Last week in India, I stumbled upon a role within our profession that was entirely new to me but which commands significant respect—especially within Indian companies. The role is known as the “Learning and Culture Secretary” (LCS).
These professionals are key to onboarding new staff, immersing them in the company’s culture, policies, and procedures, while also overseeing their initial training and development. Their work ensures that new employees transition smoothly, contributing to a positive work environment and fostering ongoing learning and growth.
An HR Director I spoke with in India mentioned that his successful onboarding 30 years ago wouldn’t have been as efficient or effective without the guidance of an LCS, so this is a position that has been around for a while.
It’s clearly a much-valued role.
This led me to reflect: Why has our profession, once held in such high regard before World War II, especially when the role was predominantly male, become one that is so easily dismissed today? Beyond the obvious gender dynamics, what other factors have contributed to this shift in perception?
I came to the conclusion that the shift might lie in the perception that the administrative profession is a reactive one.
Unlike the LCS which is clearly an autonomous and proactive role, the administrative role is often seen as reactive – in other words, we do what we are told. And nothing could be further from the truth – especially in the more senior roles.
In reality, the role is profoundly proactive. Administrative professionals, particularly in those roles at levels 3 & 4 on the Global Skills Matrix, are not just responding to immediate tasks; they are anticipating needs, strategically planning, and laying the groundwork for future success. Their work involves foresight and coordination that enable management to operate at peak efficiency. By undervaluing this proactive aspect, companies miss out on the full potential that these professionals bring to enhancing productivity and driving organisational efficiency.
So how can we change that perception to ensure we are seen as proactive – not just by our managers but by the business as a whole?
Tomorrow, I will be sharing 10
ways that each of you can play your part.
Because by consistently showcasing the proactive aspects of your role, you can shift perceptions not just among your managers, but throughout your entire team. If each of us takes responsibility for changing how our role is viewed within our own organisations, we can collectively elevate the understanding of what an administrative professional truly contributes. Over time, this will help reshape the reality of our profession’s impact, making it clear that our work is integral to the success and efficiency of the business as a whole.
