The Name Game: New Titles for Administrative Assistants
By Rocky White, CEO, The SyN Learning Institute
Since the term “secretary” went out of favor in the 1970s, organizations have been trying to find the right job title to describe an increasingly expansive role. Most widely used now is “administrative assistant,” but in today’s high-tech and customer-focused marketplace, the titles are changing again.
With more and more assistants managing office software, large events and creative communications efforts, words like director, coordinator, specialist and lead are being paired with administrative to convey the reality of decision-making power and expertise.
Mark your calendar for April 23-27, Administrative Professionals Week, and begin thinking about how you can best recognize and celebrate Office Professionals. SyN will help you do that, by focusing on the eight skills areas that turn ordinary employees into extraordinary talent.
But, what’s in a name? Didn’t William Shakespeare teach us “that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet”? Bill has a point everywhere but in business. Job titles do matter, and much time and thought should go into them in order to recruit, retain and engage the best candidates and employees. Inside Higher Ed’s online publication, Technology and Learning.com recently took a look at the problem with the administrative job title:
“‘Administrative’ is too narrow a term for colleagues who daily juggle project planning, communications, scheduling, finances and logistics. For more information please click here
The SyN Learning Institute developed a comprehensive certification class to help organizations invest in essential office employees, developing such talent from within. Leading subject-matter experts researched, wrote and produced eight comprehensive modules or full-day classes covering topics such as leadership, professionalism, team building, management skills, business writing, communication skills, lifelong learning and interpersonal skills. The Office Professional Certificate of Excellence is available to those who complete five or more of the courses. This course is designed to prepare your essential office employees for new challenges and expanded job descriptions. It was one of the first certification courses developed at SyN because of the importance and ever-changing nature of the administrative professional job.
CLICK HERE FOR OFFICE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION PROGRAM DETAILS
No matter if the title your organization uses is secretary, administrative assistant or executive support, SyN is ready to partner with your key office professionals, ensuring they are ready to meet the real challenges of today and tomorrow.
For more information, call Rocky at 913-815-1494 or email [email protected].
