I m not talking about the person who s on the front lines, meeting the public and presenting the company s face to the world. I m talking about the person who gets things done on the inside. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, all organizations need timely and effective office and administrative support to operate efficiently. Companies responding to my queries ranged from law offices, engineering consulting firms, and healthcare facilities, to Web-based services companies, trucking companies, and educational institutions.
Supervisors perform administrative tasks to ensure that their staffs can work efficiently.
Equipment and machinery used in their departments must be in good working order. If the computer system goes down or a facsimile machine malfunctions, they must try to correct the problem or alert repair personnel. They also request new equipment or supplies for their department when necessary. Supervisors also help train new employees in organization and office procedures. They may teach new employees how to use the telephone system and operate office equipment.