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Shelly
She's 7!!!
Member since 8/05 14624 total posts
Name:
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Need advice- wwyd?
In a casual conversation venting about work, an assistant here told me her greivances. Particularly- she is unchallenged and thought she would get more advanced work, that has gone to someone else.
She is without a doubt the best assistant in the office. She works for the boss- and he is happy with her work. She is sharp, smart, capable and engages independent thought in the work she does.
Now, would you talk to the boss about this? I wouldn't say what she told me, but that I think she is capable of doing more work and it should be given to her. Or would you just leave it alone?
The thought of her being uphappy and losing her would seriously harm the office. She is the one the other assistants go to- even though she has been her a shorter time. She is just on the ball. I would hate to lose her.
Message edited 10/7/2009 8:28:22 AM.
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Posted 10/7/09 8:27 AM  |
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MrsFab
this is bliss.......
Member since 10/08 1234 total posts
Name:
Mb
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Re: Need advice- wwyd?
Yes, I would definately say something- the way that you are planning on saying it is perfect- if you can think of any projects that you are working on that she could be helpful on, I would also talk to the boss about having her collaborate on that.
Its very hard to retain good people and its everyone's job to work together to do that- good luck!
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| Posted 10/7/09 8:29 AM |
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Little-J-Mommy
I'm a Big Brother
Member since 5/06 8041 total posts
Name:
D
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Re: Need advice- wwyd?
I would wait until after your review 
and then yes, maybe casually make a comment about how great she is, just like you did here and then gently suggest they give her more responsibility
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| Posted 10/7/09 8:29 AM |
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Re: Need advice- wwyd?
Posted by MrsFab
Yes, I would definately say something- the way that you are planning on saying it is perfect- if you can think of any projects that you are working on that she could be helpful on, I would also talk to the boss about having her collaborate on that.
Its very hard to retain good people and its everyone's job to work together to do that- good luck!
ita 
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| Posted 10/7/09 9:04 AM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: Need advice- wwyd?
I wish someone would go to bat for me. I'm in a similar spot and I work for the boss and I'm totally underchallenged. Others have been offered project work because they are seen in a different light.
I would definitely say something. I'm sure she would appreciate it.
Good luck.
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| Posted 10/7/09 9:20 AM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
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They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Need advice- wwyd?
Posted by TotallyTrying
Posted by MrsFab
Yes, I would definately say something- the way that you are planning on saying it is perfect- if you can think of any projects that you are working on that she could be helpful on, I would also talk to the boss about having her collaborate on that.
Its very hard to retain good people and its everyone's job to work together to do that- good luck!
ita
ITA. I had mid-level and senior associates do it for me when I was very junior and it really, really helped propel my career forward. I hope to do the same when I see talented junior associates now. Same thing with legal assistants / paralegals.
I would never disclose what she said to you, but I would do exactly what you plan -- tell the boss she's doing great work and ask if she can help out in some specific way. If you have a project in mind, you're more likely to get results.
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| Posted 10/9/09 2:41 PM |
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LINewbie
Tigger the the Rescue!
Member since 8/08 5647 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: Need advice- wwyd?
Posted by Blu-ize
I wish someone would go to bat for me. I'm in a similar spot and I work for the boss and I'm totally underchallenged. Others have been offered project work because they are seen in a different light.
I would definitely say something. I'm sure she would appreciate it.
Good luck.
I feel the same way in my job!!! I would love it if someone would offer me for things, but it won't happen. If you have a way to help her, please do.
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| Posted 10/9/09 9:36 PM |
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nrthshgrl
It goes fast. Pay attention.
Member since 7/05 57538 total posts
Name:
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Re: Need advice- wwyd?
If it were me, I would encourage her to speak up. You could be her mentor but ultimately, she needs to learn if she wants more responsibility, part of that comes with standing up for yourself & asking for it.
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| Posted 10/12/09 3:36 PM |
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MrsList
Sweet cheeks
Member since 4/09 1696 total posts
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Re: Need advice- wwyd?
I would frame it as I've noticed that this assistant is really doing well and I think we she's capable of more.
I wouldn't specifically mention that the assistant was complaining because she might get mad that you blabbed.
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| Posted 10/12/09 4:43 PM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: Need advice- wwyd?
Posted by nrthshgrl
If it were me, I would encourage her to speak up. You could be her mentor but ultimately, she needs to learn if she wants more responsibility, part of that comes with standing up for yourself & asking for it.
Ordinarily I would agree with this but it's very difficult to come out of the admin role onto a professional role.
Not many do it successfully. The person is always viewed as an admin. It takes support from senior level people to make it happen and make it a success.
I'm trying right now and even though my boss and I have a good relationship she needs me in this role and has too many things to deal with to take an active role in my career path. She would love nothing more than to see me successful but she just can't devote time to it.
We are possibly bringing on two others to help with her work load that I know very well. I'm hoping they will help me accomplish my goal of getting out of the admin role. I have taken on way more than a traditional admin in my firm but without the backing of senior people, it will go nowhere.
This is not the case in all firms but I've seen it in many firms I've worked in.
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| Posted 10/13/09 1:22 PM |
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