Who's Who
Money Matters
Vocabulary
Retirees
Technology
Business Solutions
Workforce Tips
Wellness
Lets Hear It
Helping Others
Previous IssuesBack in the Day” Work Tips
Ever wonder why the word “secretary” has faded from the American lexicon? It’s not just a product of political correctness. Rather, with the rapid progression of technology over the past fifty years, executive assistants have evolved into just that: assistants. No longer do they spend hours dutifully clicking away on the typewriter; today’s modern “secretaries,” if you will, often take meeting minutes, manage budgets, make travel arrangements, and maintain web sites, among many other things. In fact, many executives prefer their assistants to have some degree of higher education.
Published in 1951, the Complete Secretary’s Handbook by Lillian Doris and Besse May Miller offers some helpful tips for being successful in an era before Microsoft Windows, e-mail, and Xerox machines. Some tips may seem humorous for our current work environment and others are still applicable after all these years. Enjoy!
The Impression You Make
The secretary should create an impression of refinement. This quality is reflected in (1) good manners, (2) knowledge of ordinary and business customs, (3) poise, (4) posture, (5) personal appearance, and (6) voice. We will cover the first three qualities in this article.
Manners. It can be taken for granted that anyone who has aspired to be a secretary has learned good manners, and that politeness, friendliness, graciousness, and consideration for others are well-established habits.
Poise. Poise is a reflection of emotional stability and unself-consciousness. It is evidenced by self-control under the most trying situations. A person with poise never raises her voice nor shows anger in any way. She meets rapidly changing situations without evident distress. You can develop poise.
Posture. Good posture reflects self-confidence and self-reliance. Good posture makes you appear poised, makes you seem younger, helps you build good health, and helps distribute your weight. You can acquire good posture without the expenditure of a lot of time or money, because you can practice all the time.
Carry your shoulders relaxed, not reared back; hold your stomach muscles firmly in place; carry your head so that the lobe of your ear is on a vertical line with your shoulder bone. Take even, smooth steps when you walk toward or away from anyone. Sit in an erect position in your chair; never slump over a desk. Be careful of the position of your legs and knees, particularly if the front of the desk is open. Do not twist your legs around the legs of the chair or assume other relaxed positions that are undignified in an office.
In the next issue of the Georgia Statement, part one on “Personal Appearance” will be featured. |
Print this page