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The Qualities of a Good Administrator

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Companies and organizations rely on good administrators to supervise employees, delegate assignments and ensure that productivity is up to standard. An effective administrator wears many hats, including that of a counselor and motivator, and must know how to deal with a variety of personalities. Good administrators possess skills and qualities that enable them to provide effective leadership.

Staying Objective

A good administrator treats all people with the same respect and fairness and does not play favorites. She makes decisions about an employee based on job performance and not on whether she likes or dislikes someone. She handles each problem with objectivity and doesn't allow personal feelings to dictate her course of action. When a situation requires discipline, she ensures that the action she takes is consistent with similar cases, so that no one can accuse her of favoritism.

Providing Motivation

An effective administrator is able to motivate his staff to perform beyond company standards. To achieve this goal, a good administrator must know the strengths and weaknesses of his employees. He must praise an employee and give recognition when an assignment or project is executed well and find tactful ways to bolster areas that need improvement. A good administrator must also find creative ways to keep morale high, whether it's arranging after-work gatherings or providing incentives and bonuses for exceeding goals.

Keeping Communication Flowing

Good communication is not just expressing a viewpoint clearly, but also requires listening to what others are saying. A skilled administrator speaks clearly and ensures that her words are specific so there is no confusion. She should listen to everything an employee tells her and write it down to avoid misunderstandings if the issue comes up in the future. Keeping an open-door policy is an effective way to help employees feel comfortable in expressing honest opinions.

Mentoring Others

An effective administrator doesn't keep aloof from employees, but rather seeks a mentoring relationship to help them move up the corporate ladder. Mentoring requires requires a willingness to share past experiences and insider tips that only come from having been in the same position as the employee. It's also important to exhibit kindness toward employees and remember that they have lives outside the office. Good administrators don't overwork their employees, and they make allowances for personal situations which may require flexibility.

References
Writer

Sampson Quain is a screenwriter and filmmaker who began writing in 1996. He has sold feature and television scripts to a variety of studios and networks including Columbia, HBO, NBC, Paramount and Lionsgate. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in screenwriting from the University of Southern California.

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