Propel your executive assistant career forward
According to a recent Global Assistant survey, over 70% of executive assistants feel undervalued and overlooked by their peers and colleagues. Many professionals in support positions are accustomed to being underestimated and undervalued, but this treatment is unacceptable. The negative stereotypes surrounding administrative support positions can lead to severe biases, hindering support professionals' growth and progress. However, despite their vital role in the company's growth and achievements, it is regrettable that administrative support professionals, particularly executive and personal assistants, still face biases in the workplace.
The reason for such biases is that executive assistants are generally considered subservient to their managers and perceived as not having the skills and competence to progress into higher positions. Most of the time, people tend to judge them based on their positions instead of their abilities, leading to undervaluation and a lack of appreciation.
However, nothing should deter administrative support professionals from seeking better opportunities and fulfilling their maximum potential. Here are some ways to overcome biases in executive support positions.
1. Focus on Attitude and Aptitude
One of the best ways to overcome biases in executive support positions is to focus on attitude and aptitude. Administrative support professionals can exhibit both by continuously improving their skills and building good relationships with colleagues and superiors.
Attitude entails having a positive outlook, proactiveness, and adaptability. It is also essential to communicate clearly and effectively, manage time well and follow through on tasks. On the other hand, aptitude refers to one's ability to learn and excel in a task. You need to be open to learning new things that enhance your job performance and work towards building up your cognitive and soft skills.
2. Avoid Being Overly Apologetic
One of the mistakes administrative support professionals tend to make is apologizing too much. It is common to see executive assistants apologizing frequently and even unnecessarily for things that either are not their fault or minor inconveniences.
Being apologetic all the time displays a lack of confidence, self-doubt, and timidness, which can contribute to biases against you. Instead, use positive language when communicating, avoid negative self-talk, and value your vital role in the organization's success.
3. Be Proactive in Your Work
Another trait that executive assistants should develop is proactivity—being proactive means identifying opportunities for growth and improvement while staying ahead of potential issues. Proactive professionals often have a greater understanding of the bigger picture. They can exhibit more significant autonomy while taking ownership of their decisions.
By being proactive, executive assistants can improve their abilities and competence and be seen as more capable individuals.
4. Mentorship
It is beneficial to seek out mentorship relationships from successful executives within or outside the organization. Mentors can share advice or provide insights from their experiences that can help administrative support professionals overcome their biases in executive support positions.
Through mentorship, administrative support professionals can tap into the knowledge and expertise of successful executives, develop relevant skills, and gain valuable career insights.
5. Seek Professional Development Opportunities
Professional development opportunities can help administrative support professionals build relevant skills, find new career paths, and acquire certifications that increase their value in the workplace. Often, paid professional development opportunities are available to employees who seek them, so it's worth asking your employer.
Professional development opportunities can also help you become more self-aware and acquire a higher skill set which would be helpful for career growth. Check out our Unconscious Bias e-course
The most effective approach to combat biases towards your role as an executive support professional is to exude a positive mindset, sharpen your skills, and actively pursue growth opportunities. Take the initiative, seek out guidance from mentors, and actively engage in professional development activities to reduce bias and propel your career forward. With dedication and determination, any administrative professional can rise to great heights, regardless of their role in the organization.