Administrative Professionals: Who Are We?
As an Administrative Professional (fondly referred to as an AP hereafter) people tend to ask, "so what do you do?" At first I wasn’t sure how to answer this question as the role of an AP can be extremely diverse, as well as the nomenclatures assigned. It all depends on the industry you’re in and the organization you work with, among other things. But there are many statements that come to mind when I think about this role.
An AP is like:
your heartbeat – if it stops, everything else stops;
your shoe strap – if it breaks, everything falls apart;
money in your bank account – with it you are fine, without it you’re not so fine.
And if you’re Jamaican, then you’d more likely understand these.
What would Mr. J. Wray be without his Nephew?
Your ackee without saltfish just isn’t the same.
Administrative professionals are a special kind; we are more than just the eyes and ears of an organization; we are also the backbone and organs. Often times however our role is demeaned, we are stigmatized and the role and its importance taken for granted. That needs to change; it is so much more than what it is deemed to be. 
Great organizational skills – cornerstone of any AP
Clear communication skills
Discreet
Trustworthy
Initiative
Technologically savvy
Transparent
Excellent time management skills
Problem solving skills
Good at prioritizing and scheduling
Persons who possess these skills, as an innate ability, are already way ahead of the game. However, these are skills that are teachable and transferable.
Did you know that an AP has superpowers?
Yes we do.
We read minds, think on our feet – literally,
and
can multitask like nobody’s business.
But the reality is, an AP's role can be very time-consuming, repetitive, challenging, complex and at times, boring even. But there are ways in which the mundane and time-consuming aspects can be minimized, and the challenges and complexities reduced.
How? By always keeping ahead of the game, learning new things, upgrading your skills, constantly revisiting technology and, be willing to share knowledge and ask questions.