Wind Beneath Our Wings

It’s pointed out from time-to-time that each of our individual and collective success has been built on the backs of those who’ve come before us. Here, here! Recognizing and celebrating the role of our forebearers in our accomplishments is fitting.

But there’s another group, in the present, that deserves a bucketful of tribute—admins (including all iterations and permutations of the term). This group of folks is the backbone of organizations everywhere. And although it’s not expressed near often enough, they are our most coveted resource.

They organize us; they allocate our most precious commodity—our time; they are our trusted advisers; they get us places—and then get us back; they center us; they carry around our decoder rings; they are faithful; when needed to be, they can be cunning and crafty; they are members of our family.

They also have a very good sense of humor. Just asking around as I’m writing this entry, I’ve heard some fun and telling stories. Like one where an admin volunteered to pet-sit for his boss while he was on a business trip. The pet died—of natural causes, of course, but he was terrified—and mortified that he'd be fired. He wasn't, but there’s now an ongoing joke about giving him more dog-like responsibilities.

Or the story about the admin who was given her boss’ credit card and asked to go to Victoria’s Secret to purchase an anniversary present for his wife—and that she could treat herself to whatever she wanted too. (Sometimes you just gotta wonder what people are thinking!)

Perhaps one of the more telling stories of just how central and important the role of an admin is is the one about a boss' wife who took her husband’s admin out to lunch and gave her a lovely spa basket in appreciation of all the things she did. The spouse said that her life was greatly enhanced because of all the admin’s efforts.

So let’s take the essence of this week—where flowers and balloons fill office desks everywhere and bosses have wider-than-usual smiles on their faces as they ask to have something faxed or a meeting scheduled—and live it out all year long.

Do you have any admin stories or accolades to share?  Any suggestions on how we can live this spirit of acknowledgement and high regard all the time?

Cathy

P.S.:  To Gina, borrowing a quote from Bette Midler who so powerfully belts out the words, “You are the wind beneath my wings.”

By blogger Cathy Benko, Deloitte LLP

Comments

[Anonymous]

"...admins (including all iterations and permutations of the term). This group of folks is the backbone of organizations everywhere. And although it's not expressed near often enough, they are our most coveted resource."

They are the backbone of every company and yet given the lowest title and lowest salary. I'd like to submit that we give administrative assistants a new title -- Internal Client Support Specialists. No one wants to be known as an admin. How about we put our money where are mouths are and give them all a boost by elevating their title to something that befits their roles, and responsibilities, and gives them a true reflection of how we feel about them, because words are not enough sometimes.

[Anonymous]

Beautiful entry, Cathy. But you better be careful, after reading this, people just might be knocking down Gina’s door.

I started my career as an administrative assistant and I have to say, I feel like I gained more from the experience than I ever expected. The woman I supported offered her support and guidance, she always made sure she sang my praises and gave me credit for the work I did, she became my mentor (and still is to this day), and always offered opportunities for development. She did all this, knowing full well I would end up taking all that she taught me somewhere else. She has ended up being one of my closest friends and I’ll always be grateful.