Become a Star Achiever: Be a Strategic Business Partner with Management

You have heard it 100 times: You don't work "for" someone; you work "with" someone. That's the way it should be. But, do you truly feel like you're a business partner with your executive? Are you included in the decision-making process? Do you attend executive staff meetings for a purpose other than note-taking? Does your executive or manager take you seriously?

While you've probably learned a great deal about how to become more valuable to your manager, this article focuses on how to be a strategic business partner. The information I'm sharing with you is taken from my high-end boot camp for administrative professionals called World Class Assistant^TM. **

Understanding the Difference

Before I can address the how, I want to explain the difference between just a partnership and a strategic partner. When an assistant and manager work in partnership, they work in tandem with each other to achieve team, department and company goals. They have a clear understanding of the tasks at hand, enjoy working with each other, have good communication, and accomplish goals.

Defining the "Why"

The word "strategic" means planned, tactical, deliberate, intentional and calculated. When an assistant and manager have a strategic partnership, they view the future together, develop a plan, and take deliberate action. They understand complete alignment and the importance of ongoing communication. They proactively roadmap.

When an assistant works in a strategic partnership, she (or he) understands the why of things, not just that something has to be done. When you understand the why, you can initiate action and be more proactive. You see how the pieces of the puzzle fit together and the big picture of what needs to occur. This will lead to greater opportunities within your current position. You'll be taken seriously and valued as an important team member. Plus, imagine the sheer pleasure you'll derive from being a part of the success.

Understanding the "How"

So, how can you become a strategic partner? Here are a few steps to get you started:

1. Get Engaged in the Scope of Your Business Partner's Work

This is not the same as the work your manager does. I'll use myself as an example to explain the difference. The scope of my work is to:

• Improve the quality of work and life for administrative professionals
• Advance the administrative profession and have it viewed as a career of choice
• Educate managers and leaders on the changes in this profession and enable them to maximize the time and talents of their administrative professionals
• Be a leader in the training industry for administrative professionals
• Get companies to see that they need to invest in developing their administrative professionals.

I accomplish my scope through training, speaking, writing and consulting. Do you see the difference?

2. Contribute to Team Objectives

A fully functional team displays the following behaviors. How do you and your manager rate?

• Decisions are reached by general consensus.
• People are free to express their feelings.
• Criticism is comfortable.
• Atmosphere in which people are involved.
• Members listen to each other.

3. Align Your Professional Goals with Company and Departmental Goals

When I teach my World Class Assistant workshop, I notice many attendees have a hard time with this activity. Let's say that one of your organization's goals is to be a leader in your industry. Then, you need to think about how you can help them by either being a walking billboard or finding ways to be a leader to others.

4. Become Involved in Decision-Making Processes

I imagine you already make several decisions each day. I want to challenge you to think outside the box. If you think and look really hard, there are other areas that you can get involved in.

5. Maintain Information-Flow to Your Business Partner

Your manager relies on you to keep things flowing. You have access to volumes of information all day; make sure you're not a bottleneck. When reviewing information, really think about what you're seeing. What could it mean? Who might be involved? How might it affect your manager? Is there someone else who should see this information? Should it be delegated to someone on your manager's team? Are you communicating clearly and accurately? Do you need to clarify your manager's communications?

Good luck!

As a renowned author and administrative expert, Joan Burge has been a visionary for administrative training and development since 1990. One of the first to venture into the administrative training industry, Joan has become an international administrative expert, trainer, author, and consultant. Joan Burge is the founder and CEO of OfficeDynamics, Ltd.

**World Class Assistant^TM is held in Summerlin, Nevada at Red Rock Country Club. Class is limited to 20 attendees. Some seats are available for September 23-25 (register here) and November 11- 13 (register here). You can also purchase a live recording of this dynamic workshop here.