Skills We’ve Lost, Rediscovering Secretarial Skills for the Modern Workplace

“Skills We’ve Lost!”

Rediscovering Secretarial Skills for the Modern Workplace

With the ever-expanding intelligence of modern technology, it appears that many basic skills once crucial in the professional world are fading. Tasks that previous generations would have gone to college for, such as secretarial courses, are becoming obsolete. Texting and mobile phones have not only changed the way we communicate but have also diminished the importance of touch typing, grammar, spelling, and even in-person social interaction.

A few years ago, a recruiter would ask a potential new recruit, “How many words a minute can you type?” Now, the question has shifted to, “How many years of experience do you have with Microsoft Office?”

The skills learned in secretarial courses are fundamental and transferable to almost all corporate roles. That’s why we want to reintroduce these foundational skills to help you enhance your career prospects and potential for future employment.

Introduction to the Series

In today’s digital age, many traditional secretarial skills have become less common, yet they remain incredibly valuable. This series, “Rediscovering Secretarial Skills for the Modern Workplace,” aims to reintroduce these timeless practices and demonstrate their relevance in today’s professional environment. By mastering these skills, you can significantly boost your efficiency, productivity, and career development.

Why These Skills Are Important

The ability to look at a screen and type without having to glance at the keyboard has largely disappeared, replaced by the habit of typing with two index fingers. Additionally, merely being able to use a program without proving efficiency in it can be detrimental to business and career development. These traditional skills are not just about nostalgia; they are essential for maintaining high standards of professionalism and effectiveness in the workplace.

What This Series Will Cover

Over the next several posts, we will explore the following key secretarial skills:

1. The Art of Touch Typing

Importance: Boosts productivity by allowing you to type quickly and accurately without looking at the keyboard.

Benefits: Saves time, reduces errors, and enhances multitasking abilities.

Practical Test: A typing speed and accuracy test.

2. Effective Note-Taking

Importance: Helps in retaining information and staying organised during meetings or while studying.

Benefits: Enhances comprehension, improves focus, and provides a reliable reference.

Practical Test: A note-taking exercise using different techniques.

3. Mastering the Filing System

Importance: An organised filing system, whether physical or digital, is crucial for quick retrieval of documents.

Benefits: Maintains a clutter-free workspace, improves efficiency, and ensures important information is easily accessible.

Practical Test: Creating a sample filing system.

4. Professional Communication Skills

Importance: Clear and professional communication, including letter writing and email etiquette, is vital in any workplace.

Benefits: Builds strong professional relationships, prevents misunderstandings, and enhances your professional image.

Practical Test: Drafting a professional letter and email.

5. Time Management and Scheduling

Importance: Effective time management is essential for meeting deadlines and staying productive.

Benefits: Helps prioritise tasks, reduces stress, and improves overall productivity.

Practical Test: Creating a weekly planner or schedule.

6. Maintaining Professional Etiquette

Importance: Professional etiquette, including dress codes, meeting manners, and telephone etiquette, creates a respectful work environment.

Benefits: Enhances your professional presence and fosters a positive workplace culture.

Practical Test: A scenario-based etiquette quiz.

7. The Role of a Secretary in the Modern Office

Importance: Understanding how traditional secretarial skills adapt to modern tools is key to thriving in today’s office environment.

Benefits: Integrates timeless practices with current technology, enhancing your overall effectiveness.

Practical Test: Adapting traditional tasks to modern software tools.

Real-Life Modern Workplace Examples

Throughout the series, we will provide practical examples of how these skills can be beneficial in real-life modern workplace scenarios. Whether it’s speeding up your typing to meet a tight deadline, taking effective notes during a crucial meeting, or maintaining a well-organised filing system to quickly find necessary documents, these skills will prove invaluable.

By the end of this series, you’ll not only have rediscovered these essential secretarial skills but also understand how to apply them effectively in today’s corporate world. Stay tuned and join us on this journey to enhance your professional toolkit and boost your career development.

Click Here to read the first Lesson in our series.