When I teach my Modern-Day Assistant course, some of my favourite delegates are those who have been in the profession a long time and want a reset that helps them to understand how the profession is evolving.
But I also regularly come across administrative professionals who are resistant to the changes that are happening in the profession. They hope that if they keep their heads beneath the parapet, it will all go away and they can go back to being reactive and gently doing a bit of admin.
One company I worked with on a restructure project discovered a third of their assistant population were ‘retired in situ’. In other words, they had five or fewer years to go until retirement and didn’t see the need to step out of their comfort zone and progress! Think about the cost of that to the organisation.
The truth is that in any role, we need to be constantly evolving to survive.
Change is often daunting and can push us out of our comfort zones. However, it’s also a huge opportunity. This is a profession in an acute state of change. And the exciting news is that it’s us who are creating the future of the role, both for ourselves and those who come after us.
As assistants, our roles constantly evolve with new technologies, processes, and expectations. Embracing change isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential for staying relevant and impactful in our careers. Whether it’s moving from being reactive to proactive, mastering new software, adapting to a new management style, or innovating our workflows, every change is an opportunity for growth.
Let’s support each other through this period of intense change. I’d love to hear your stories of adaptation and success, your tips for staying ahead, and how you’ve turned challenges into opportunities so we can share them with our wider community.
Here’s to embracing change and thriving in the face of it!
