It’s that time again: Administrative Professionals Day (April 27). In observance of the holiday, I’ve selected five books for you to read or offer to the admin in your life. A couple come from my bookshelf; they have older publication dates but can still be found.
Being an administrative professional has always been a stressful job, so two of the books here relate to stress and difficult workplaces. And, because this profession is still dominated by women, two selections connect to women’s issues at work. The final book is a good fit for either gender, in any profession.
"Toxic Workplace! Managing Toxic Personalities and Their Systems of Power" by Mitchell Kusy and Elizabeth Holloway (Jossey-Bass, 2009).
Here’s the problem with having multiple bosses, as today’s admins often do: With each additional boss, your chances of having a bad one increase. That may reveal a dour outlook on my part, but after reading this book, you’re likely to share my perspective.
This isn’t a light read, although it’s very informative. By taking a scientific approach to the topic, authors Kusy and Holloway supply statistical underpinning to things we all know by instinct: Toxic workers and bosses cost the organization money, they decrease overall morale, they’re difficult to fire, and they’re even more difficult to discipline.
While nearly half of the book is used to provide remedies for these situations, the average administrative professional won’t have the clout to do so. Still, for the beleaguered admin struggling with a toxic workplace, the book will provide a helpful perspective on crazy-making situations.
"Making Peace With Your Office Life" by Cindy Glovinsky (St. Martin’s Griffin, 2010).
Now here’s a good combination: Glovinsky is an administrative assistant herself, as well as a licensed psychotherapist and a professional organizer. Not only do her experiences give her credibility, but they also provide the foundation for some really good advice and observations on the modern admin’s work life.
I like this book a lot, primarily because the author has such a straightforward, problem-solving approach to the often maddening aspects of the administrative professional’s job. Recognizing the unhealthy potential for learned helplessness in this role, Glovinsky provides tools for analyzing situations and improving them. Her writing is clear and her tone is compassionate but no-nonsense -- just the right combination to empower both the embattled and the embittered.
"Women, Work & the Art of Savoir Faire" by Mireille Guiliano (Atria Paperback, 2009).
For a 180-degree difference in tone and approach, check out this volume by the author of "French Women Don’t Get Fat." Guiliano aims her book at businesswomen in general and laces her writing liberally with the French language -- and mindset. Here you’ll find guidance for your business life as well as for life outside the office, personal image, and even entertaining.
While this book isn’t a traditional workplace primer, it does provide an enlightening view of the American business world from a French woman who worked for more than 20 years in the United States as a CEO (of Clicquot Inc.). It’s like being mentored by an old-fashioned but somewhat hip aunt who also knows business.
"What Men Don’t Tell Women About Business" by Christopher Flett (John Wiley & Sons, 2007).
One advantage of reviewing a book after it’s been out for a while is the ability to check readers’ responses on Amazon.com. In this case, it’s interesting to see negative reviews by people irritated with Flett’s persistent stereotyping of women and men, and positive reviews by those grateful for his road map to gender differences in the workplace.
I share both views and offer this warning: Flett’s style is abrasive. But he preaches something I have said to women for years: Don’t complain if men get a better deal at work; just figure out how they do it.
"Back to School for Grownups" by Laura H. Gilbert (CreateSpace.com, 2009).
With “How Not to Get Run Over by the School Bus” in the subtitle, this book demonstrates its appeal to hopeful-but-hesitant baby boomers and others who would like to improve their academic credentials but have concerns about the process. Adults returning to school worry about everything from the cost (of course) to their own ability to keep up in class to the value of new degrees for older workers.
Not that all of the book’s heroes are midlifers. Gilbert does a nice job of profiling everyone from new parents to retirees, and offers helpful charts for making key decisions when comparing different programs and schools. For the administrative professional who may feel under-degreed, this will be a helpful and encouraging tool for resolving that issue.
Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com or at 626 Armstrong Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102.
