How to Improve as an Assistant

Posted by Joni Rose Mar 23, 2008

The difference between a good assistant and a great one is that the great assistant takes their job one step further than the good assistant. Compare your work ethic with the comparison below to determine areas of improvement.

Good Assistant

• Learns from mistakes

Great Assistant

• Never makes the same mistake twice

Good Assistant

• Provides information in a concise way

Great Assistant

• Organizes information in order of priority

Good Assistant

• Makes sure all requests are completed by deadline

Great Assistant

• Anticipates requests and completes them without prompting
• Uses powers of perception to think ahead

Good Assistant

• Works well with their supervisor

Great Assistant

• Works well with everyone in the company
• Loyal to their supervisor

Good Assistant

• Resources supplies quickly and easily

Great Assistant

• Anticipates supply needs and shows initiative when maintaining a well stocked supply room

Good Assistant

• Conscious of all expenditures

Great Assistant

• Creative budgeter - looks for ways to cut costs including reducing, reusing and recycling

Good Assistant

• Manages their schedule well

Great Assistant

• In addition to managing their time, looks for ways to help their supervisor be more efficient and simple

Good Assistant

• Prioritizes tasks based on requested deadlines

Great Assistant

• Prioritizes and reprioritise with ease and shows a real alignment with the priorities of their supervisor

Good Assistant

• The tone of all communication is highly professional

Great Assistant

• Navigates corporate political waters with grace and charm

If you have comments or suggestions on this blog entry, please start a discussion

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