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What group activities are there in Administration?
Administrative Assistants, in my understanding, do their work independently. Are there times that you work as a group? Are there group-bonding activities? How often do groups form and change?
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6 answers
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Erika’s Answer
While Administrative Assistants often operate independently, collaboration is a key aspect of their job. In our organization, Assistants work closely with their peers, particularly in relation to their executives and training sessions. I organize a casual weekly coffee chat, without any predetermined topics. This provides an open forum where everyone is free to ask a variety of questions and share their thoughts.
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Sherry’s Answer
I have many years of executive assistant experience and I could never have done my job without collaborating with others. Executive assistants are part of a team! Not only do you collaborate with your team, but you collaborate with other assistants across the organization. There are often opportunities too expand your scope of work to do something outside of your normal job parameters where you can gain new skills, knowledge and meet new people.
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Susan’s Answer
Hi, Lorenz: Great question. I manage administrative teams of 4-5 people each that work collaboratively supporting multiple people. In our highly virtual workforce, this is becoming much more the "norm." It's a great system that helps our teams maintain a high level of support when someone is on vacation or out for the day. It also helps leverage individual's strengths as well as give the opportunity to learn from you! Our larger support team (600+) also work together in "neighborhoods" - where people can join a neighborhood(s) that interests them (pet owners, foodies, fitness... whatever a group wants to do) - it's great for meeting people and networking - it also helps develop leadership skills.
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Martha’s Answer
This is an excellent question, Lorenz. Being able to work with others is an important work and life skill. How much. you use it in a specific role depends upon your preferences and the culture of your organization. I infer from how you phrased the question that you like working collaboratively, which I also like. Earlier in my career, I did temporary admin work in between jobs and found working collaboratively helped build relationships and trust. While I am not currently an administrative assistant, I still look for opportunities for input/feedback from others as I plan and execute projects. I find that this often makes the outcome better and heads off conflict with those who might be affected.
Some of my friends are in administration and have to work together to assure support of executives when they are out sick or on vacation. This is more than coverage on the calendar; they have to know each other's duties and systems, as well as be briefed on current projects, so there is no interruption. They also have to work across departments and with outside vendors to run the office, arrange meetings and events, and maintain supplies.
Communicating effectively and treating others with respect is always appropriate and will naturally lead to bonding. Good luck!
Some of my friends are in administration and have to work together to assure support of executives when they are out sick or on vacation. This is more than coverage on the calendar; they have to know each other's duties and systems, as well as be briefed on current projects, so there is no interruption. They also have to work across departments and with outside vendors to run the office, arrange meetings and events, and maintain supplies.
Communicating effectively and treating others with respect is always appropriate and will naturally lead to bonding. Good luck!
I am immensely grateful for your response. Thank you for your luck.
Lorenz
You're welcome -- please let me know if you have further questions.
Martha Kramer
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Angela’s Answer
Our company boasts a diverse array of teams, each dedicated to supporting Executives and their respective groups at different levels. We've adopted a flexible work-from-home model, with bi-monthly in-person team gatherings to foster stronger bonds and facilitate effective communication. Additionally, we organize numerous office-wide events at our local headquarters. These events serve as a great opportunity to stay connected and engaged with our local office community, adding a sense of unity and camaraderie to our work environment.
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Cindy’s Answer
As an executive assistant, I can share some insight. I often work independently; however, there are indeed times when we collaborate as a group. Group work can occur in various scenarios, such as team projects, event planning, or when supporting multiple executives or departments within an organization. Within my workspace, we often engage in inter-office group chats, viral team meetings, blogs, and support internal and external events and meetings with our coworkers and clients.
Groups and activities vary depending on the type of support and needs. Our team meets and creates connectivity events bi-monthly during our in-office meetings. We also team to volunteer together within the community and within the office. This field is a great balance of independendent and team work which is wonderful for collaborating and focus time.
Groups and activities vary depending on the type of support and needs. Our team meets and creates connectivity events bi-monthly during our in-office meetings. We also team to volunteer together within the community and within the office. This field is a great balance of independendent and team work which is wonderful for collaborating and focus time.