[LisaOlsen]

Dear Lisa: I'm a young administrative professional just starting out in the field. I am a hard worker and I want to learn and grow in this position. It's a great start for me but because of my age, I don't feel I am getting the respect I deserve at work. I want to be more visible and get my ideas heard without coming across too aggressively. Can you give me some ideas?
Young and Restless
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[Jodith]

The number one thing I've noticed in my career is that administrative support folks tend not to speak up in staff meetings unless it's just a meeting of other admins.

If there's a problem in the office and you can contribute to the discussion, then speak up. You have a valid opinion, and often you see things from a different perspective, so may come up with solutions that others may miss. I can't tell you how often the fact that I speak up at staff meetings comes up in a positive light on performance reviews.

[jord0205]

I love this question. I feel like I'm sort of in the same boat. There are times I feel very appreciated, but I still have people talking down to me in the office when it comes to explaining things. Being the youngest by at least a decade, I can't help but feel its because of my age. The other Problem I encounter is getting work that advances my knowledge. I've been taking on more work by request lately but it seems the work I get is mindless and isn't advancing my career at all.

[LisaOlsen]

I'm curious Jord0205, how you react when other people talk down to you? Do you allow them to "see you sweat" so to speak, do you respond with "an attitude" or do you respond with grace and diplomacy. How you respond to people who resort to that type of unprofessionalism is very important and will make a difference as you advance in your own career. The best way to respond is mostly with body language and a courteous, short, reply. The one thing you don't want to do is give them the impression that you are at all affected by their attempt to intimidate you.

As far as work that advances your knowledge. Have you been watching and paying attention and looking for projects that you are interested in getting involved with? If so, then at the end of your next weekly meeting with your boss, bring up a project or issue and provide ideas. Don't just ask for "more work." Make sure you are asking for work that does challenge you.

As a younger AP, you have an opportunity and a challenge, I agree. However, with that said, if you focus on exhibiting your professionalism, building your credibility and maining diplomacy at all times you will gain respect. Remember too, that there is much to learn from the more experienced admins. Let them know how much you appreciate their experience. That will go along way in bridging the gap.

Keep me posted.

[jord0205]

That's an interesting point. I would say it depends on who is doing it. There are a few people in the office I try my best not to have to talk to about anything, and when I do I'm normally short in my response and if I'm frustrated with them I might show some attitude. Most of the time I try to stay nice about it and try not to let it get to me.

On the other hand, I was thinking about how I am towards older people in the office (the ones that can't advance past Microsoft 97) and I find that I might talk down to them at times too because they're 'knowledge' of technology is that of a mouse. So it goes both ways, I'll try to do better.

I don't sit down with my boss on any kind of regular basis. She doesn't know my job very well, except what I tell her. She is the Exec. Asst. and I'm the Admin Asst/Do everything else in the office person. Her desk is somewhat secluded in the executive wing, I only see her when she comes for mail, food or beverage. Also, I don't hear about projects that people are working on until they are almost done. I guess I'm in the loop, but at the same time out of it.

[LisaOlsen]

Jord0205,

You have a great opportunity to take initiative and offer to set up a weekly meeting with your EA boss. Your frustration with your job duties will most likely escalate since your boss doesn't really have an idea of what you do. Although, I'm not a fan of micromanaging, having a regular weekly meeting can work wonders for a working relationship. Just because your boss didn't take the initiative for a weekly meeting, doesn't mean you can't! I see this as a golden opportunity. You might say, "Susan (your boss), I really want to do a great job for you. I would like to schedule regular weekly meetings with you to discuss your needs. This will also give us an opportunity to discuss my job duties to make sure my time is being spent pro-actively working on priority items. I'd like to start next week and see that Tuesdays would be the best day for you."

Remember to approach this as a way to build your partnership with your boss. You can prepare an agenda and give follow up on what you working on. It really becomes YOUR meeting and can be a real catalyst for growth in your position. The important thing is to show how having these weekly meetings can benefit your boss. Sometimes bosses will say, "I don't have time, I know you are doing OK." Work from that vantage point by saying, " I agree your schedule is busy, however, I know that even taking 15 minutes a week will improve how I can make your job easier and I want to ensure I'm focusing on what's most important." It's hard for them debate that approach!

Since she is secluded, as you mention, it's even more important that you are more "visible" to her by getting in front her at least once a week.

In regards to the older generation and technology. It requires sensitivity and diplomacy to work admins who fear advanced technology. Exercise tact,and remember your greatest asset is your ability to lead people by influence. Gain influence and fill up your credibility bucket by using advanced communication skills. Try not to resort to talking down to them out of frustration. It really only causes leaks in your credibility bucket - not theirs.

Good luck. Let me know how the weekly meeting idea goes. I think in your situation it would be very beneficial.