In many workplaces throughout the United States this week, we honor administrative professionals for their career choices and the valuable contributions they make daily to support their employers. Over the next several months similar attention will be given to recognize administrative professionals who live in other countries throughout the world.
As I look at printed calendars within the United States and flip from month to month, I find that there is only one profession that is recognized—Administrative Professionals Day. This celebration occurs annually the last full week of April. Administrative Professionals Day is the Wednesday of that week. How thankful I am to serve in a position that receives both national and worldwide recognition.
As a career-minded administrative professional, I have chosen to own the responsibility for my career and to take responsibility for self-development. This mindset has helped me to want to make greater contributions. As I continue to learn and grow, my goal is to tap into my potential and explore what I’m truly capable of doing.
I live each day looking at the big picture. I continue to ask myself these questions:
- What do I want to accomplish in this lifetime?
- What do I need to do to get myself there?
- What do I want to leave behind?
Success to me is about creating value, and for me value means making sure my contributions are meaningful, impactful, and make a difference.
Through active memberships in professional associations such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), leadership roles, volunteer work, and mentoring, I have been able to make daily contributions that go beyond the workplace. My focus is on contribution.
What’s exciting about a focus on contribution is that there are many ways to make a difference in the world we live in. We can make contributions through time, money, efforts, and talents.
I realize that many administrative professionals are committed to maximizing their leadership talents and giving service beyond the workplace. For those who need suggestions on how to make contributions, here are a few ideas:
- Join a professional association and seek ways to support their efforts
- Serve in a leadership position
- Expand your network by becoming involved in your local community
- Serve on a committee to support something that matters to you
- Make a monetary donation
- Register for a conference and be an active participant
- Mentor students or other administrative professionals
- Make someone’s day special
As Administrative Professionals Day draws near, may we seek to focus on making contributions that extend beyond the workplace. Administrative professionals are incredible, resourceful individuals who make the impossible possible! Let us continue to make a positive difference in the world we live in. What contributions (large or small) can you make to better your profession?
Happy Administrative Professionals Day, Wednesday, April 22, 2015!
I believe and support all these activities:
Join a professional association and seek ways to support their efforts. CHECK
Serve in a leadership position. CHECK
Expand your network by becoming involved in your local community. CHECK
Serve on a committee to support something that matters to you. CHECK
Make a monetary donation. I have in the past; however, no job equals no money.
Register for a conference and be an active participant. CHECK
Mentor students or other administrative professionals. CHECK
Make someone’s day special. CHECK
Alll of these activities give you better self-esteem, and make you look good in the eyes of your superiors.