When Superpowers Are Just Part of the Job

On any given day, as administrative professionals, we are expected to wear our superhero capes because it is clear we have powers that surpass those of an ordinary human, right? 

I believe that in the job description for an administrative professional, some of the required skill sets are mind-reading, seeing around corners and through walls, and leaping tall obstacles while moving at the speed of sound!

Let us consider the story of Jodie. She spent several weeks assembling a travel itinerary for her executive, a task that required strong influence and negotiation skills. This included arranging flights, hotels, transportation, and meeting appointments. Jodie felt a sense of relief as she waved goodbye to her executive, handing him the briefing book along with all the details he would need for a successful trip. He smiled back at her and asked, “Did you update my contacts?” Of course, she had.

Off he went, and now she could focus on her other daily responsibilities. 

It was 4AM PDT the next morning when Jodie’s cell phone rang with a Latin Rumba tone, waking her up abruptly. She immediately looked to see, in horror, that it was her executive calling! Now completely awake, she asked, “Is everything all right, her heart pounding. He replied, “I am in the Uber on my way to my first meeting, and I suddenly seem to have forgotten the information and address for it. Could you please talk to my Uber driver and provide him with that information?” He promptly handed his cell phone to the driver. So, there was Jodie, speaking to the New York Uber driver and sharing the details, including the address of the company.

Blessed are those who are prepared. Jodie always kept a copy of her executive's travel itinerary with her in case something unexpected happened. Who would have thought? She provided the Uber driver with the correct address, and he handed the phone back to her executive. Once Jodie was satisfied that the Uber driver understood everything and was heading to the right location, she asked her executive why he did not just use the itinerary she had given him. He sheepishly admitted that he had left it at the hotel. "Now go back to sleep and get some rest," was his final remark before they disconnected.

She obviously could not go back to sleep—she went to the gym instead.