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Prove Your Worth Richard Grace, joint MD Gordon Yates, heads up OS magazine’s Career Clinic. Read his tips about life at work in each issue of OS magazine. “I organise my boss’s hugely complex life, manage a budget, organise events, prepare presentations and plenty more, but I don’t feel I’m taken seriously enough by many people at work. Even socially, people aren’t excited by the fact I’m a secretary. Do you think the ‘just a secretary'’ tag is doomed to last forever - and what can I do to win more recognition for my career?” It’s not just secretaries who are stereotyped. As a qualified accountant, Richard Grace knows that accountants are often considered sad “bean counters” devoid of personality. Stereotyping any profession is grossly unfair. People rarely appreciate that the secretarial role has changed out of all recognition over the last 20 years. Technology has transformed the way of working and many secretaries handle work that was once associated with middle managers. A secretary’s role today may involve running complex diaries, organising travel, creating presentations and organising events. Hybrid roles involving different functions and responsibilities are increasingly common. There is no single definition of the role, yet the “just a secretary” tag lingers. Richard dismisses the idea that using a new job title, such as Executive Assistant, might help: “In my experience, work colleagues respond to the reality of a role, not its title. If you are considered great at your job, it really doesn’t matter what your title is.” The key is to tackle any negative perceptions held by work colleagues, which could limit your ability to support your boss effectively. Richard suggests speaking with your boss: be clear about your talents and what you can contribute. Consider asking for more responsibility over budgets, staff or clients. A good boss will welcome your initiative and support you. Look for ways to raise your profile within the company. Take advantage of any opportunities where you can show your skills outside the secretarial role. Exciting people socially about your role is a bit trickier. Those of us who aren’t lion tamers, racing drivers or media personalities may never attract huddles of interest at parties. Refuse to accept the “just a secretary” tag and prove your value through your actions. You’ll make a great contribution towards making people see secretaries in a different light. Adapted from “Prove Your Worth” (Career Clinic) OS magazine, February/March 2008 To subscribe, contact circulation@peeblesmedia.com. |
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