You've Got to Be Kidding!: How to Keep Your Job Without Losing Your Integrity

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!

This is one area about which you cannot remain silent. It is imperative to open the lines of communication with your managers and discuss the dilemmas that concern you. I hear all kinds of stories from assistants who suddenly find themselves mired down in mundane personal tasks for their bosses—and it remains a point of continuous irritation between them long after the duties are completed. Example: A secretary to a major ball club owner told me that she was expected to bring her boss a bag lunch—that she had prepared herself for him to eat at his desk—every time he was in town (which was quite often because the team played at “home” a lot). She said that although she never “brown bagged” lunch and preferred instead to go out at noon, he insisted on her homemade lunches. She told me that after eight years of doing this, it was finally beginning to bother her! She went into his office one day, sat down, and said: “Could we please have a tuna fish sandwich discussion?” After she explained why she did not wish to continue this practice, his simple reply was: “Good, I was beginning to get tired of your sandwiches, anyhow.” Now, who says that we can’t mediate the great gaps in communication between us?

Open communication will always serve you well with your boss—and even your potential boss. In addition to asking about the kinds of personal tasks you’re expected to perform on the job during the interview, request as well to see the job description. ...