Comments on: Don’t Neglect The Assistant!

By: Carl Adams

Carl Adams — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 15:19:00 +0000

Hi Phil,

I agree this is a smart move for your career – and I am sure you’re not implying that’s the only reason to treat assistants well.

But it’s good to note that treating admin assistants with kindness, warmth, and respect is also the right thing to do, as God calls us to honor and give dignity to all His children – be they a mechanic, a waitress, the janitor at church, or yes, the receptionist.

Time and time again I’ve seen it proven true that the way someone treats folks with little or no power over them shows their true colors. If you’re rude to that waiter/waitress, that speaks greatly to your character.

Thanks for this great reminder!

By: Chris Young

Chris Young — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 00:37:00 +0000

Great post Phil. People so easily forget that assistants and receptionists are the Gate-keepers of a business – treating them well is a win for all involved.

By: MaryJo

MaryJo — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:53:00 +0000

This is so true. Being sincerely kind to the assistant will get you everything you want. If fact, they will bend over backwards to help you get what you what/need because you treat them like gold. Rev Run says: “Being kind doesn’t get you anywhere…. It’s get you EVERYWHERE.”

By: Theresa Croft

Theresa Croft — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:38:00 +0000

Awesome post! A spirit of excellence comes with kindness and respect to everyone!

By: ScottCC

ScottCC — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I don't know where people learn to trample the "little people" to reach the top dogs in an organization. They clearly don't realize that most of those top dogs know very few details and are unlikely to be much help. In my organization, we refer to the people who you want to know, those who get things done as the "rubber people". Its a reference to the phrase "where the rubber meets the road". Know and listen to the "rubber people". While there may be influence at the top, there is action at the "rubber" level.

Oh, by the way, as a Christian, I am appalled at folks who I see treat assistants, receptionists, custodians, etc. as something to be less valued than a leader. Christ loves everyone I see as much as He loves me. They deserve to be treated like Christs' prized possession.

By: Amanda

Amanda — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for that post Phil, I have been a secretary/receptionist/assistant and it was hard work…..I basically had a hand in most things and held a lot of responsibility. You also deal with all the angst and have to do it with a smile on your face!

By: Rhea

Rhea — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Not only do I wholeheartedly agree with you that it’s ‘good business’ to be kind to the person at the front desk, but it’s simply humane. I was in Chinatown for lunch the other day and got this fortune in my cookie: “Be kind to everyone you meet. It’s good for your karma.”

By: Katie

Katie — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Thanks for this post, Phil! As someone in this position currently, I appreciate it very much. I’m sure your assistant does as well. I also can’t begin to tell you how true it is in so many organizations – your first impression matters, even it’s on someone who you perceive to not matter.

By: Beverly

Beverly — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I agree. My husband and I have always worked for people that did not know how to treat the assistants. We have worked for pastors, doctors, and educators. Unfortunatly, the worst offenders were the Christian employers. Unless you were one of “God’s Generals”, they didn’t want to treat you nicely, dissed on you every chance they got, paid very little, and did it in the name of “ministry”. It is really sad when the very poeple that should be representing Christ would treat others so shamefully. As Christians, my husband and I go out of our way to be extra kind to those who are servants — whether thay are assistants, waiters, maids, or others who help us.

By: Dana Harding

Dana Harding — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Exactly right.