We know that in many organisations, administrative professionals struggle to gain the recognition they deserve.
But are we part of the problem?
Take a moment to think about your team of assistants. Are you aligned and working together as a cohesive unit, or is everyone operating in their own bubble?
The reality is that most assistant teams don’t function as teams at all. Instead, they work in silos, keeping information and best practices to themselves. This lack of collaboration leads to inefficiencies, duplicate efforts, and missed opportunities to create real impact.
Other staff notice – particularly when assistants operate at cross purposes. Disorganisation, cliquey behaviour, competitiveness, and a lack of teamwork send a message: ‘We’re not strategic, and we’re not aligned.’
Recognition begins with how you show up for each other. When assistants act as a united front, they’re far more likely to gain the respect and influence they deserve.
So how do you get there?
Here’s how you can break down silos and build a stronger, more strategic team:
📌 Open the lines of communication. Silos form when communication breaks down. Schedule regular team check-ins to share updates, challenges, and opportunities. Create a space where information flows freely, so everyone is on the same page.
📌 Establish shared goals. A team is only as strong as its shared purpose. Align on key objectives and how each assistant’s role contributes to achieving them. When everyone works toward a common goal, collaboration becomes second nature.
📌 Share best practices. Stop reinventing the wheel. If you’ve found a great way to streamline a process, share it. If someone else has mastered a skill you’re struggling with, ask for help. A rising tide lifts all boats.
📌 Support, don’t compete. Remember, you’re on the same side. Instead of competing for recognition or resources, work together to elevate the team’s collective value. A win for one is a win for all.
📌 Foster a culture of trust and respect. Teams thrive when members trust each other to have their backs. Be reliable, kind, and professional in your interactions. Trust takes time to build but starts with small, consistent actions.
It’s easy to see why assistants are often overlooked when the team itself is fractured or unaligned. But when you come together as a cohesive, strategic unit, you prove your value – not just as individuals but as an indispensable business function.
🗓️A date for your diary! Our first Administrative Leaders Network event of 2025 features Hg’s Louise Mandalia who will share how she successfully built a unified and high-performing assistant team at her organisation. If your team struggles with alignment or recognition, you won’t want to miss her insights on January 23. More details soon.
