The Golden Rule Applies in Every Situation!!!
When I first began my career, the position was referred to as "Secretary" and yes, Matilda, we did make coffee back in the day! I did not mind making coffee for my boss - at all! I did not see it as a lowly task, but I viewed it as a duty I performed out of respect for him.
There's a reason my boss got the "big bucks". He was a bright, creative individual with a gift for making quite a lot out of very little. Have you ever known someone who could go into a room with a glob of clay and walk out with a masterpiece? That is what my boss could do! If I could make sure he got a decent cup of Joe in the morning, I was happy to help in that small way.
As his secretary I was not only expected to be highly organized, be dressed to the nines, have my hair and make-up done, but take dictation and type and know my alphabet so I could file. There were also those odd errands to the grocery store or to the Dry Cleaners if he was pressed for time (get it... Dry Cleaners - pressed)??? I also took care of petty cash, so ran to the bank as well (I didn't actually run - I took the company car). Yes, I'm on a pun roll... somebody stop me before I get run over by my own pun! Whoops - too late!!!
On my 20th birthday, in 1982, he told me I possess a quality that no other secretary has. He told me that I know how to speak that one universal language - the language of love. He said, "Anyone can be friendly, but you have a real knack for befriending people - and there's a difference - a difference you can feel." He went on to say that I show the love of Christ to everyone who comes through the doors of his office. I nearly cried when I heard that! My boss and his wife were prominent figures here in my city, and were also very active in their church. Such a statement from him was high praise indeed and meant the world to me!
I do not mention that to brag, but to encourage the young people who are interested in being in this field to go the extra mile with everyone you meet. This is not a field you want to go into wearing blinders. It is not easy. You will encounter mean people - ones who think because they are executives and you are not, they have the right to cop an attitude with you. Decide what Christ would do. Did He ever fight fire with fire? He chose His battles very carefully and never lost his composure based solely on emotion. Be wise at your workplace. Don't be quick to let your temper flare. Choose the high road - always choose the high road!
Remember that when an executive has a bad attitude toward you, it is not about you. You are just the first face he/she sees when they walk through the office door. They do not "know" you - they know your boss. They know if something has not gone their way with their dealings with your boss - not you. Be kind. Be gentle. Be the verbal punching bag. I used to think of it as saving my boss from having to hear it. I used to go home at night and tell my parents jokingly, "It's just one more service I provide!"
It was almost like a game of sorts for me. The more angry and loud they got, the kinder and sweeter I got. Some people react well to kinder and sweeter and calm down. Others get even more angry and louder. I used to bet inside my head which way it was going to go... I was usually fairly accurate. I am a pretty good judge of character, even if I say so myself.
People skills are learned over a lifetime, but when someone walks into your boss' office and they are clearly not happy, you have about five seconds to decide how you are going to play it. You'd better choose correctly. Nine times out of ten, calm, cool, kind but direct is best. Professionals understand direct communication and the calm, cool part needs to be your own unique touch! Make sure it is a genuine kindness. Never be condescending! Executives immediately sense that attitude and balk at it! If they decide to tell your boss you took that tact, then the fur really hits the fan!
I wish I could have worked with him longer, but he retired in 1985 and I was beginning a new chapter in my life - as I was engaged to be married in 1986. The timing was right for me to leave and so I found employment elsewhere. Unfortunately, I never found the same close-knit work environment I had when I worked for him. A job like that only comes around once in a lifetime - if you're lucky! Scratch that - I was blessed, not lucky! God placed me in a wonderful job. Not many people think of their boss as more of a friend than a boss. He was a great boss - as well as a good friend.
Sadly, he passed away a few years ago. The service was beautiful and the attendance was amazing. He left a real legacy behind and I am very proud and honored that I was able to be a part of it - even though every morning began with me standing at the ol' Bunn coffee maker, brewing our morning java!
Enjoy your day - and hug a Secretary... um - Administrative Assistant... um - Administrative Professional!!!!!!!!!!!
"PEOPLE COME BEFORE THINGS."
- Jim Turner
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