Where Do I Fit? Admins in a Team Environment

Learning Objectives

Identify the new role admins are playing in their organizations

Understand the new skill sets that must be developed

Recognize the need for strong business acumen Identify the abilities needed for leading and

managing a team Recognize the importance of seeing the big

picture and paying attention to the small details

7

Your Changing Role

8

Identifying Your Changing Role

Then NowSupporting one manager Supporting manyLocal focus (Usually co-located with manager/colleagues)

Global focus (Often remote/virtual managers/colleagues)

Autonomous individuals Collaborative teamsOften monoculture Culturally diverse and inclusive Communication face-to-face

Communication by e-mail/social media connections

Task-oriented Innovation-orientedGroup training by employer Individual development by

self-initiativeShort-term annual planning Daily adjustments and continual

flexibilityStructure and certainty Change and ambiguityMinimal technical skills required Proficiency in technological advances

The ‘New’ Skills You Must Master

Business acumen and financial literacy Project management Relationship management Strategic decision-making competence “Anticipation” skills Technology skills

9

What It Takes To Develop Your Business Acumen

Understanding the current economic realities Understanding the impact behind the “numbers” Recognizing the need for strategic initiative

development Realizing the importance of being competitive and

financially sound Understanding individual and team roles in support

of your organizational strategy

10

A Skilled Admin Brings the Following to a Team Project:

Takes the project from inception through to completion

Manages time and budget Develops a collaborative team effort Leads by example and models behavior

expected of team members

A Skilled Admin Brings the Following to a Team Project:

Demonstrates personal accountability Uses available resources effectively Demonstrates excellent follow-through and

follow-up skills Communicates in a confident and capable

manner

When Project Managers Don’t Focus on People

Team members may hold back Stakeholders may either be disinterested or

disengaged Team leaders will complain about you behind

your back and the team will become negative and disengaged

13

Actions You Can Take That Will Immediately Establish Your Authority, Boost Your Credibility and

Earn Respect … Even Without the Title!

Be fair and consistent Communicate effectively Don’t violate others’ time or trust Involve others Have an understanding of department

procedures Have a positive, enthusiastic attitude

14

Actions You Can Take That Will Immediately Establish Your Authority, Boost Your Credibility and

Earn Respect … Even Without the Title!

Give recognition for a job well done Be proactive Do unpleasant duties right away—don’t

procrastinate Accept responsibility for mistakes Be respectful toward all

14

Individual Activity

What assets have you seen in other managers or team leaders that you felt were positive and want to emulate?

What have you seen that you did not like? What skills do you feel you need to enhance to

make you more effective as you develop in this new admin role?

16

Where Do I Fit? Admins in a Team Environment