2017 update: We still stand by this advice on what to tip your secretary for the holidays (but obviously as we note below, know your office!) — but you may also want to check out our more recent discussion of how much money you give for holiday tips (from doormen to assistants), as well as our … Read More about What to Tip Your Secretary for the Holidays
Advice on Being a Boss
Getting to the C-suite isn't always as easy as it seems -- being a boss can be trying in new and challenging ways. Whether you need some help getting to be a boss, or now you're a boss and need advice on things like delegating and managing subordinates -- we've got you covered.
How to Hire an Assistant
What qualities should you look for when you hire someone? Reader G wonders, particularly with regard to legal assistants: Can you do a post about tips for interviewing and hiring a legal assistant? I’m a newer attorney and I share a legal assistant with two other attorneys. What should I look for in a new … Read More about How to Hire an Assistant
How to Be a Boss
A reader wrote in, wondering how to be a boss…
How to Show Your Secretary You Appreciate Her
Reader L has a great question about how to show her appreciation for a new secretary who’s doing a great job: I’m a young associate at a new firm and a few times recently, my secretary has helped me put together and file huge motions. Of course such filings are always done up against tight … Read More about How to Show Your Secretary You Appreciate Her
The Lazy Secretary
How do you get a lazy secretary to work harder for you — or how do you complain about her to the Powers That Be without seeming petty? Reader E, a reader from New Zealand, has this very problem… I share my secretary with my supervising partner, however he hardly uses her and often if … Read More about The Lazy Secretary
How to Become a Leader: Leadership Resources for Female Executives
Ladies, what are your best tips on how to become a leader? Reader S has a great question about how to grow her leadership skills as a young female executive… I’m not sure if this has been discussed before, but I’m looking for recommendations–either from you or your readers–on some good leadership skills workshops/trainings/webinars. I’ve … Read More about How to Become a Leader: Leadership Resources for Female Executives
Delegating: Using Your Assistant Well
2016 Update: We still stand by these tips on delegating to your assistant — but you may also want to check out our latest discussion on how to delegate! Reader E wonders what you can and should ask your assistant or secretary to do — and what is off limits. Great question! I have been … Read More about Delegating: Using Your Assistant Well
PSA: Administrative Assistant’s Day is Almost Here!
As some commenters are noting today, Administrative Assistant’s Day is April 27 — right around the corner. (Most flower places are touting “Administrative Assistant’s Week” as starting April 24.) We haven’t had a thread on gifts for your secretary/administrative assistant for a while, so I thought now would be a good time for one. (Pictured:100 … Read More about PSA: Administrative Assistant’s Day is Almost Here!
Better Off Ted: Interview with Veronica’s Stylist
2017 Update: We’re thrilled people are still looking to Better Off Ted for workwear inspiration — you can also check out some of our more recent reviews of TV work fashion with our posts on how to look like Selina Meyer in Veep, and how to get Claire Underwood style from House of Cards. After … Read More about Better Off Ted: Interview with Veronica’s Stylist
Navigating the Murky Waters of Being Friendly With Staffers
Can you be friends with your secretary? We got this e-mail from Reader A and it raises a lot of interesting questions, such as how to treat your assistants, how to behave in a male-dominated field where you’re one of the only women who isn’t a secretary, and so forth…. I’m wondering how one is … Read More about Navigating the Murky Waters of Being Friendly With Staffers
Poll: Holiday Presents for Administrative Assistants and Secretaries
Is cash king when it comes to holiday presents for administrative assistants and secretaries? Check the poll results and see what readers said!