The value an administrative assistant brings to a business is often underestimated. Though the job title may not sound all that weighty, an administrative assistant helps a business operate smoothly. In fact, they often become the nerve center of a business and are tasked with coordinating the day-to-day activities of the organization as a whole.
To be effective, your assistant must possess certain skills, which include the following…
Problem Solving Abilities
Your assistant will likely be faced with many decision-making situations, including how to manage your schedule when unexpected events pop up. Your assistant will probably also need to be well versed in resolving conflicts among other employees, and collaborating with customers to make sure that orders are fulfilled on time, invoices are paid when they are due and refunds or exchanges are processed as situations demand. All these require an ability to solve problems and a competent administrative assistant should not fall short in this area.
Communication Skills
In carrying out the activities associated with the position, it’s important to remember that your assistant will be interacting with a lot of people, including you, other staff members and customers. As such, it’s important that your administrative assistant be able to communicate clearly and in a friendly manner. A positive disposition and people skills are very important. After all, no one wants to talk to someone who always seems depressed, or worse, angry. Your assistant should also be familiar with terminologies used in your line of business.
Multitasking Abilities
A good administrative assistant is judged, to a large extent, by an ability to multitask. And multitasking requires having good organizational skills. The best assistants also have impeccable time management skills, which ensures valuable time is not wasted. Managing filing systems, tracking correspondence and coordinating the flow of paperwork around the office are just a few of the main functions of an assistant.
Technology Fluency
Having technology skills is a prerequisite since your administrative assistant will have to create documents, organize databases, manage spreadsheets, and send emails. Your assistant must stay up-to-date with the latest technologies in your line of business to be the most effective.
