Kathleen Drum

Effective documentation is a vital skill for administrative professionals, especially senior assistants who play a key role in knowledge management. Far from just record-keeping, well-organized documentation serves as a framework for strategic insight, ensuring continuity, proactive decision-making, and enhanced support. It positions assistants as accountable, forward-thinking contributors who add measurable value to the organization. In fast-paced environments, thorough documentation can be a stabilizing force, fostering long-term success for both the assistant and the company.

To truly unlock the potential of your Executive Assistant (EA), increasing their visibility within your network is key. EAs are more than just schedulers—they can be strategic partners who anticipate needs, solve problems, and strengthen key relationships. By empowering your EA to connect with senior leadership, board members, and external partners, you not only enhance their impact but also foster their professional growth. This visibility transforms them into trusted contributors, helping drive your business forward with confidence and alignment.

In many organizations, administration is still seen as a homogeneous role, but the reality is far more complex. Administrators range from those supporting daily operations to strategic leaders guiding executive teams. The outdated perception of administration as a “one-size-fits-all” job limits career growth and fails to recognize the diverse skills and expertise administrators bring to the table. The Global Skills Matrix provides a framework to distinguish these roles by level, responsibility, and impact, ensuring that administrators are valued and recognized for their contributions. It’s time to elevate the profession and open doors for more strategic, career-driven opportunities in administration.