Administrative Professionals Week is April 22 - 28. Start Planning Now!
Contrary to what you might believe, your administrative professionals are not panting for flowers, candy and a nice lunch. What they really want is to be a recognized part of the firm’s success.
Where would you be right now without the organization, dedication and know-how of the administrative staff that supports your success?
What are you doing to support their success?
In my Super Rainmaker Coaching Programs, I talk about ways to increase bandwidth to achieve world class rainmaking goals. One of the best ways to increase your efficiency and productivity is to look for ways to involve your admin staff in activities that will free you up to make more rain. They will appreciate your faith in them and you will learn a valuable lesson in delegation. Now, I'm not saying that the best gift you can give to your admin staff during Administrative Professionals Week is to load them up with more work. What I do mean is that you can and should look for ways to involve them more in the work you do and recognize them for it.
You might be interested to know what administrative professionals say they really want, even though their wants and needs very seldom translate into what firms and individuals do to recognize them.
The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) suggests that you consider these ideas:
- Hold a firm-wide observance or special event for administrative staff, such as a presentation by a professional development speaker, or a group recognition of administrative professionals by the managing partner.
- Provide registration for a professional development seminar to build the individual’s technical, interpersonal or business skills.
- Support membership in appropriate networking and professional associations.
- Encourage study for and attainment of professional certification.
Additional gift suggestions include appropriate business-related items (an iPhone or iPad might be nice) or a monetary bonus for exemplary performance. Just be sure that it’s something that is really wanted. By the way, candy, flowers and lunches? They were dead last on the list of what admin professionals want most.
If you are muttering to yourself, “Why should I bother?” As Managing Partner, Office Managing Partner, Practice Team Leader and/or your firm's biggest rainmaker, it is up to you to set the tone for your practice and let people know what they mean to not just your success but to the firm's success as well. Don't dare to miss this opportunity or it will be at your own risk for you will be branded for the next 12 months as selfish, and lacking in appreciation and respect for the important work your administrative staff provides.
Am I being too hard on you? Maybe you don’t fall into the category of uncaring oaf. But, believe me, I have heard too many horror stories from shocked, disappointed and under-appreciated support staff to think these things don’t happen. They do, and these incidents are contributing factors to attrition, overall low productivity and depleted morale. No one wants to feel their work is of so little value that a carelessly selected card, generally chosen by someone else and tossed on the desk, is enough to keep them motivated throughout the year. Bah! The truth is, your firm’s gift or recognition may not always hit the mark. Your administrative staff wants to know that the person for whom they work diligently all year (that would be you) cares about them.
Here’s an idea that costs nothing but can mean everything -- a hand-written note! Add to your recognition strategy a hand-written note that is heart-felt and expresses your sincere appreciation and gratitude. It makes a brilliant finishing touch.
And, just because there is one “official” week or day set aside to recognize your administrative staff, you don’t have to limit yourself. There are many opportunities throughout the year to recognize your admins. Build reminders into your calendar for service anniversaries, birthdays and other important milestones, just as you would your planned business development activities or other important commitments. Remembering these events will help create a working environment that inspires loyalty and commitment.
Now that I’ve laid the groundwork for you to seize the moment when it presents itself to recognize your administrative professionals, let me plant the most important seed. You have an amazing resource sitting (usually) right outside your door. How can you better leverage that resource to benefit you both?
Until next time,
Robin
P.S. You can find more on world class rainmaking in my new book, The World Class Rainmaker's Guide to Raising the Bar in Your Law Practice due for release in Summer, 2012.
