Talent can only go so far. Hard work and dedication are also equally important, especially when building and growing a business.
It’s ideal then for business owners to hire employees with the right values, work ethic, and habits. This way, achieving the company’s overall goals becomes easier.
To illustrate this point, let’s take a look at some of these proactive work habits in action, starting with your admin assistant.
Basic Tasks of an Admin Assistant
An administrative assistant generally provides clerical support to you and your team.
Admin assistants typically do the following tasks:
- Make travel arrangements;
- Order office supplies;
- Schedule appointments;
- Take phone calls;
- Communicate management requests;
- Maintain office policies; and
- Provide general administrative support.
Therefore, an admin assistant must possess good work habits to perform all these tasks effectively.
Proactive Work Habits to Look For
When hiring an admin assistant, look for candidates who are willing to go the extra mile.
Ideally, they must also demonstrate these five proactive work habits:
1. Takes Initiative
An admin assistant who is proactive is a valuable asset. They seek out new tasks or ways to improve processes without being asked.
This habit shows their willingness to go above and beyond their job description and take ownership of their work.
2. Anticipates Needs
Since most of their tasks are routinary, a good admin assistant can already anticipate the administrative needs of the entire team.
They understand how things work and can predict what people will need next, so that the entire team continues operating smoothly.
By foreseeing needs and addressing them early, a good admin assistant helps the team stay focused on core tasks without interruptions.
3. Effective Communication
An admin assistant must also show willingness to communicate. For instance, they must keep team members regularly informed about important announcements.
They must also share relevant information in a timely manner. This involves promptly communicating updates, changes in schedule, and important emails, among others.
With effective communication, they ensure smooth workflow and foster a collaborative work environment.
4. Problem-Solving Skills
Proactive admin assistants can also resolve issues independently.
They don’t just report issues, they also actively work to find solutions– whether it’s resolving scheduling conflicts or streamlining processes.
This allows them to approach problems with a can-do attitude, creativity, and focus on finding effective solutions.
5. Continuous Learning and Growth
Choose an admin assistant who is committed to personal growth and continuous learning. They should be open to attending training sessions, pursuing certifications, or taking on new work challenges.
They must demonstrate willingness to seek out opportunities to expand their skills, knowledge, and expertise. More importantly, an admin assistant must have a growth mindset and a dedication to professional development.
By looking for these work habits, it’s easier to build teams dedicated to achieving your company’s overall goals.
AU business owners, however, partner with outsourcing providers to ensure they hire the right people. Remote Staff, for example, has a roster of skilled and proactive admin assistants from the Philippines who can help you with your administrative needs. Enhance your team’s efficiency with Remote Staff’s top-tier talent. Call us or schedule a call back now.
Syrine is studying law while working as a content writer. When she’s not writing or studying, she engages in tutoring, events planning, and social media browsing. In 2021, she published her book, Stellar Thoughts.
