Administrative Professional Today

The administrative professional’s guide to accelerated career development. Administrative Professional Today offers practical advice on office efficiency, politics, communication skills, time management, supervisory problems and technology. The monthly issues and weekly electronic forum give special attention to the changing duties of administrative professionals in today’s business environment. Learn more about Administrative Professional Today and the two free reports you’ll get when you subscribe...

Here’s some help on setting priorities when more than one person is clamoring for your attention “yesterday”: 

Insist that requests be specific. Example: “When you say the deadline is Friday, do you mean for internal review or ready for the client?”

Pin down those who tell you they need it done “ASAP.” Say, “That means I’ll fit it in after the next board meeting. Does that work for you?”

Offer frequent status reports to ensure fewer interrupters come seeking information.