More than just a steppingstone, it’s a chosen profession!

Many of us administrative professionals see our jobs as a stepping stone for something "bigger "(whatever that is) than our current jobs. What we fail to note is that, it is actually a chosen profession for those who are passionate about the roles they play in their respective organizations.

The stepping stone thinkers are the ones who got into their jobs because there was nothing else to do or wanted to use the role as an entering point into a company or an industry of their choice. They don’t take pride in what they do and do not see the reason why they need to grow in their role. Their focus is on how to get the "bigger thing” and so all their effort is geared towards getting the “bigger” thing. What they forget to know is that to get the ‘’bigger’’ thing they need to excel in what they are currently doing (especially if you are considering being promoted)

The bible says in Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” It also says in Luke 16:10 “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much”

There is nothing wrong with seeing your current job as a stepping-stone but my point is that, as you are already playing the role of an administrative professional see it as a profession and engage in activities that will develop and expand your knowledge in the role. Our job nowadays requires a higher skill set along with a higher educational background so take pride in what you do and excel at it and then when it’s time to move onto something “bigger” you do that gracefully!

An interesting aspect of this profession is that , it actually prepares you for whatever “bigger “thing you are aspiring for. I mean look at the skills that we put to bear performing our duties: time management skills, project management skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, thinking on your feet, situation adaptability, conflict management, dealing with cultural diversity, being flexible just to mention a few. In addition, you are exposed to executives who are teaching, coaching and mentoring you to be became an executive yourself.

How then do you consider your role as a chosen profession?

Borrowing from the words of Jasmine Freeman, Executive Assistant to the CEO of Office Dynamics:

Decide, seek and grow.

Decide this is a profession and use all the tools available to excel at your role. You can start by joining your professional association; attending conferences, seminars and workshops.

Seek out a mentor. At APAG, one of the benefits for members is that they get to learn from people who have several years of experience in this profession.

Grow your network of people in your field so you can learn and share ideas with them. That is why you need to join APAG to connect with your peers to learn, share and grow!

Boss's Day and Why We Celebrate It

Boss's Day is a day used by administrative professionals and other staff members to honour and appreciate their superiors, supervisors, executives and directors at work. Let us explore the meaning of boss's day from its originators in the United States of America and it is celebrated.

What is Boss's Day

Boss's Day according to Wikipedia is a secular holiday celebrated on October 16 (or the nearest working day) in the United States, Canada, Lithuania and Romania. It has traditionally been a day for employees to thank their bosses for being kind and fair throughout the year.

Some Quick Facts about Boss's Day

Boss’s Day is observed in many workplaces in the United States on October 16, or the nearest working day, each year. Boss’s Day, also known as National Boss Day or Bosses Day, is a time for many workers to appreciate their employers. It is annually observed in the United States on October 16, or the nearest working day.

What do Staff or Employees do on Boss's Day?

Boss’s Day is dedicated to all employers and provides a prospect of improving the liaison between employers and their staff. Many workers dedicate this day to their supervisors for various reasons, such as supporting staff with their jobs and careers. This observance also gives employees a chance to recognize those in supervisory positions.

Some people give their bosses cards, gift certificates, or flowers on Boss’s Day. This observance is becoming increasingly popular in various workplaces. It has received both praise and controversy.

Public life and Boss's Day

Boss’s Day, which is on October 16, is an observance and it is not a nationwide public holiday in the United States. If it falls on a weekend, then it is celebrated on the working day closest to it.

Background of Boss's Day

The concept of National Boss Day began in 1958 when Patricia Bays Haroski, then an employee at State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Illinois, registered the holiday with the United States Chamber of Commerce. She designated October 16 as the special day because it was her father's birthday. Haroski's purpose was to designate a day to show appreciation for her boss and other bosses. She also hoped to improve the relationship between employees and supervisors.

Four years later in 1962, Illinois Governor Otto Kerner backed Haroski's registration and officially proclaimed the day. The event’s popularity is growing outside the United States and is now also observed in countries such as Australia, India, and South Africa.

Note: The dates show when National Boss Day was first officially proclaimed in 1962, although the concept for this observance began in 1958.

(credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boss's_Day)

So from the above explanations, boss's day is about appreciating and honouring our superiors or bosses at our various workplaces and companies.

When Did Ghana began to Celebrate Boss's Day

The Administrative Professionals Association of Ghana (APAG) since its inception has been encouraging its members to appreciate and honour their boss's and superiors when it is boss's day that is October 16. The association has been doing this for some time now.

As you are reading this, you will say but I have never heard of boss's day? Yes it is true, it is because a lot of awareness has not been drawn to the day and most people take it for granted.

However, this year 2015, we Administrative Professionals will like to encourage all employees and staff members of companies and organizations to appreciate and honour their bosses and supervisors this coming boss's day on Friday October 16, 2015.

We as an association would welcome staff, employees, entrepreneurs and organizations to share your experiences here on this blog or send through email  the pictures of what you did for your bosses or executives or supervisors on this special day called boss's day on Friday October 16, 2015.

Have a productive working month of October and I am eager to hear from you. 

Does your Dressing affect Your Company’s Productivity?

The dress that you wear to work or a corporate environment is very important, it says a lot about you and the kind of work you do. We, Administrative professionals are most of the time the face or image of the organizations we work with and therefore we need to dress appropriately for the office and other functions we attend.

Below is an article I found on dressing with the title "does your dressing affect your company's productivity". Let us read to learn more about dressing and the corporate environment.

If you wear a plain white, long-sleeve shirt over a pair of brown trousers or skirt, what should be the colour of your necktie or socks, in the case of men?

How about the belt/brace and shoes? And is it appropriate in fashion and the corporate world in particular for women to tuck in without wearing belts? What of a gentleman putting on a necktie over a short-sleeve shirt without a jacket?

While these questions might sound menial in the minds of many people, they are pertinent issues that every corporate executive, job seeker or entrepreneur preparing for that crucial meeting, be it with the board, the bosses, stakeholders, peers or for a job interview, would have to answer prior to settling on what to wear.

Unfortunately, however, not many executives in the country and the world at large have answers to these questions. Most executives might not even bother to ask them, with the excuse that results rather than appearance matter in today's competitive business environment.

But while that might be true, Medical Aesthetician and Chief Executive Officer of the FC Group of Companies, Mrs Grace Amey-Obeng, said a good look would boosts one’s confidence and serve as an icing on the person's personality.

From the shape and size of toe and finger nails to the colour of one's pen, Mrs Amey-Obeng said proper attention must be paid to virtually everything one puts on the body to ensure that they align and send a positive message to the outside world.

In the September 27 edition of the weekly motivational radio talk show, the Springboard, Your Virtual University, Mrs Amey-Obeng thoughts on Executive Dressing and Personality Management, which were shared at this year's Festival of Ideas in Accra, were replayed to listeners.

It aimed at exposing the audience to the rudiments of dressing and personality branding, which are key to the success of every business executive and individual.

The FC boss intimated that good looks in the corporate world was of paramount importance, given that it enhances the person's confidence, which could invariably translate into higher performance and results for the individual and the company in question.  

First Things First

Mrs Amey-Obeng, who is a beautician and founder of the FC Group, explained that the first thing for every corporate executive was good feet, which she said must fit the person's body shape.

"If your institution has a dress code, follow that dress code but make your personality shine through that dress code by associating correctly with the right shoe, bag and pen, among others; don't do anything flashy, something that is acceptable and will make your friends say they are always happy to have you here," she said.

Given that most business executives are exposed to a lot of people, the FC CEO said it was advisable to avoid using strong perfumes, which could end up causing disaffection among colleagues.

"Sometimes we blend all kinds of perfumes to formulate our own scent and it can become very offensive. Just use the mild ones and preserve the strong ones for the night when the temperature is low," she said.

To avoid a clash of scents between the perfume and deodorant, she advised that those using scented perfumes should avoid applying deodorants that have scents.

I hope this post assists us Administrative Professionals on how to dress appropriately for work or corporate events. You can share with experiences on corporate dressing with us and leave a feedback below.

Kindly come back again as we will continue the discussions on this topic and get ready for part 2. Thanks for reading.

credit: http://graphic.com.gh/features/opinion/50747-does-your-dressing-affect-your-company-s-productivity.html