DIRECTOR DIALOGUES | ANN DAKLKE | April 2019

April is the month when we traditionally celebrate Administrative Professionals Week in the U.S. During the week of April 22-26, Facebook and Instagram will no doubt be overflowing with photos of lovely floral arrangements and other tangible forms of recognition from employers. While it’s great your employer acknowledges the hard work you do all year long, this year, I challenge you to consider celebrating in a different way.

This year, I encourage you to approach your employer ahead of Administrative Professionals Week and ask him or her to invest in your professional development instead of purchasing the traditional gifts to recognize this annual holiday. Request the funds to attend a conference, seminar, online course, or to purchase the CAP Study Guide and SmartBook, if you aren’t already CAP certified.

If you work for an employer who doesn’t invest in or support your professional development, I urge you to invest in yourself. You’re worth it! IAAP offers education for a variety of budget points and through a variety of channels including live and on-demand webinars, and in-person and virtual meetings at the Branch and Regional levels. IAAP also offers large conferences such as CAPstone in March, Summit in July, CAP Bootcamp in August, and the new Academy for Leadership Development with three different leadership tracks to explore. Don’t forget to check out the many options available through learn@iaap, including deep dive courses, bundled webinars, the Crisp 50-Minute series of books, and even several free resources.

This year, I’ve asked the executive I support to donate to the Admins First campaign on my behalf instead of purchasing a gift. I’m blessed and grateful to have an employer who supports my professional development, but I’m also keenly aware that many administrative professionals aren’t as lucky. This is my way of paying it forward to help the IAAP Foundation continue investing in the success of office and administrative professionals by supporting innovative research, educational and professional development opportunities, and affordable housing initiatives.

However you celebrate this year, let me be among the first to wish you a Happy Administrative Professionals Week!

DIRECTOR DIALOGUES | JEAN COCCO | February 2019

“All we Need is Love”… I think that is how the song title goes?  If all we need is LOVE, what a wonderful world this would be.

So, why do I love being a member of IAAP? I have grown professionally and personally over the years through my membership with IAAP.  I have grown to love connecting with other administrative professionals from around the world.  I love being able to learn the latest technology to be able to stay up to date with my skills.  I love the challenges that the various IAAP leadership opportunities has provided me.  I love being more confident in my career.

So, what can IAAP provide for you?
L = learn from the best presenters with most up-to-date administrative programs
O = opportunities to expand your network locally, nationally and internationally
V = volunteer in IAAP leadership whether it is via Board of Directors, Foundation Board, Region & Branch Directors, working groups and various committees | https://www.iaap-hq.org/page/leadership
E= engage by actively participating in National, Region and Branch events

I hope to be able to connect and meet with you at either CAPStone or Summit in 2019.  Your IAAP Board of Directors is always available to listen and answer any questions you might have.  And as the other song title goes:

“With a Little Help From My Friends” we can all help each other!

DIRECTOR DIALOGUES | PHIANDRA PECK | December 2018

Tis the season for family, celebration and thoughts of reflection. Most of us are preparing to wrap up 2018 with performance summaries and thoughts for development needs in 2019. I hope that you take time to consider your involvement with IAAP as you think ahead. Yes, IAAP! The beginning of each calendar year starts the IAAP leadership recruitment season. Are you ready to further develop your leadership potential? Do you enjoy connecting with other IAAP members? Would you like to learn skills and contribute to the future success of IAAP? If so, I challenge you to step up and apply for an IAAP leadership position.

IAAP wants to be the association that builds leaders that are able to transcend the administrative profession. Let us help you recognize the leadership potential within yourself.  
I know that the thought of taking on leadership responsibilities can be overwhelming. However, many of the skills you already use every day in the workplace can help you be successful. Bring your courage, vision, drive, and critical thinking to share and lead up.

IAAP offers many leadership roles for you to choose from.  Options include IAAP Board of Directors, IAAP Foundation Board of Directors, Regional Director, Branch Director, standing committee or working group. Each leadership role offers its own unique development opportunity for you. Regional Director applications will be accepted starting January 2, 2019. More information, including a position description and responsibilities can be found here. Applications and information for all other leadership roles will be published at various times when the applicable position is recruiting. Be on the lookout for the application period that applies best to the role for you.

Let IAAP help you rise up out of your comfort zone and step up to lead. Contact any member of the IAAP Board of Directors for questions. Better yet, be sure to register to attend Summit 2019 in National Harbor, MD and discuss opportunities with us in person. Early bird registration ends January 31, 2019.

Make 2019 the year you step out of the shadows. Take a chance, apply for new leadership roles and help make IAAP one of the best with your fresh, valuable input.

DIRECTOR DIALOGUES | BARRETT SHAW | November 2018

I recently attended Executive Secretary Live in Silicon Valley. One of the speakers, Peggy Vasquez, spoke about the value of your network, your inner circle. Although I’ve heard the presentation before, I found myself reflecting a bit more, thinking about my own journey within IAAP. Who is in your inner circle? Who is there to help you, to believe in you and to encourage you when you need it the most? Do you fill that role in someone else’s inner circle?

 This to me is one of the greatest benefits of belonging to a professional association such as IAAP. My membership in IAAP holds a special place in my heart. I have made lasting friendships, vastly expanded my professional network and stretched far beyond my comfort zone. Looking back to when I joined in 2008, I never would have imagined how much I would accomplish, not only within IAAP, but also in my career development.

Service is an important aspect of my membership. I love giving back and knowing that what I am doing is making a difference. For me, the call to serve is easy, because I get so much in return. This is an exciting time within our association and profession. Do you believe you have something to give back to fellow administrative professionals? Why not consider stepping into a leadership position within IAAP? Whether it’s serving on a working group or standing committee, as a Region or Branch Director or on the Association or Foundation Board of Directors, there are many opportunities available.

 I know I can comfortably credit my volunteer leadership experience with the promotions I have received at work. I am a more confident contributor and I love being part of something that is seeking to improve the association and the profession. There’s no better time to get involved. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me or anyone else on the Board. Know that we are all in this together, building up each other’s inner circles.