Hints for Success
- Do not take the efforts of your assistant lightly.
- Express your appreciation frequently.
- Have an “attitude with gratitude.”
- “Please” and “Thank You” go a long way.
- To get respect, you have to give respect.
- Make sure you turn in your time sheets on time.
- Ensure that the assistant leaves the job each day on time.
- Remember your assistant’s birthday.
- Give frequent feedback on the assistant’s job performance.
- Offer flexibility.
- Make expectations very clear and understandable.
- Address problems as they arise, rather than allowing them to build up and become larger problems.
- Be patient and expect mistakes rather than perfection.
- Answer questions clearly and patiently so that tasks can be done correctly.
- Remember that listening is the most important part of good communication; good employers listen to their employees.
- Actively encourage your assistant to be everything he/she can be.
- Be ready to start work when your assistant arrives.
- Be home when your assistant is scheduled to work for you.
- If you live with your parents, remember your parents are not their employer - you are.
- Do not allow your spouse or parents to interfere with job duties. If you need to discuss a situation, be assertive. Remember you are the employer, and will need to discuss the situation - not your spouse or parents.
- Think of ways to show your appreciation for your assistant’s work. For example, if you have good computer skills, and he/she is in school, perhaps you could help with term papers, research papers, etc.
- Find out his/her favorite magazine and purchase it once in a while, if possible.
- If you have a dollar movie theater in your area, put a ticket or two in an envelope for him/her.
- Give him/her a flower or vegetable you grew.
- Find out his/her hobbies and contribute in some way as a surprise.
- If you can give a small gas or fast-food gift certificate, do so once in a while.
These suggestions cost little, but go a long way. Use them to show your appreciation, especially if you have an assistant who is dependable, trustworthy, and hardworking.
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