The truth about what it takes to be regarded as talent

One major difference between administration careers and other professions is that others tend to have the benefit of being included in talent mapping and succession planning.

This means other professionals are nurtured, mentored and developed differently. They’re shown how to build out their career runway and how to highlight their value in meaningful ways.

Administration professionals are most often left to fend for themselves with this. It’s a horrible, cold, hard reality. It’s what drives me to do the work I do.

During my 27 year career as an Executive Assistant, I sat in countless Executive Committee Meetings where talent mapping was discussed.

I was a fly on the wall observing deep debate (sometimes very heated) and dissections of the performance of individuals. What I heard over and over again was enlightening.

Here’s what I learned about what it takes to be regarded as talent:

• You're not expected to be perfect

• You don't have to know everything already

• It's okay if you make mistakes - how you handle it is what matters most

• You need to demonstrate a willingness to learn and grow

• Self awareness and low ego matter

• Your communication style and ability to truly listen counts

• You need to be open to feedback

• Relationships have to be a priority

• You have a POV that's focussed on continuous improvement

• You live the organisation's values

• You care deeply about your customers/clients

• You thrive in a range of different environments, so can be parachuted in to fix issues or support important work outside your home team or role

• You’re connected to not just the organisations' purpose but your own

• You care about your team

• You manage down as well as you manage up

• You’re a great ambassador for the organisation

How well you do your job is part of the equation.

Some of the people I saw on talent mapping surprised me. But they all had two things in common: care factor and how they showed up every day.

So this is an invitation to you today to make a commitment to yourself to pick one thing on the list above and see if you can showcase how you’re doing this just a little bit more.

Highlight these attributes in your catch ups and the formal review season.

You are not merely a resource. Please talk about yourself as TALENT.

If you try this (or already do it) I’d love to love to hear from you. You can share your thoughts with me at hello@rachaelbonetti.com or connect with me on LinkedIn

If you’re ready to step fully into your personal power and level up with your presence to be regarded as talent, visit the EA Development page to see the current courses and programs.