Business

Be A Better Trainer

Being in a training role is nothing new for administrative assistants, and usually it is extra work thrown on their already crowded plates. But if you do a conscientious job of training a new hire, you not only help the new person, but you also show your professionalism.

April 27, 2009 at 4:25PM
(Barb Parks/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Administrative assistants are required to do so many things as part of their jobs, and they're also regularly tapped to train others. But to do a good job, the administrative assistant needs to be mindful of his or her new duty.

Extra Duty

Admins are regularly asked to train other administrative assistants.

"That's pretty common," says Erin O'Hara Meyer, principal of Administrative Excellence in Rosemount. "New employees are regularly trained by admins to help get them acclimated to the business. It can be anything from orien-tation to `Here's how our processes happen.'"

But the task might be a new one for the trainer.

"People who are asked to do it aren't professional trainers," observes O'Hara Meyer. "They're asked to do it on top of their own duties."

If you are given training responsibilities, there are a couple tips for doing an effective job.

  • First, respect others learning styles. Are you overwhelming them with information? Look at their body language and what they're saying and not saying.
    • "People will learn differently and you need to adapt," says O'Hara Meyer.
      • Be sure to verify that your trainee undertands what you are trying to teach.
        • "It may be second nature to you, but not to them," says O'Hara Meyer.

          Opportunity

          • If you are asked to be a trainer, it's a great opportunity to show your professionalism. But make sure you don't let your other duties suffer.
            • "Carve out time so you don't feel distracted," advises O'Hara Meyer.
              • Although the training is another layer on your work pile, see it as a benefit.
                • "It's a leadership opportunity," says O'Hara Meyer.
                  • Whether or not your manager recognizes your efforts as a trainer will depend on the manager. But even if the manager does not acknowledge your hard work, you can still make sure that it reflects well on your professionalism.
                    • "Bring it up at your annual review," says O'Hara Meyer. "This adds to your value."

                      Being a trainer is nothing new to administrative assistants, but it isn't something that should be taken lightly, and it can be a great career builder.

                      Robert Elsenpeter is a freelance writer from Blaine.

                      about the writer

                      about the writer

                      Robert Elsenpeter, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

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