At our January meeting during introductions we were asked to explain in a few words what "Leadership means to you?", "What does a Leader look like?" "Are you a Leader?.

The majority of everyone in the room started by stating they were NOT Leaders but explained what they looked for in a Leader.  This was in interesting experiment. 

Do you consider yourself a Leader?  If you are not sure....read the following list and decide for yourself.


This is the list of "attributes" compiled by our dinner group for what a Leader should look like :

Honest;
Transparent;
They must walk the same talk you expect of me;
Supportive;
Professional;
The ability to respect others time;
Willing to roll up sleeves and help for the goal;
Someone who can motivate a team toward a common goal;
A Leader that is open to listening to ideas;
Respect from the people you work with;
Appreciative of the work you do each and every day;
Decisiveness;
Someone who can delegate;
Someone who can give me a challenge;
Respects the skills I have;
Integrity, helping employee to see potential and encourage to grow;
Someone who makes you think;
Open door policy and honesty;
Someone who helps me find the best in me;
Someone who leads by example and is willing to work hard;
Manager that doesn't micromanage;
One that thinks ahead;
Cheery disposition and human;
Has discernment - knows when to butt kick or relax.  Gives jobs that match skills.

How many of these ATTRIBUTES DO YOU have?  As Administrative Professionals, we ARE Leaders!! We are called upon and relied upon to keep others organized, we are required to learn and take on new tasks building our skills, some of us are in charge of entire departments or teams.  We have to think ahead, we need to be honest and transparent, we have to delegate and we have to work hard.  If you look at the list that was provided above, by a group of people who predominately did NOT identify with being a Leader, you will see that we are all indeed (including the ones providing this list) LEADERS!

As we talk about Leadership and living to our full potential, living out our PASSIONS...how do we get out of our mindset that we are NOT leaders? How do we focus on our passions and how do we BE all we can be?  Robin Sharma, author of "Lead without a Title", "The Monk who sold his Ferrari" as well as many others, talks about how we need to BE our best AND Lead WITHOUT a Title.

Starting in January 2013, IAAP is reinstating the membership card for new and renewing members. We are also sending all new members (via mail) a hard copy new member packet in addition to sending them the link for the online new member kit.

Here's how it works:

Starting in January, new and renewing members will receive a membership card. New members will also receive a mailing with the current edition of OfficePro, a member brochure, a certification brochure and (when applicable) a flier with current event information.

When members renew throughout the year, they will receive a membership card with their renewal receipt.

Once you receive your membership card, hold onto it. Replacement cards will cost $15. We are unable to issue cards to renewing members before your next anniversary renewal date.

Emily Allen
IAAP
Sr. Manager of Communications and Marketing

Director at Large, Michelle Wispinski was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal in June 2012.  How did that happen? Well she responded to a post on the IAAP International Facebook Page.  The question asked was "As an Administrative Professional, do you have experience "pre-screening" employees for your employer at the interview stage?"  She responded she did and several days later, Leslie Kwoh of the Wall Street Journal contacted her to chat about her experience pre-screening.

September 21, 2012, the article hit the web and you can read it here.....

Do you assist your employer in finding qualified candidates?

You've been an admin long enough to know the ropes. You can handle the daily juggling act of fielding phone calls, scheduling meetings, compiling reports, gathering data, troubleshooting technology, streamlining processes and all the other tasks your job demands. You've earned the respect of your colleagues and managers.

It's time to reach your potential. You've earned it.  For more information.....

<From the "Professional Assistant Blog>
Do you find yourself having to deal with a difficult person in your office? Do you feel that they are overbearing and don’t know when to keep their opinions to themselves? Do they make inappropriate comments in a professional environment?

In my previous jobs, which I’d rather not mention, I had to deal with these types of personalities. At times, I would think to myself, “If I could only talk to them.” or “I wish I could quit!”

There are ways to help yourself of dealing with these types of personas. Here are 4 ways you can help yourself and hopefully the rest of your team:.....keep reading