Are you a Superuser yet?

The role of the secretary is changing fast. Main tasks like agenda management and e-mail processing are becoming side tasks. A lot more is expected of you. A number of tasks is digitized and that is good. I believe digitization is a chance, not a threat, if you approach it the right way. You don’t have to worry that you’ll have less to do, because the secretary will be given a number of new roles.

The introduction of new digital tools gives you opportunities to take on new tasks that will automatically give you a new role. Or new developments within the organization create a new role for you. The chance to show where your talents lie.

‘Go-to-Girl’

One of the roles you could take up is the role of account manager. When a new tool is introduced in the organization make sure you know all the ins and outs of this tool and  become superuser.

In this way you become the source of information for the rest of your colleagues, and you can pass on difficult questions to the helpdesk of the supplier. You manage accounts and, as the contact person, you have regular contact with colleagues and the supplier. You are also the person you can give further in-company instructions about the tool within the organization. Turn yourself into the Go-to- Girl who can always give advice.

Take the lead

What if you discover a tool that would improve the working processes in the organization? Great! Make a proposal and pitch it to the management. When your proposal is approved you can organize the implementation, if necessary with the help of others. By taking on projects like these you can improve skills like persuasion, project-leading and collaboration.

Ask yourself: how can you become a superuser of tools of the future?