This article is part of a series published on our LinkedIn account by guest writers. Today's article was written by Eleni Rizikianou, IMA Greece on 17th September 2024.
If there is one fixed factor in life, it is change. There is no doubt that everything is shifting constantly. So, it’s not about how to adapt when things change; it’s about being an evolving human being, contemporary of your time, who monitors and follows the developments of your environment.
The truth is that change is hard for everyone. For many years, the need for stability was the overriding concern. Companies picked their employees based on their education or references and trained them to stay for life. However, in our time, driven by technology, science, remote working, diversity, etc., change evolves beyond traditional boundaries. People are embracing continuous learning, shifting their careers even in older ages, and moving from one position to another, from one company to another, from one country to another. And they do so fearlessly or, at least, daring to face their fears head-on.
Our role as assistants is once again crucial for ensuring smooth operations and supporting leadership. Now it’s more about the mindset than skills. You can always learn new skills if you have an open mindset, know who you are, what you can and can’t do, and take accountability for that. Our managers require bold associates who practice management and leadership in their lives as well as within the companies.
So, when it comes to change, we need to let go of our inherent caution and negativity and embrace understanding what and why things are changing, and how it’s going to get done. Once the current situation stops serving the current needs, we will change again, as our purpose in life is to meet our needs in the best way possible.
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This article is penned by Eleni Rizikianou, Administration Manager at Mentor Surveyors, Valuers, Engineers and member of IMA Greece.
The Guest Writer series features contributions from IMA members worldwide, showcasing the diverse experiences and expertise of management assistants within our network. Each piece offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and personal reflections from professionals in the field. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.