[Helen_nz2]

I was curious as to how many of you attending and participating in the management meetings. I've recently started working for a new manager as my manager was restructured out of his role. I started off attending the management meetings and taking the minutes, but last week my manager told me he didn't need me to attend anymore. The reasons he gave were that it wasn't the type of meeting that needed to be minuted and he felt there were things to be discussed that were not appropriate to be discussed in front of me, that I was not a part of that team. Of course he hastened to assure me that it wasn't personal and that it was not a reflection that he didn't trust me. But I'm not sure how to take it. I've always been in roles were I've taken an involvement in the business, attending and participating in meetings and being part of the team. I am the only PA here and if I'm not part of the team, that kindof feel like a very lonely and isolated role. I would like to know if anyone else finds themselves in this kind of situation and how do you deal with it?

[GeeBee]

Hi Helen_nz2 - I have been in roles similar to the one you are describing. When you are the only PA in the organization and not quite part of the management team, but valuable by supplying their main administrative support, it can be very lonely. I have been in situations where the EA/PA is treated exactly as the other management team members - this was wonderful and a truly great experience. I know these situations are not common and it takes a very liberal and forward thinking head of management and management team. In most cases it is a very rare case where EAs or PAs are provided all the priviledges that the management team members are given. Usually, even if you are part of the managment team and taking the minutes and up-to-date on all the happenings, most organizations still do not treat you the same as the management team members. The truth is EAs and PAs are not hired to undertake management responsbilities and therefore some management teams are reluctant to include you in the decision making process - even if that inclusion is simple minute taking. Unfortunately it comes down to corporate culture and what will be tolerated or considered acceptable by the majority management,the CEO or both.

Do not take this personally, it sounds like it was your manager's decision which he probably based on the evolving corporate culture. Reach out to trusted friends to fulfil the team need and build your new role enjoying the fact that you no longer have to take the minutes!

[Helen_nz2]

it's hard when you've had all that to then give it up. If this had been a job interview I would have said "no Thanks". My role also changed from being a 1on1 PA to team support so I guess that tells me how the role itself is seen

[Hanford Annie]

I once worked for a high level manager. When I began my job with him, I asked him if he wanted me to attend his staff meetings. He replied that he did not want me to attend. After working with him and noting his interactions with me and his staff, I realized that there were major differences. He was always very cordial and kind to me, did not complain much when I made an error. His interactions with his staff were very different. He was what many would consider brutal with his staff. His staff also kicked back when I relayed a task from him to them. He respected and trusted me completely, but his job was clearly to bring his staff back into line. His entire staff was made up of managers of dysfunctional groups. In this case, I believe he was protecting me from what he needed to do. I was doing my job well. I did not need to be regularly recalibrated. The only thing I really missed was information on what was going on in the company which was discussed in most staff meetings. It was lonely in that I did not have positive contact with other admins. Ultimately, I loved the job and worked for this manager for six years and a company change to stay with him. After my initial shock of not being invited to the staff meetings, I found the job to be well worth it.

[Jodith]

I have to agree with Annie on the point that when you don't attend staff meetings, it's really hard to stay on top of the priorities for the team and your boss. It also helps you get a feel for what everyone on the team does so you can help route calls and e-mail appropriately.

If you feel like you are at a detriment in your job because you don't attend the management meetings, I'd sit down and talk to him again about it. Tell him why you are at a disadvantage and let him have that information to reaccess his position. He might not change his mind, but then again he might. Or he may find another way for you to stay in the loop in what's happening with the management staff.

I was in that situation in my last job. I was the only admin in a small non-profit. I wasn't part of the management team, nor part of any of the other teams. They'd have team meetings and luncheons, and welcome and going away lunches, and I was always on the outside. It was a very lonely way to work. I never talked to anyone unless they needed something from me. It's not the most fun way to work.

[deana79]

Helen,

I am the EA to the President/CEO of a mid-size non-profit (120 employees). I have been with this company for over 7 years now and the EA for almost 4. All prior EA's before me attended management meetings, I, however, do not. At first I was a little offended, but I realize now that my boss believes there are more important things that I could be doing for the organization then taking minutes. He has a member of his management team take the minutes, and it seems to work well. I am able to "stay in the loop" without attending these meeting. I work with my boss to create the agenda so I know exactly what it being discussed and I also get copies of all the minutes, which I made sure to read. If there is something in the minutes that I have questions on, I usually will go to my boss and ask him for clarification or to discuss it with him. It seems to work well for us.

I have been pushing more recently to attend other meetings of his to "shadow" him so to speak. I explained to him that he can not be everywhere, if he allows me to be exposed to more of what he does each day, I can take more off his plate. He seemed to agree and I am attending more and more meetings.

I do agree with what you said about being lonely at times. As the EA to the President/CEO, my role is unique within the organization. I'm not a manager, but also not viewed at as a staff level employee. Luckily for me, I have been with the organization for years and have development great relationships with both staff and management here. When it does come time for "team building" activities, I am usually not included but I try not to let it bother me.