April 23 is Administrative Professionals Day
On April 23, many companies will show appreciation for the dedication and competence of people who are likely their most valued employees: administrative professionals.
Formerly known as National Secretaries Day since 1952, it was changed in 2000 to Administrative Professionals Day to acknowledge the expanding responsibilities and roles of these essential employees.
When I was younger, I worked as a secretary and later administrative assistant for several years. Trust me when I say that no one gets to the boss without first going through his or her secretary or administrative assistant (aka “gatekeeper”). Where I worked, most people seeking to do business with the company understood that; but others just didn’t get it and were sent away – nicely, of course.
When I first entered the workforce, there were no computers, internet, cell phones or email. I did my work on a manual typewriter. Since we didn’t have copy machines, either, we had to create duplicate copies by stuffing several sheets of onion skin paper (separated by carbon paper) into the typewriter.
We learned very quickly that mistakes were very costly! It required the use of a special implement with a round eraser and a brush to manually correct the original and every single copy behind it. It was a mess, to say the least!
Imagine my joy when the little correction strips came along. All we had to do was insert the strip behind the type hammer, chalky-side down. Cover the mistake on each copy, type the correction over it all – voila! It was time-consuming, but did the trick.
Then came Liquid Paper correction fluid. It was like white paint in a little bottle about the size of nail polish. It was revolutionary!
My days working at those jobs really came in handy in later years when I became a newspaper reporter – especially the ability to write in shorthand. It allowed me to accurately record everything said at municipal meetings and during interviews. I was frequently complimented on my accuracy and “not” misquoting anyone, and I often wondered why. I just wrote down what was said; it never occurred to anyone that I knew shorthand. Still, it never stopped anyone from talking fast, either. Now, a reporter can simply record an interview on their smartphone.
Today, administrative professionals and other office staff have incredible, updated technology to help them effectively do their jobs. All of these modern conveniences came so quickly, it is hard for some to imagine the hoops we had to jump through to do our jobs back in the day. That does not, however, negate the importance of these hardworking people and the roles they play in the success of a business.
If you don’t believe me, try to meet with a company owner sometime without first making an appointment.
See if you can get past the front desk without having a respectful conversation with the administrative personnel. Good luck with that.
