The moment you take ownership of your evolution is the moment your career begins to change, says Tara M. Sims
Every successful organization runs on the efforts of its administrative professionals. We forecast needs, address issues before they materialize, and make life more efficient in ways that often escape notice. And yet too many Assistants feel trapped, overlooked, disregarded, and unsure of how to navigate their career paths.
Here’s a reality that you need to embrace: No one is coming to save you.
If you’re hoping your executive or your organization will suddenly connect the dots about where you add value and open doors for you, you might be waiting as long as you work there. The administrative profession has historically had narrow definitions of itself, and if you’re not proactive, you could get put in a box that doesn’t reflect your full capabilities.
But here’s the good news: You’re not waiting for permission to evolve.
“Regardless of the chaos in your organization, the challenges posed by those you support, or the dysfunction among your coworkers, becoming an evolved assistant does not require you to alter any of it. Any attempt to change your manager, colleagues, or organization’s structure is beyond the scope of your job, so take that pressure off yourself. To become an evolved assistant, your only job is to change the one thing that you have full and complete control over, and that is you.” ~ Excerpt from Evolved Assistant: Unlocking Success in a New Era for Administrative Professionals
If you’re ready to step away from the status quo, here are five concrete and actionable ways to take charge of your career today:
1. Stop Asking for Permission to Lead
Most Assistants depend on an executive or organization to give them a chance to use their leadership skills. But true leaders don’t sit back waiting for permission. They see gaps and they fill them.
There was a time I stepped in to support an executive whose calendar was completely packed. She was double-booked almost daily and barely had any time to think, let alone lead. Instead of just managing the chaos, I scheduled time with her and had a candid conversation about why her schedule looked the way it did. It turned out she was sitting in on every meeting because she felt responsible for everything. I proposed a plan to delegate certain meetings to her direct reports and created a summary reporting process so she could stay informed without being in the room. Once we rolled it out, her schedule opened up, and she had the space to focus on higher-impact work.
Over time, this kind of approach can transform how others see you. Moving away from being only a task-oriented doer to a valued strategic partner who anticipates challenges and offers proactive solutions can have a significant impact on the executives and teams you support.
2. Treat Your Role as a Business, Not a Job
The best Assistants don’t simply “clock in” and turn out assignments; they run their careers like entrepreneurs. They adopt an ownership mindset.
An ownership mindset is the attitude and behavior of an employee who treats the organization’s success as their own responsibility. They operate with accountability, pride, and a deep sense of investment in the outcomes they help create.
There was a point in my career when I realized I was waiting for direction too often. I was just completing tasks instead of thinking bigger. So, I started approaching my role like I was running my own business, and my “product” was the quality of support I delivered. I evaluated what I was known for, where I added the most value, and how I could level that up. One of the first things I did was audit the onboarding experience for new hires in our department because it was inconsistent and confusing. Without being asked, I built a standardized onboarding guide, complete with timelines, templates, and contact lists. Not only did it improve the experience, but it also freed up hours of my time each month.
When you start seeing yourself as a business owner and treat your role like something you own and not just something you do, you’ll naturally begin making career decisions that align with long-term success.
3. Build Your Influence Inside and Outside the Organization
I believe that the No.1 career mistake Assistants make is networking only within their companies. To have a career with a long shelf life, you need relationships both within your workplace and beyond. The broader your network, the more career doors you’ll be able to open.
For years, I was completely focused on the organization I worked for. I had been there a long time, knew the ins and outs, and felt comfortable. But looking back, I realize I had unintentionally boxed myself in. I wasn’t networking outside my company at all. My LinkedIn connections were under 500 and mostly made up of people I currently or previously worked with, and I didn’t see the need to expand beyond that.
Then the pandemic hit, and everything shifted. I made a conscious decision to put myself out there more, and I started connecting with other Assistants, joining conversations, sharing my perspective, and learning from others. That one decision led to my very first speaking engagement, something I never imagined I would be doing. More importantly, it introduced me to an incredible community of professionals I genuinely learn from and feel supported by to this day.
Make it a point to:
- Internally: Cultivate relationships across departments. Connect with department heads, HR, and decision-makers who influence career growth.
- Externally: Participate in professional organizations, attend administrative summits, and engage in LinkedIn industry discussions. Your next career opportunity could come from someone you haven’t even met yet.
In addition, building a solid personal brand and aligning your behaviors to match can vastly improve your opportunities for career growth and advancement.
- Develop a personal brand that highlights your strengths and expertise.
- Identify your unique value proposition. What sets you apart from others in your field?
4. Master the Art of Visibility
It’s simply not enough to just work hard. People need to recognize your worth. You must advocate for yourself, because if you don’t, chances are high that no one else will.
For a long time, I thought keeping my head down and doing great work would eventually speak for itself. I was the person who stayed late, fixed things behind the scenes, and never made a fuss about it. But I started noticing that while I was busy getting things done, others were being recognized for contributions I had a hand in. It was a wake-up call. I realized that doing valuable work wasn’t enough if no one knew about it.
So, I started small. I began sharing updates during team meetings, keeping a running list of my wins, and even highlighting process improvements in my weekly check-ins with my manager. It felt uncomfortable at first, but over time, it built trust, visibility, and credibility. I was making sure the impact of my work was clear. And once people saw the full scope of what I brought to the table, everything shifted.
5. Evolve or Get Left Behind
The administrative profession is changing. What made you excellent 10 years ago might not be enough today. If you’re not actively learning, you’re falling behind.
- Develop skills in project management, data analysis, or business operations.
- Stay ahead of technology. AI and automation are reshaping administrative work. Learn how to use them to your advantage.
- Do self-reflection exercises to ensure you’re not unknowingly holding yourself back.
The most powerful Assistants are the ones who adapt, grow, and stay ahead.
And finally, start doing something now. Owning your career starts with one decision, and that is to stop waiting and start leading. Whether it’s stepping up, expanding your influence, or improving your skills, the power to shift your career is in your hands.
If you’re ready to take charge and make meaningful change, the Evolved Assistant can be your guide. I outline a process for career growth based on years spent building my career while navigating the challenges and opportunities in the field of administration. Because the moment you take ownership of your evolution is the moment your career begins to change.
