This week, in honor of Administrative Professionals Day, I’ve been reflecting on just how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go.
A Quick Walk Through History
Let’s take a quick walk through history. Not that long ago, administrative roles were seen as prestigious positions, often held by men of high social status. Fast forward to the industrial era, and the shift began: women stepped into secretarial roles, tasked with answering phones and taking dictation. Then came the digital age, and with it, a whole new transformation.
Computers started replacing the manual work admins used to do. The need for “paper pushing” diminished—and in its place, a new kind of admin emerged. One that’s more strategic. More tech-savvy. More operational. But I don’t think we’ve fully caught up in how we recognize that evolution.
Yesterday’s Admin
I got my first “admin job” at 16, working at a car dealership. To be honest, I got the job because I knew the owners—not because of any particular filing expertise. My sole responsibility was alphabetizing leases and purchase agreements and filing them in a giant cabinet. That was the job. Literal paper pushing.
Later in my career—by then in the construction world—I had a summer assistant who happened to be the owner’s daughter. She helped me organize my never-ending piles of paper and tuck them neatly into files. Again: paper pushing.
The Modern Admin is a Powerhouse
But here’s the thing—today’s administrative professionals are so much more than that.
The role has evolved. The best admins are not just supporting the business—they’re driving it forward. They’re managing systems, people, and processes. They’re aligning operations with vision. They’re solving problems before anyone else sees them coming.
Operations and Administration Are Not Silos
Yet too often, we still see “Administration” and “Operations” listed as separate departments—as if they’re silos.
They’re not.
They’re functions—and truthfully, every department needs both. Strong operations leaders need administrative excellence to succeed. And strong admin professionals need operational thinking to lead.
A Message to Admins and Leaders
So if you’re an admin, know this: you are not just a support role. You are a strategist, a connector, a culture builder, and in many cases, the glue that holds everything together.
And if you’re a business leader, I challenge you: look beyond the title. Look at the impact. The right administrative professional can be your secret weapon. But only if you see them that way—and treat them accordingly.
Let’s Start a New Conversation
This Administrative Professionals Day, let’s stop celebrating with just flowers and thank-you notes.
Let’s start recognizing the power and potential in these roles—and investing in them like we mean it.
Ready to Elevate?
Whether you’re an administrative professional ready to step into your next level, or a business leader ready to develop the hidden powerhouse on your team—I’d love to connect.
Let’s talk about how to turn admin roles into launchpads—for people, for performance, and for real business growth. Email me at [email protected]
