Ten Ways A Gifted Assistant Makes My Job Better

By Dr. Barry H. Corey, President, Biola University

1. A gifted assistant views the job as a career that includes stints as project manager, gift wrapper, discerning listener, gracious host, scheduling magician, empathetic counselor, name reminder and airtight vault.
2. A gifted assistant looks ahead at my calendar and determines all the things I need to know but haven’t had the time to think about asking.
3. A gifted assistant is a calm and composed archaeologist who knows where to find that obscure letter or email or document that I need at the most panicked moment.
4. A gifted assistant stabilizes the mood in the office by projecting enthusiasm and positivity to me, the campus community and guests.
5. A gifted assistant makes sure that when the phone rings, someone is always there during business hours to answer it and when the visitors come, someone is always there to greet them.
6. A gifted assistant knows how to stave off inquiries, calls and appointment seekers that shouldn’t have access to me, even though I might have said “yes” if asked.
7. A gifted assistant knows the issues that are weighing on me, which helps to nurture trust in our office, and understands the subtexts of issues to respond with tact and diplomacy.
8. A gifted assistant will be all-in when I’m in and then when I’m on the road (making sure I am fully prepared before I go) will make the most of the time to catch up and then delve into long-term projects that my presence prevents.
9. A gifted assistant knows that words reflect excellence, and therefore grammar spoken and written is always correct and spelling mistakes are scarce if ever.
10. A gifted assistant acts as my conscience to make sure I don’t default to 16-hour days, scheduling downtime on my calendar and preserving family time.