CEO of NISE, Kim Tudor, explained that influence was at the heart of achieving results without authority.
The CAAP members have an interactive session, where many of them were involved in the discussion.
CAAP Convention receives NISE tips
Wed, 07/13/2016 - 12:00am
By:
Peta Rowe-Forde
THE Caribbean Association of Administrative Professionals (CAAP) has embarked on a workshop, during their 14th Convention, to facilitate the training of its members in the ways of conducting their business more efficiently.
Yesterday morning’s session featured a presentation by Chief Executive Officer of the National Initiative for Service Excellence (NISE), Kim Tudor. She gave an insight into the ways in which the administrative professionals gathered at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre can ‘Achieve Results Without Authority’.
Acknowledging the fact that administrative professionals are not the bosses of the organisations and thus have limited authority, Tudor explained that there is still much that is expected of them in executing the organisation’s goals. This naturally gives rise to challenges such as working hard for little credit, having to be the bearer of bad news, living up to the bosses’ “mind reader” expectations and they are often the “gate keepers” for clients, among many others.
Thus, Tudor pointed out that influence was the key component in achieving desired results while not having all the authority needed to do so. Influence, she expounded, is rooted in give and take, also known as the law of reciprocity. The administrative professionals were told that they have to be flexible when it comes to carrying out the mandates of the organisation; bearing in mind that what they give will often be what they receive in return.
Taking it further, Tudor stated that in using such a system of reciprocity or barter, it is paramount to know the currency with which they are bargaining.
Tudor explained that currency within the administrative setting can often come in the form of knowledge, skills, time, access to the boss, opportunities, and praise and recognition. However, knowing its value is what would enable the process of influencing. Moreover, Tudor implored that they maintain the integrity of themselves and the organisation which they represent, even when seeking to achieve results.