Musings of a High-Level Executive Assistant

JULY 20, 2015

Be a ninja Whenever I go into people’s offices, I try to train them to understand that if I need them, I wait in the doorway until they see me or acknowledge me so I can ask them a question. Use your cell phone alarm Chances are, you use your calendar to remind you about meetings and any important events. This is part 6.

Calendars 40

Calendars Fax Phones Email 40

Laughing all the Way to Work

APRIL 5, 2010

That makes it difficult when I am supposed to be organizing his calendar, but since I am responsible to organize his time and in spite of my frustration, I have to make it work. So what can you do when your boss is ruining your perfectly scheduled calendar? Internal meetings can usually be changed more easily so start there.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 8, 2009

Secure the date and time in his or her calendar, taking into consideration travel time if outside the office. State the purpose of the meeting in the calendar appointment as well as who will be at the meeting (i.e. Enter it in calendar. Meeting with Mr. Brown and Ms. Do you need to book it or were you provided with location.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Calendars 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JUNE 14, 2009

My favourite to-do list is a calendar timeline so I can see at a glance where I am at and what I need to do to get there. It is simply using an on-line calendar with space on each day to enter what needs to be done. To generate a calendar in Word 2007, click on the Office Button (in the top left-hand corner). No surprises!

Agenda 100

Agenda Time Zones IAAP Calendars 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 8, 2009

I dont mind being referred to as someones assistant. My current boss always refers to me as his colleague, both to those within our company and to external contacts when referring them to me. I tend to use the term boss when I refer to my employer. My all-time favourite however is colleague. Minute taking made easier.

Administrative Professionals 100

Administrative Professionals Time Zones IAAP International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

SEPTEMBER 7, 2009

Coming from a legal background, we were always taught if you are using an acronym or initialism in writing, on the first use you should spell it out and then put the acronym in brackets, which makes a lot of sense and saves a lot of head scratching and searching the document to figure out what the person is referring to. Dealing in real time.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones ASAP IAAP International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 13, 2010

If it is a big project I use a calendar and write down all my required to-dos on the dates I need to get them done to make my deadline. I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 29, 2009

With references like these how can I lose? I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? My current boss says we get along like a house on fire. Its not that Im funny, because Im not, but I find a lot of things funny. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Holidays 2009 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 24, 2009

To set a recurring 9-5 meeting (as opposed to clicking all-day meeting) I dont like the all-day meeting settings as they are out of sight at the top of the calendar and easily missed. His calendar then shows blocked time and nobody misses seeing that he is away. Your bosses calendar will now show Monday to Wednesday blocked from 9-5.

2007 100

2007 Time Zones IAAP 2003 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 19, 2009

Once a date is finalized I put it in my bosss calendar and confirm the meeting with the other participants. Another benefit to writing it down is if your boss asks you to cancel it or to quickly tell you when the meeting is, you can look at the sheet rather than trying to search for it in your calendar. Minute taking made easier.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

SEPTEMBER 19, 2008

My boss likes me to print his weekly calendar on Monday so he can see at a glance what he has for the week so I clip that to the front of the folder. I then print his daily calendar and slip that in the left pocket of the folder and on the right side I put everything he will need for the day. I do this for each day of the week.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones 2008 IAAP Calendars 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 10, 2010

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ▼ January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 28, 2009

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ► January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Gifts Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 9, 2010

Like you, I list the new assistant as not only a contact but a definite resource for future references. I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? I have found this practice to pay off big just when you need it! Dealing in real time.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 10, 2009

Many times the administrative assistant position is a good way into an organization and what a great training ground to know an organizations inner workings than in this profession. I think many university students are seeing the value in having this kind of training. So much is expected of executives these days. Dealing in real time.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

OCTOBER 10, 2008

If that is not happening, schedule yourself in their calendar. Keep up to date on their calendar and look ahead to see what is coming up and what your boss might need to prepare for that. Keep up to date on their calendar and look ahead to see what is coming up and what your boss might need to prepare for that. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2008 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 22, 2009

Another helpful site I refer to for protocol on addressing officials is www.formsofaddress.info. I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? February 23, 2009 Patricia Robb said. Thanks Carol. That is a good site too. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 13, 2010

The Reminders box is the same box where your calendar items pop up when they are due, so should be familiar to everyone. Share any special training you have received with others in the office or online. I dont like to take items out of my Sent items because I rely on looking in my Sent to verify that I actually sent the email.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP PowerPoint Email 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MARCH 1, 2009

I have also combined all the tutorials, training and other education-related links under the title Training. I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 21, 2009

There comes a time when companies need to pony up the money and either pay for your training or pay for a professional instead of heaving everything off on the admin because theyre cheap. I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service?

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2009 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 12, 2008

If you do have to leave, dont forget to ask for a reference letter. My former boss gave me an excellent reference on paper and by phone. A good reference can go a long way towards getting your next job. I read an interesting article on what management can do to prevent lay offs. Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 21, 2009

If you keep telling yourself you cant do it, then of course you wont be able to, but if you say I dont know if I can, but I am going to try anyway, or I know I can do that because it was what I was trained for and then go ahead and do it, it will open all kinds of doors for you. (Or This is the time you need a lot of positive self talk.

Self Esteem 100

Self Esteem Time Zones IAAP International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 31, 2009

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ► January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes Administrative Professionals 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 10, 2010

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? They say when you do something for 30 days it becomes a habit, so try some of these and make it a new habit that will save you a lot of time. Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time.

Keyboards 100

Keyboards Time Zones IAAP PowerPoint 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

APRIL 22, 2009

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ► January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Administrative Professionals 100

Administrative Professionals Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MARCH 20, 2010

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ► January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 28, 2010

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ► January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 27, 2010

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ► January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

PowerPoint 100

PowerPoint Time Zones IAAP 2010 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 27, 2009

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ► January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes Google 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 7, 2010

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ► January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 23, 2010

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ▼ January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP AT&T 2010 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 31, 2009

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Training On-line 10 Things = Frustration "Mom, I'm sick!" Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. P.S. I Love You Happy New Year!

2007 100

2007 Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

OCTOBER 31, 2009

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ► January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 10, 2008

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ► January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 9, 2008

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. ► January (5) Taking the time to acknowledge someone and say tha. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

APRIL 8, 2009

If so, what would you recommend in terms of training (university not included/possible). It is great training for the office environment, no matter what field you end up in. I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service?

Administrative Professionals 100

Administrative Professionals Time Zones IAAP 2009 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 1, 2009

I gave at the office Calendar "ah ha" Introducing The Administrative Bloopers Blog What ever happened to the "us" in Service? Training On-line 10 Things = Frustration "Mom, I'm sick!" Minute taking made easier. Dealing in real time. When your voicemail goes awry. P.S. I Love You Happy New Year!

Time Zones 100

Time Zones 2009 IAAP 2008 100