Administrators told to embrace change

By John Odyek

The introduction of information technology in office has radically transformed the work of secretaries and administrative assistants and altered the type of skills that they require to perform their work to manage businesses and organisations.

Bank of Uganda Governor, Emmanuel Mutebile, said the requirements of all professions change over time, and this applies to secretaries and administrative assistants as much as to any other type of profession.

This was during a conference for secretaries and administrative assistants. It was held at Grand Imperial Hotel, Kampala.

It was organized by the National Association of Secretaries and Administrative Professionals (NASAP).

“Informational technology enables secretaries and administrative assistants to be much more productive, but it has also raised substantially the skills requirements of the profession,” Mutebile said in a speech read for him by Solomon Okecho, executive director administration, Bank of Uganda.

He added: “The distinctions between the work of secretaries and more traditional management functions are being diminished by the advent of information technology. Thus the need for continuous upgrading of skills throughout your professional careers.”

He said professional associations must ensure their members abide by professional standards, get training and represent the interests of their members.

They must ensure that the views of their members are heard when any laws which might affect them is being debated in Parliament.

Rev. Canon Dr John Senyonyi, Vice Chancellor Uganda Christian University said the image of an office begins with the appearance of its staff and most especially secretaries who are at the frontlines.

“Your image is very important. I like wearing shorts. But my wife cannot allow me to go out wearing shorts. That is because she cares about my image. You have to be a role model because people look up to you,” Senyonyi said.

Adding: “You cannot be an effective manager without self- development. I do exercise to take care of my body. We are eating large quantities and not taking care of our bodies.”
He said soft skills have become very important today at work and these skills include communication skills, time keeping, respect for people, apologizing, courtesy and humility.

He noted that in some offices there are people who want to bring down others.

“There are bosses who come with problems from home. There are bosses who are not equipped with skills. Talk to them if you can and avoid confrontation. If possible talk with the human resource manager and use ‘whistle blower policies to resolve some of these problem,” Senyonyi said.

Godwin Muhanguzi, president NASAP said they have been focusing on strengthening the association to serve the interests of its members country wide.

Muhanguzi said they have invested in the transport business to raise funds to run the association.

The association elected leaders to form a Savings Cooperative and Credit Organisation to support the financial needs of members. They also launched a website and an anthem.

“We encourage people to go for further studies. We have to improve ourselves and maintain standards of excellence at work so that people don’t say the problem at the work place is with us. We are focusing on values and what we stand for such as accountability, commitment, ethical behaviour,” Muhanguzi said.