Focuses on the training and development needs of admin professionals and features topics such as hard skills (software competencies, writing, communication, filing) and soft skills (teamwork, time management, leadership).
Issue link: https://digital.hrreporter.com/i/994616
JULY 2018 2 When change hits, flexibility comes in handy Flexibility is a quality a lot of us could well afford to expand. Being flexible enables us to re- spond even-handedly to inevitable changes in our work environment, such as taking on new responsibilities or working with different teams or adjusting how we function. "When you're flexible, you're versatile, resilient and responsive to change," says MindTools in a recent blog. MindTools is a London UK-based online resource focusing on manage- ment, leadership and personal excel- lence skills. We're unlikely to face change in the way that Tammie Jo Shults did in April when an engine exploded on the Southwest plane she was pilot- ing, putting the aircraft and the 148 people aboard in peril. During the ordeal, Shults communicated calmly with the ground, landed the plane safely and then walked through the passenger area to check on the pas- sengers. Granted, Shults, a former Navy fighter pilot, displayed an unusual and admirable capacity to confront and work through a sudden potential catastrophe. At the same time, all of us have faced unpredictable events that could throw us off a comfortable track and cause us to act uncharacteristi- cally – sometimes at our own peril. "Flexibility involves having an open, team-centered attitude, and re- taining a strong sense of identity and purpose," says MindTools. It offers seven ways to accomplish this: 1. Focus on your core values� Steer clear of moves that are ethically or legally dubious. 2. Be open-minded� Look at situa- tions from others' points of view. 3. Develop your skill set� Be curious about things going on around you. Keep up to date with what's going on in your industry. 4. Be optimistic� Keep an eye on the positives and welcome opportuni- ties to work with different co-work- ers or clients. 5. Stay calm� Recognize signs of stress and take steps to manage it. 6. Plan ahead� Think about situations you are facing (such as an event you're charged with planning or an upcoming project) or may face and think through its challenges. 7. Have a strong support network� Promote collaboration within your group. "Flexibility isn't just about reacting to situations as and when they arise," MindTools reminds us. "It also in - volves making substantial changes to the way we think, work and behave." E D I TO R ' S N OT E George Pearson Administrative Assistant's Update is published once a month by Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Director, Media Solutions, Canada: Karen Lorimer Publisher: Todd Humber Editor: George Pearson george@adminupdate.ca Associate Editor: Jennifer Lewington jennifer@adminupdate.ca EDITORIAL OFFICE (519) 271-6000 Administrative Assistant's Update Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. 1 Corporate Plaza, 2075 Kennedy Road Toronto, ON M1T 3V4 CUSTOMER SERVICE (416) 609-3800 (800) 387-5164 FAX (416) 298-5082 (877) 750-9041 customersupport.legaltaxcanada @tr.com Contents copyright. All rights reserved. © 2018 Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Contents may not be reproduced without written permission. Brief extracts may be made with due acknowledgement. Annual subscription: $195. Publications Mail Registration No. 40065782 GST# 897176350 UPDATE Administrative Assistant's 'Bring best version of yourself to work' By Staff What qualities should managers look for and encourage? Shayne Elliott, CEO of ANZ, the third largest bank in Australia and the largest bank in New Zealand, had to give this some thought when asked about his own career path by visiting teenagers. Here are some reflections, gleaned from his LinkedIn post: Attitude is just as important as aptitude. "We want smart people work - ing for us," he said, "but we also want people who bring a great attitude to work and live by our values – integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect and excellence." Be adaptive. Keep building skills and be ready to change them as the job evolves. Be authentic. "Bring the best version of yourself to work." Work for people who teach you things. "Work for an organization with a learning culture and mindset." Have balance. "Any job can consume you," Elliott says. Remind yourself why you're there but also learn to take breaks and step away.