We often hear that working hard is the key to success. But for administrative professionals, it’s time to reframe the conversation. Working hard is essential, yes – but working with impact is even more important.
Laura B.’s message at ES LIVE this weekend was a powerful reminder that impact is what defines the highest-performing administrative professionals. Being busy isn’t enough. Your impact – how effectively your work drives outcomes, aligns with strategic goals, and supports the organization’s mission – is the measure of true success.
Working with impact means elevating your role from task-oriented to transformational. It’s about asking, “How does what I’m doing today contribute to my executive’s success and to the organization’s objectives?” Administrative professionals who think this way transition from being seen as support to being recognized as strategic partners.
So where do you start?
Identify areas where your work aligns with either your executive’s or your company goals. For example, are you organizing meetings or facilitating high-value conversations? Are you booking travel or optimizing your executive’s time to drive critical initiatives forward? The shift is subtle but powerful.
Impact goes beyond completing a checklist. It’s about seeking out ways to add value in every task. Look for opportunities where your knowledge, experience, or perspective can elevate the outcome of your work. Maybe you anticipate a challenge before it arises, suggest a process improvement, or connect people across departments to solve a problem faster.
Administrative professionals who work with impact recognize that they are more than task-doers—they are problem-solvers, connectors, and innovators. They add value by understanding the bigger picture and acting accordingly.
Impact comes with influence. When you work in a way that drives real outcomes, you naturally build credibility. Your colleagues and leaders begin to see you not just as a doer, but as someone with insight, foresight, and strategic acumen.
Focus on building relationships, honing your communication skills, and positioning yourself as a trusted advisor. Impact isn’t achieved in isolation; it’s created through connection and collaboration.
Set an example for others. When you elevate your work to a level of impact, you inspire others to do the same.
Consider mentoring or guiding colleagues who may benefit from this perspective, fostering a culture for that values impact over activity.
The best way to demonstrate your impact is to measure it. Track your achievements, quantify the time or resources you save, and note how your work contributes to larger initiatives. For example, if your proactive planning saved your executive hours each month, calculate that time as a measurable asset.
Its a mindset shift but when you can show that your work isn’t just busywork, but a critical component of success, you reinforce your value and establish yourself as an indispensable partner.
