not your fault and beyond your control.

Are there any forecasting plans/templates that you could create for him so that once his work picks up you would already have a 6mo -1 yr -5 yr forecast available? Any updates that you could work on for your company's travel policy, strategic plans, or quarterly reports? Are your customer databases complete with current contact info including alternate P.O. Box addresses, email, cell #, exec and admin names? Would he support you taking classes in advanced levels of the computer programs that you currently use, since you have time to attend them? Finding out the answers to these and any other questions along these lines will definitely show that you are trying your best to provide the company with your services in any areas necessary. Good luck - A.