[Babbles]

I often feel offended when my supervisor asks me to do personal business for him, such as taking care of his doctor's appointments, medical insurance paperwork, personal vacation details, or finding a Wii for this person's daughter.

I work for a non-profit. It bothers me to use the organization's resources for this person to have a "personal" assistant. Should this bother me? Or should I just see it as part of my job (though it's nowhere in my job description to do these types of things). I wouldn't mind helping this person out on occasion as a friendly favor; but at times, it seems excessive and makes me feel a little meaningless in what I do.

Does anyone else have this situation at work?

[badgergirl]

What is your job role/responsibility? I use to work for a non-profit organization and there would be time when I would go for a walk with one of my supervisors so she could bounce ideas off me and get away from her office. I have also watch the children of two supervisors also (while at the office). I think it is in relationship to what your job is and if you feel comfortable doing it.

[Babbles]

The job role is not classified as "personal" assistant. It's just assistant; and nowhere in the job description does it mention taking care of the supervisor's personal duties. Although like I mentioned, I don't mind helping out someone once in a while as a friend helping out.

[badgergirl]

Then I think the best thing to do is to say that you would rather not be a personal assistant and would prefer to only take care of work-related tasks. Take a look here.

[dave_52]

It does sound like He is trying to use the Companies resourses for his own personal gain, and perhaps a little lazy also.
I agree with badgergirl, tell him you are there to do WORK RELATED TASKS ONLY!

[libby02127]

I've worked for many different companies over the years as an Executive Assistant. I have been asked to do many personal things along the way (anything from scheduling Dr.'s appts to setting up online banking to choosing stools for a beach house). I don't mind doing personal tasks at all because I find that it really helps with the relationship I have with my manager. If they know I am willing to do anything that comes my way, I become more and more indispensable every day.

[Hard Working EA]

I have a couple of thoughts on this subject.

First, who manages the calendar? You probably do so it is much easier and wiser for you to schedule their dentist and doctor appointments so you can control how it fits in on their busy schedule.

Second, if you spend the time making the calls or doing some of the things for them that they normally must do during normal business hours, it frees them up to do the job they are there to do. Your job is to support them and to manage and optimize their time so that they can be exectuives.

And, lastly, I always figure I get paid the same no matter what I am asked to do. So as long as I am not asked to do something illegal or immoral, I don't feel put out.

My executive greatly appreciates the support. He has never taken advantage and is always thankful. I am also rewarded for my efforts.

[Karen Loughman]

I agree with Hard Working EA. No matter the task, if it frees up the executive, and you are getting your normal pay, I don't see any problem with doing personal tasks.

[surush]

I also support a busy executive and see my role as providing the support needed to make her more productive; this sometimes might require assisting with things of a more personal nature. I think balance and prioritization is the key here; if tasks of the organization are being neglected or not completed timely because of the personal tasks, that can be a problem and might give an inaccurate perception of your abilities. If that's the case, I would suggest communicating with your boss to apprise him/her of what's on your "plate" and to get their input on prioritization. Following their direction on prioritization should then protect you from any negative feedback/perceptions/evaluations.

[wwilson]

I also do many personal related tasks and at times I do not have time to fit them in to my regular duties. I joke about it with my boss and ensure when others are around that I joke about it so others know the "extra" tasks I do (booking his hair appointments!). He now tries to keep it to a minumum - perhaps to avoid embarassment.