Building respect in your role: Advice for Assistants
As an Assistant, you have a unique and valuable role in your company. But it can feel overwhelming when others don’t recognise the importance of what you do or disrespect your position. It may be challenging to face down those attitudes and win respect for yourself as a professional—but it is possible!
In this article, Building respect in your role: Advice for Assistants, we’ll give tips on how Executive Assistants, Personal Assistants, and Administrative Professionals can build respect within their roles. Whether improving communication with your Executive or demonstrating greater responsibility at work, discover how being more mindful of your actions will help bring out the recognition you deserve.
Acknowledge the respect you deserve
When respect is not automatically bestowed upon you in your role as an Assistant, it is something that you have to earn and cultivate for yourself. It starts with acknowledging that you deserve respect and not accepting disrespectful behaviour from others, no matter their seniority. Building confidence in yourself and your abilities is crucial in gaining respect in your role.
Setting boundaries for Assistants
One key aspect of building respect is setting boundaries. It’s essential to communicate how you want to be treated and not allow anyone to disrespect you. This can be challenging, especially when dealing with individuals in higher positions, but finding your voice and asserting yourself is essential.
Confidence plays a vital role in gaining respect
It’s not something that comes naturally to everyone, but it can be developed like a muscle through consistent effort. Taking opportunities to speak up and share your thoughts in safe environments, seeking feedback, and learning from it can help you grow your confidence. Believing in yourself and your abilities is crucial in projecting confidence to others.
It’s essential to avoid making self-deprecating comments or downplaying your role.
Just like CEOs do not say, “I’m just a CEO,” you should not undermine your position using such language. Embrace your role with pride and confidence; others will be more likely to respect it.
Additionally, learning from your mistakes is a crucial part of gaining respect. Everyone makes mistakes; dwelling on them too long can hinder your progress. It’s essential to acknowledge your mistakes, learn from them, and move on without dwelling on them for an extended period.
Building respect in your role, also involves being proactive and taking on new opportunities to learn and grow. Stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new challenges can help you build your skills and confidence, ultimately earning the respect of others.
Gaining respect as an Assistant requires self-belief, confidence, setting boundaries, learning from mistakes, and proactively seeking growth opportunities. It’s a continuous process that requires effort and perseverance, but it’s essential to earning the respect you deserve. Remember, respect starts from within, so give yourself the respect you deserve, and others will follow suit.
As an Assistant, remember that you have unique skills and talents that can be used to add value to your organisation. Owning the Assistant role empowers you to recognise your worth and command the respect of those around you. Whether improving communication with Executive staff or demonstrating greater responsibility at work, building respect for yourself as an Assistant is obtainable.
This article has provided helpful tips on gaining recognition and respect within your profession. If you want to take it further, why not enrol on our Assistant Mindset Online Course? Our course will equip Administrative Professionals, Personal Assistants and Executive Assistants with all the tools to bring esteem back into their roles through introspection and action!
