I’m often told: “I just want an administrative assistant who can answer the phone and schedule meetings—I don’t need someone brilliant, just someone who can do the work.” But that’s terrible logic. An outstanding administrative assistant provides powerful leverage to a manager, helping them better allocate their time, prioritizing and routing less critical tasks, and being the face of the manager to everyone who reaches out. These roles are important, and the difference between an average administrative assistant and an exceptional one is profound.
