Saying no isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. It shows you value your time, know how to prioritise, and refuse to be a doormat. By separating decisions from relationships, shifting your mindset to ‘I choose to’ instead of ‘I have to,’ and keeping your no’s short and firm, you gain control and respect. Reframe saying no as a powerful tool for career success.
Category: Administrative Profession
There’s No Such Thing as ‘Just’ a Job: Recognising Every Role’s Value
Everyone plays a vital role in the bigger picture—there is no such thing as ‘just’ a cleaner, ‘just’ an assistant, or ‘just’ anything. Carmina, my 68-year-old cleaner, understands that her work allows others to thrive. Her wisdom is a reminder that no matter the job title, every contribution matters in making life and business run smoothly.
Leading Up: Why EAs Are More Than Just Support
Many assistants don’t see themselves as leaders, but to become an administrative business partner, you must embrace influence and proactivity. Leading up is not about overstepping—it’s about enabling your manager to focus on what they do best. By shifting your mindset and taking initiative, you don’t just support—you lead, drive efficiency, and contribute to the success of the entire organisation.
Creating Opportunities: How Hiring Entry-Level EAs Can Change Lives
Administration is one of the few careers where a woman can start at the bottom and grow into a successful profession. Yet, many companies overlook entry-level administrative roles. By committing to hiring Level One assistants from disadvantaged backgrounds, businesses can provide life-changing opportunities while fostering a more inclusive workforce. Could your organisation be part of this movement?
The Missing Piece: Why EAs Must Be on the Org Chart
When administrative professionals are left off the org chart or positioned incorrectly, it diminishes their visibility, value, and career progression. This oversight sends a message that their role is less important, impacting recognition, inclusion, and access to opportunities. It’s time to ensure EAs and administrative professionals are properly represented—because visibility matters.
The Hidden Cost of Excluding EAs: Why It’s Time to Rethink Their Role in Leadership
When Executive Assistants (EAs) are excluded from key leadership events and development opportunities, it signals a fundamental misunderstanding of their role. This oversight limits their ability to support executives effectively and diminishes the strategic value they bring. It’s time to challenge outdated perceptions and recognize the EA role as an integral part of business success.
The Hidden Exclusion of EAs: Why It’s Time to Recognise Their Value
A recent post highlighted a frustrating reality for Executive Assistants: being excluded from key business events due to outdated policies. When an EA is treated as “less than” the leadership team, it not only devalues their contributions but also weakens team effectiveness. Participation in strategic discussions helps EAs anticipate challenges, build relationships, and enhance their skills—benefits that directly impact the business. Yet, many face exclusion, unclear career paths, and a lack of development opportunities. It’s time to challenge these outdated perceptions and ensure EAs receive the recognition, inclusion, and growth opportunities they deserve.
The Gender Bias in Administration: Confronting the Elephant in the Room
Administrative roles, overwhelmingly filled by women (98%), have long been undervalued due to gender biases that associate them with “women’s work.” This perception leads to exclusion from key meetings, limited career progression, lower pay, and restricted access to professional development. Studies show that administrative professionals earn significantly less than their male counterparts, face fewer promotion opportunities, and are often overlooked in strategic decision-making. To change this, we must openly discuss and challenge the biases that devalue administrative work and advocate for the recognition, respect, and opportunities these professionals deserve.
Closing the Pay Gap: Why Salary Negotiation Matters for Administrative Professionals
The gender pay gap remains a pressing issue, particularly for administrative professionals. Many women find themselves earning significantly less than their male predecessors in similar roles. One key reason is that women are statistically less likely to negotiate salaries compared to men, leading to long-term financial consequences. Advocating for fair pay and preparing for salary negotiations is essential in closing this gap. Utilizing tools like the Global Skills Matrix can help administrative professionals understand their market value and push for equitable compensation. By fostering open discussions and supporting systemic change, we can work toward more inclusive and fair workplaces.
Unity Over Division: The Power of Collaboration in Revolutionizing the Administrative Profession
The administrative profession is undergoing a major transformation, and now more than ever, it’s crucial for professionals to unite and focus on collaboration, not division. The challenges we face, from disruptive changes brought on by the pandemic to the ongoing fight for respect and recognition, require us to work together as one voice. The infighting, toxicity, and jealousy that sometimes plague the profession only serve to hold us back. By supporting one another, sharing knowledge, and embracing unity, we can redefine the role of administrative professionals and ensure it is recognized as an essential, strategic part of any organization.
