Staying Motivated When Your Work Goes Unseen: Advice for Executive Assistants
Being an executive assistant can be a thankless job. You work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep your executive and the office running smoothly. However, much of your hard work goes unnoticed. Your boss takes you for granted and others don’t understand the breadth of what you do each day. It’s easy to feel frustrated and undervalued when your contributions aren’t recognized. Here are some tips to maintain your motivation when your work flies under the radar.
Don’t Tie Your Self-Worth to External Validation
It’s only natural to want recognition for your efforts. However, you can’t control whether or not you receive praise. Tying your self-worth too closely to external validation sets you up for disappointment. Your value comes from within, not from outside approval. You’re contributing and making a difference, even if it’s not acknowledged. Keep an internal sense of pride in a job well done.
Focus on the Aspects You Can Control
While you can’t make your boss or others appreciate you, you have control over your own actions. Are you working efficiently? Learning new skills? Making processes better? Focus on improving in areas you can control. Pour your energy into doing the best possible job. Executives change jobs frequently. You may not be with your current boss long term. Consistently deliver excellent work for your own satisfaction.
Express Appreciation for Your Own Efforts
Rather than waiting for a “thank you” from your boss, be your own cheerleader. Make a list of accomplishments large and small. Notice the ways you’re supporting your team and executive even if no one says it. Write yourself a thank you card or treat yourself to dinner. Find fulfillment in your efforts independent of external recognition.
Cultivate Meaningful Work Relationships
Connect with coworkers who understand the value you bring. Associate with other assistants who can empathize. Avoid complaining excessively though. Venting occasionally is fine, but make sure you also discuss positive aspects of your job. Commiserate then focus on constructive steps you can take. Having a mutually supportive network makes the lack of recognition easier to bear.
Schedule Regular Feedback Sessions
Don’t rely solely on your boss’s whim to provide feedback. Proactively request regular meetings to discuss your performance and role. Come prepared with discussion points like “Are there ways I could better support you during presentations?” or “I’d love any suggestions to streamline the weekly reports.” Be receptive to both praise and constructive criticism.
Stay Open to Learning and Growth
Lack of recognition can breed resentment and a closed attitude. Battle this by maintaining a growth mindset. Look for opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge. Can you take on new responsibilities to make yourself more valuable? Seek training in new software or office systems. Pursue career development for its own sake.
While it’s discouraging when your work goes unacknowledged, you have power over your mindset. Keep perspective on what you can and cannot control. Stay focused on delivering excellence and cultivating your capabilities. Your dedication will pay off down the road, even if it’s not always visible day-to-day.
