association of administrative assistants association … · march 31, 2015 volume 3, issue 2...
TRANSCRIPT
March 31, 2015
Volume 3, Issue 2
ASSOCIATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS
ASSOCIATION DES ADJOINTS ADMINISTRATIFS
The Connection MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Happy Spring!
Can you imagine sitting outside in the warm sun with a nice cold drink in your hand? I can hardly wait. This winter brought many cold days and even more cold nights - February definitely the coldest. Every time the sun says hello these days we are all rushing to take layers of clothing off and get excited about the summer months ahead. Know that Spring colds can creep up on us without any warning... keep warm and healthy, we all need you!
Your attendance at our Annual General Meeting, scheduled for April 15th, is so important. Members are the backbone of our Association and it is your participation in monthly meetings that will decide whether we continue to encourage a program for our membership in the years to follow. Our pro-gram provides up-to-date information from professionals within their area of expertise. Their time and talent allows us to learn, grow and share their wealth of knowledge with others. If you know of someone with amazing talent and knowledge whom you’d like to share with our membership, we would be happy to accommodate them in our program calendar. Suggestions of topics of inter-est would also be beneficial and most welcome. Your attendance at meetings is what makes our Association tick!
Realizing our schedules are quite full, it is still important to take the time to network with your fellow Association members. Have that nice cold or hot drink together once a month, it makes for a nice treat AND you walk away with more knowledge in your knowledge bank. Bonus!
Looking forward to seeing you all soon.
Keep smiling!
Erika Giesl, QAA
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
QAA Corner ........................2
Program Corner ..................2
Career Coach Corner ..........3
Tackle it Now ......................4
Members’ Corner ................4
Memories ............................5
TCB 2014-2015 Calendar ...7
Contacts ..............................8
NOTABLE DATES:
Toronto Charter Branch
AGM April 15, 2015
Horticultural Event
May 6, 2015
National AGM
May 21-23, 2015
QAA CORNER
The Qualified Administrative Assistant program is
offered in over 25 Universities and Colleges across
Canada. We thank the National
Board, particularly those responsible for providing
extra facilities who now carry our program. A
great deal of time is spent communicating to ensure that the curriculum is
consistent throughout the Country. Up keep of student transcripts; answer-
ing inquiries that come from current and potential students; and, congratu-
lating our graduates on graduation day makes this process all the more
worthwhile. Students completing a milestone on their educational journey
and sharing in the joy upon graduation, brings smiles to all members. We
thank the families of our students for their continued love and support. They
could not have done it without you. Thank you.
The QAA designation is one to be proud of. Thank you all for continuing
your education and sharing in your journey.
Our National Annual Graduation luncheon will be held in Hamilton, Ontario
on Saturday, May 23rd, 2015. Congratulations to our graduates! For more
information, please visit our website at www.aaa.ca.
QUOTE OF
THE DAY
“You choose the
life you live. If you
don't like it, it's on
you to change it
because no one
else is going to do
it for you."
Kim Kiyosaki
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Joan Binetti, DTM, Executive Legal Assistant,
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Past District Governor, District 60 Toastmasters
Professional Speaker and Leadership Coach
On Tuesday, March 24, 2015, we had the pleasure of having Joan speak to
our Branch members. Joan presented “Public Speaking 101—A Few Tips”.
Joan Binetti is an Executive Legal Assistant at Blake, Cassels & Graydon
LLP. She has worked with Blakes for 25 years.
Joan is no stranger to leadership. She is a member of Toastmasters International and has been a
Toastmaster herself for 21 years. During that time, Joan was part of the District Executive for 8
years. She is a Past District Governor of District 60 Toastmasters. Under Joan’s leadership as
District Governor, out of 79 Districts worldwide, the District completed the year as a President’s
Distinguished District, No. 2 in the world.
She has been honoured as United Way Employee Campaign Co-ordinator of the Year for her lead-
ership in raising over $300,000 for the United Way. She has received awards from Toastmasters
International for Excellence in Marketing, Excellence in Education and Training and Excellence in
Leadership.
Joan’s presentation was engaging and empowering. We’d like to thank Joan for a wonderful even-
ing and we’d also like to thank all those who attended.
PROGRAM CORNER
CAREER COACH CORNER
ARE YOU A COOL CUCUMBER?
BY LISA TRUDEL, CAREER SPECIALIST,
CENTRE FOR EDUCATION & TRAINING
To all our members celebrating their special day this month, we hope all your birthday
wishes come true!
Did you know that if an Administrative Assistant was divided into the 4 top skill categories currently in demand by em-
ployers, 10% would be “cool as a cucumber?” The other top skills are: 20% PowerPoint Specialist, 25% Multitask Master
and 45% Effective Communicator.
These hiring trends were compiled by Office Team and are listed in their Salary Guide 2015. Additional skills for admin-
istrative professionals specifically wanted by Canadian employers include:
Adaptability: employers want administrative staff who can adjust quickly to change whether it is learning new busi-
ness practices or juggling a variety of projects at one time.
Technical expertise: administrative assistants are expected to be proficient with a wide range of software and are of-
ten requested to be the in-house social media expert in order to post company updates on various online platforms.
Communication skills: as the first point of contact, administrative assistants need to understand the company brand
so employers seek staff with strong written and verbal abilities who can provide excellent customer service skills and
the right impression and image to clients, customers and others.
Drive: this skill is not about your commute to and from work, but about initiative. Employers want to hire administra-
tive staff who will take immediate action when something needs to get done and not wait to be told what to do. They
want employees with drive as in energy, motivation and ambition.
So where does the cool cucumber fall in all of this?
The expression “cool as a cucumber” means extremely calm, composed and in control of your emotions. The phrase may
have originated from the fact that even in hot weather, the inside of cucumbers are approximately 20 degrees cooler than
the outside air. Thus employers want administrative staff who are self-assured and unperturbed despite changing priori-
ties, software and hardware crashes, and shifting brand messages.
It might only be 10% yet being a cool cucumber can be the most essential part of being an administrative professional
especially in the Canadian workplace where employers often want temporary short-term staff instead of long-term em-
ployees. In Office Team’s research it was determined that many employers are “opting for temporary arrangements to
assess on-the-job performance before extending full-time employment” so being a cool cucumber is more critical than
ever before.
If you are an unemployed or underemployed administrative assistant in the Toronto area, who is not cool as a cucumber
when it comes to career planning, contact the Centre for Education and Training (www.tcet.com) to find out how a Career
Specialist can help you with your job search.
Whether it is learning the expectations of an administrative assistant position, or finding out how to assess reporting
structures, or discovering how to develop the attributes that are currently in demand, having a career coach help guide
you beyond the employment preparation fundamentals of resume writing, might prove to be your best next step. Keep
calm, carry on and keep a Career Specialist beside you!
Submitted by Lisa Trudel, Career Specialist, Centre for Education & Training. If you are unemployed
or underemployed and need assistance with your employment, contact Lisa @ [email protected].
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Submitted with permission by
Erika Giesl, QAA
President, Toronto Charter Branch,
Association of Administrative Assistants
Top 10 Tips for Letting go of Clutter
By Karen Sencich, Certified Professional Organizer
"Being organized is not about how everything looks, it's about how every-thing functions." - Karen Sencich
Depending on our age, there is a cycle of accumulating 'stuff' as we go through life. Use these ideas to whittle down what you don't need.
1. We only use 20% of our possessions 80% of the time; this is especially true of clothing. Determine what fits, what is in style and what deserves a place in your closet.
2. Adjust buying habits. Before making a purchase, decide what the new item will replace and where it will be stored.
3. Receiving a gift that we don't want or need just adds more chaos to our storage prob-lems. Better to ask for a gift receipt to return an unsuitable item to replace it with something useful.
4. Eliminate duplicate items. How many pairs of scissors does anyone really need? Things get lost in jumbled junk drawers and we find ourselves buying duplicates we don't real-ly need.
5. The biggest obstacle often is that the item may still be of value. If so, some charities will issue a receipt for the donation of ‘goods in kind’. This practice is on the increase in Canada.
6. Be realistic about collections such as T-shirts, videos, CDs. Keep only what is relevant to the stage you are currently at in your life.
7. Don't warehouse items from your children, when they move out, send their stuff with them.
8. Magazines tend to accumulate. Practice regular 'reading and ripping' sessions to pare down to just the articles you want to refer to again.
9. Give things away to others you know. Seniors who no longer entertain might pass on the family china or silverware to a child or grandchild who would enjoy using it. Call it an early inheritance.
10. Everyone needs a memory box with the treasures we accumulate. Add a selection of greeting cards, photos and awards.
TACKLE IT NOW
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Look familiar?
GOODBYE
DEAR
FRIENDS….
UNTIL WE
MEET AGAIN
"A person's true
wealth is the good
he or she does in
the world."
Mohammed
“Use what talents
you possess. The
woods would be
very silent if no
birds sang there
except those that
sang the best."
Henry Van Dyke
5
Patricia I. Dobson
It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of Patricia I. Dobson - March 9, 2015, in her 68th year.
Pat joined the Association in 1994 and held several positions on the Executive – President, Past-President, Secretary, Editor of the newsletter (The Connection) and always assisted on Committees whenever needed. A great help indeed. She was a very positive, supportive and giving member of our Branch. A beautiful lady, both inside and out!
Pat worked at the University Health Network for a span of 40 years. She retired in 2007 but that lasted only six months until she realized she had the work bug. Something that she loved to do. She joined a Temporary Agency and Worked for them as a Secretary at two po-sitions at the Hospital for Sick Children. One position was in the Department of Psychiatry, which she applied for for full-time employment in 2008, and was subsequently hired in December of that same year.
Married for over 45 years, she is survived by two sons and one daughter and three grandchildren: two girls and one boy.
When Pat was not working or around family she loved to attend monthly AAA meetings, loved to network and loved to learn. She took courses every chance she had to continue her educational journey. Never a dull moment in her day/life. Friendships she made throughout Canada will be held close, and the good times shared, will be loving memories of our great friend and colleague.
Remembering time spent with fellow Association members across Canada during National Annual General meetings and member excursions, Pat will be sadly missed. She brought a great deal of joy to all those she came in contact with. She loved to travel and saw much of Canada during her time as an active member of the Association of Administrative Assistants. RIP Pat, we love you!
MEMBERS’ CORNER: IN MEMORIUM Hazel Harkness, FLMI/M
Hazel joined the Toronto Charter Branch in 1954. She held positions of Branch Chair for three years; chaired other Committees; and, was the Branch Auditor for many years. A wonderful lady who loved to help when needed.
She organized many seminars with Humber College. She was a Nurse in the World Navy during World War II - came to Canada in 1948 - worked as a legal secretary, then secretary in various industries, including secretary to the Vice President of Arenda Engines, Toronto, for quite some time. After the Arrow disaster, she operated her own business with her hus-band (electroplating). At the same time she was the secretary-treasurer of a small chemical company. When their business closed, Hazel entered the insurance industry as Branch Of-fice Manager. This is when she took the exams for her Fellowship, and then the Master ac-creditation. (Masters from the Fellow of Life Management Institute, organized by the Insur-ance Industry in the States).
Hazel was married to her best friend and had no children. She enjoyed sewing, reading and gardening.
Hazel remembered when the Toronto Branch Seminar Chair organized the seminar at Hart house through the auspices of Walter Frisby, a sponsor. She remembers Walter Frisby as being such a courteous, old-fashioned type of gentleman, who influenced them with his gra-cious manner, as they reciprocated in kind. She once recalled the memory of attending a Hart House seminar where every single lady wore a hat, all with flowers, during which one of the professors commented that upon gazing out over the crowed, it looked like a flower garden!
When Hazel joined, she remembered how extremely gracious and welcoming members were. A lovely lady, part of our history. Rest in peace Hazel and thank you for being you.
Hazel passed on February 8, 2015 at the age of 93.
MEMORY CORNER
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Back Row: Louella Sturdy, Cay Snelling, Jackie Cook and
Hazel Harkness
Front: Pat Dobson
Laura Nash and Pat Dobson
at their place of employment
Hazel Harkness
Association of Administrative Assistants
Program Calendar 2014-2015
DATE/TIME PROGRAM EVENT/ SPEAKER LOCATION
September 23, 2014 Registration: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm
Guest Speaker: 7:00 pm
Cost: Member $25, Non Member $30
Promoting Education: The QAA
Gale Belcourt, QAA
National Director-Registrar
Association of Administrative Assistants
Canadiana Restaurant & Banquet Hall
5230 Dundas St W, Six Points Plaza,
Toronto, ON Tel: 416-239-1114
Main Floor at the back
October 22, 2014 Registration: 6:00 pm
Guest Speaker: 6:30 pm
CASL - Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation
Ross McKee, Partner
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
www.blakes.com
Princess Margaret Hospital
610 University Ave, Toronto
Main Floor Boardroom, M805
November 25, 2014 Registration: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm
Guest Speaker: 7:00 pm
Cost: Member $25, Non Member $30
Identity Theft/Crime Prevention Police Constable Michael Burgess
Toronto Police, 22 Division
Canadiana Restaurant & Banquet Hall
5230 Dundas St W, Six Points Plaza,
Toronto, ON Tel: 416-239-1114
Main Floor at the back
December 7, 2014
11:00 am HOLIDAY BRUNCH SOCIAL
Featuring: “Power of the Pen: Handwriting Analysis”
The Old Mill
21 Old Mill Road
Toronto, ON Tel: 416-236-2641
January 21, 2015 Registration: 6:00 pm
Guest Speaker: 6:30 pm
Crisis Management/Tackle it Now! Lisa Trudel, Career Specialist, Employment Services
Centre for Education & Training
Princess Margaret Hospital
610 University Ave, Toronto
Main Floor Boardroom, M805
February 25, 2015 Registration: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm
Guest Speaker: 7:00 pm
Cost: Member $25, Non Member $30
Cancelled
Canadiana Restaurant & Banquet Hall
5230 Dundas St W, Six Points Plaza,
Toronto, ON Tel: 416-239-1114
Main Floor at the back
March 24, 2015 Registration: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 6:30 pm
Guest Speaker: 7:00 pm
Cost: Member $25, Non Member $30
Public Speaking 101
Joan Binetti, DTM
Toastmaster’s Member
Canadiana Restaurant & Banquet Hall
5230 Dundas St W, Six Points Plaza,
Toronto, ON Tel: 416-239-1114
Main Floor at the back
April 15, 2015 Networking: 5:45 pm
Dinner/Elections/
Guest Speaker: 6:30 pm
Cost: Member $25, Non Member $35
Annual General Meeting
Guest Speaker: Cecile Peterkin, Cosmic Coaching Clinic
“You Don’t Need a Title to be a Leader”
Canadiana Restaurant & Banquet Hall
5230 Dundas St W, Six Points Plaza,
Toronto, ON Tel: 416-239-1114
Main Floor at the back
May 6, 2015 Registration: 8:00 pm
A small fee will be requested upon
entrance
The Etobicoke Horticultural Society Guest Speaker/a bring and buy table/flower shop
This event is for us to join their monthly meeting
The Etobicoke Horticultural Society
Lambton Kingsway School
525 Prince Edward Dr. at Government Rd just south of Dundas St
May 21—
May 23, 2015 National Annual General Meeting
Hamilton, ON
Details located at www.aaa.ca
June 18, 2015 Registration: 6:00 pm
Guest Speaker: 6:30 pm
Not Just An Assistant Cecile Peterkin, Cosmic Coaching Clinic
Princess Margaret Hospital
610 University Ave, Toronto
Main Floor Boardroom, M805
Enquiries & RSVP’s to Laura Nash call 416-251-9936
[email protected] Members FREE, unless cost indicated
Non-members $5 Donation 7
ASSOCIATION OF
ADMINISTRATIVE
ASSISTANTS
The Association of Administrative
Assistants is a Canadian chartered
non-profit professional organization
founded in April 1951. The Associa-
tion is proactive in encouraging its
members to further their education
and enhance their career opportuni-
ties by continuously upgrading their
skills and professionalism. Associa-
tion members are encouraged to
obtain the Qualified Administrative
Assistant (Q.A.A.) designation. The
Qualified Administrative Assistant
Program consists of three compulsory
courses and four elective courses
offered at eighteen post secondary
institutions across Canada. The first
graduating class was in May 1960. In
May 2013, the Q.A.A. designation was
awarded to our 726th graduate.
SUBMISSION/POSTING DATES FOR
THE CONNECTION
Please contact Aldena Torres at [email protected] with
regard to any questions/article submissions for The Connection.
Your comments are most welcome.
Publishing Schedule:
NOV 24, 2014 (Article submission deadline Nov. 14, 2014)
JAN 26, 2015 (Article submission deadline Jan. 26, 2015)
MAR 30, 2015 (Article submission deadline Mar. 20, 2015)
JUN 15, 2015 (Article submission deadline June 5, 2015)
Toronto Charter Branch
Mailing Address:
1005 –36 East St
Oakville, ON L6L 5K2
PROFESSIONALISM THROUGH EDUCATION
DROP US A LINE...
Contact us with your comments or suggestions
Erika Giesl President [email protected] 416-503-9739
Erika Giesl
Bryan Brooker
Program Co-Chairs [email protected]
416-503-9739
Vacant Vice-President
Laura Nash Secretary [email protected] 416-946-4501 ext. 3975
Paul Linchuang Treasurer [email protected] 416-809-0812
Nicole Fleming Membership [email protected]
Dina Raso Web Administrator [email protected] 905-832-6156
Aldena Torres Newsletter Editor [email protected]
Katherine Vaillancourt Annual Workshop [email protected]
Jackie Cook Past President 416-622-9759
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It is about progress, not perfection!