We often think of business success as high sales, low operating costs, expansions, or rising stock prices. These are all significant factors related to businesses remaining competitive. However, we cannot overlook the role that well-trained office administrators and staff play in the overall scheme of things in small businesses to large corporations.
The office staff is typically the first contact that customers, vendors, and guests have with a company. They must be trained to make a great first impression on all these people. Office leaders maintain organization, morale, and an efficient workflow to meet daily, weekly and monthly needs.
Every business manager should conduct an in-depth search for the best-qualified office administrators and staff. Let’s take a closer look at why these employees are so vital to success.
To Maintain a Close Relationship Between Departments and People
Office leaders must maintain close relationships between company departments and many people. Communication and coordination are crucial to reaching objectives and preventing duplicating work tasks.
Office staff regularly supplies updated data and information to the right people and departments. Timely coordination also prevents misunderstandings and conflict.
Working closely with others is a good way to encourage innovation and retain employees. These efforts can foster better strategies and create advancements that would not occur when managers work mostly alone. Building rapport and providing an agreeable workplace helps build a sense of loyalty to in-office staff. Leaders must recognize employees’ accomplishments and show they are valued.
Leadership is Required for Success
Office administrators provide leadership when they are positively influencing and guiding employees. They work diligently to see that everyone is “on the same page” with departmental and organizational goals. Effective results of leadership include:
- Each employee knows what is expected of him or her
- Employees work as teams instead of as individuals
- Goals are reached in a timely fashion
- Resources are efficiently used to conserve costs
- Managers tell leaders and staff they are doing effective jobs
Without effective leadership, office and department work fall behind or below company standards. Leadership also means creating a good image with the public and handling grievances between employees, and complaints from customers.
| “We cannot overlook the role that well-trained office administrators and staff play in the overall scheme of things in small businesses to large corporations. Every business manager should conduct an in-depth search for the best-qualified office administrators and staff.” |
To Maintain a Smooth Flow of Work
Office staff and administrators work toward department and company objectives, and leaders work to control the pace of the work and its timely completion, including:
- Making optimum use of available resources
- Minimizing office or departmental costs
- Training employees effectively
- Empowering employees and showing trust in them
- Working to minimize office rivalries
Maintaining a regular and smooth workflow keeps the ball rolling and aids in reaching goals.
To Managing Change, Survival, and Growth
The success of any business depends on the efficiency of its office. Someone in the office must introduce changes at an appropriate time and in ways that it will not make the staff overly anxious. When there are too many changes made too fast, people get bothered and it reduces their effectiveness and productivity. Examples such as:
- Being unfamiliar with new computer software
- Following new procedures or policies
- Not explaining why they are needed
- Not preparing staff for the changes
Leaders must guide employees through changes whether they are for survival, downsizing, or growth. Businesses must change with the times where necessary or their chances for survival are minimal at best. Downsizing may be laying off some employees or using fewer resources to get work done. Business growth may mean taking on more responsibilities or working in another position. Someone in leadership must help the staff adapt to these changes.
Education and Training are Closer Than You Might Think
Those of you who live in the Greater Baton Rouge area are in for an exciting experience. Office administration training is available in both business administration and healthcare administration. It’s time to check out ITI Technical College’s Associate of Occupation Studies (AOS) Degree in OA. You will prepare yourself for an entry-level job and a better life in either of these two majors.
“For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website: https://www.iticollege.edu/disclosures”
