Admin Pro Forum

Question: “I find that many salespeople ask specifically for my boss, but I am stumped at how to handle them when they’re very persistent.  How do you deal with these folks?” — Lisa, Executive Assistant

Question: “How do you open the door to a conversation on work ethic with a co-worker? How do you help co-workers improve their work ethic?  Is there training?” —An administrative secretary

Question: We've heard from admins who enjoy receiving flowers, chocolates, giftcards, luncheons and time off. We also heard from admins who don't want any of those things, and would prefer career-enhancing professional development opportunities instead. Let us know what you did—if anything—to celebrate Administrative Professionals Week? —The Editors

Question: "As the song goes, ‘There’s never enough time to do the things we want to do once we find them’ … so, what's your favorite time management tip?" —The editors
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Question: What's your biggest technology challenge? Chances are, you're not alone in your frustrations. Please share your greatest tech challenges (and any solutions you've found) in a comment below. We've found that peer-to-peer advice is often the best to help admins work smarter, save time and master new skills. Thanks for sharing! —The editors

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Question: Let's get ready for Administrative Professionals Week, April 23 - 27, 2012.  We want to hear from you! What aspect of your job do you find most challenging? What steps have you taken to overcome those challenges? —The editors

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Question: "Have you ever experienced age discrimination in hiring? My significant other and I have each been required to fill out background check forms that include our full birthdates and our college graduation dates. Even though the forms state that age will not be a factor in interviewing/hiring, it’s now obvious that we are over 50 years old. I see no good reason why these forms can’t wait until the company has made an offer or is about to. Do you? How would you handle this?" —Over 50  (Are you not yet a member of our Admin Pro Forum? Please join and share your advice with your peers:  Click here to join, it's free!)

Question:  “Our office lease is ending in a year and we are considering moving. We want to get input from all employees on what they would want in a new office.  Do you have any suggestions on the best way to gather information on wants and needs for a new office? If I design a survey, what sort of questions should I ask?” —Cathy

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Question: “I have been with my firm as a legal secretary, purchaser, database manager, etc. for 22 years.  I have always received excellent reviews and raises. However, at my last review, I was told I was getting to the cap for legal secretaries. I'm at a loss ... I work anywhere from 40 to 45 hours a week (at my regular pay for 37.5 hours). I pick up others' slack, I do what no one else wants to do, and now I'm told I've reached the cap and I probably won't get any more raises. How is a person supposed to respond? I feel as though I'm being penalized for being a loyal, hardworking employee. Any suggestions?” —Capped legal secretary

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Question:  “I am thinking of upgrading my phone and would like feedback on how your smartphone has made your job as an EA more productive and efficient? I would love to get as many specifics as possible to help with my decision. Thanks!”  —Amber Shumperd