Why Recognition Starts With You

It’s Administrative Professionals Week—a time when many assistants hope for a heartfelt “thank you,” a thoughtful gift, or even a public shoutout from their executives or teams in addition to ongoing support of their professional development.

Recognition is always appreciated. But if you find yourself feeling overlooked or frustrated this week, I want to offer a mindset shift that’s helped me tremendously in my career:

You have to know you’re doing a good job without needing constant external validation.

Yes, it’s decent and respectful for people to acknowledge your contributions. But we work with a wide range of personality types, communication styles, and environments. And not everyone naturally expresses appreciation the way you might prefer. That’s why it's so important to lead yourself—and others—by modeling recognition well.

1. Recognize Yourself First

If you know you’re doing great work, take a moment to tell yourself. I often mark those wins with a small celebration, a moment of reflection, or simply giving myself credit internally.

Your executive may never know how many moving parts you coordinated behind the scenes—but you do. So acknowledge it. That self-awareness and self-appreciation builds resilience and helps you stay motivated through the tough days.

2. Recognize Others

I’ve always made it a point to say thank you in the moment. I’m pretty direct—my husband teases me sometimes that I’m “definitely not a gusher.” But when I know someone thrives on external validation, I do my best to add a little extra detail to my appreciation—something specific about what they did well or how it helped me.

Recognition is contagious. So don’t just reserve it for your executive or admin team. Spread it everywhere—vendors, coworkers, clients, tech support—anyone who helps you succeed. And if you can, express it publicly. A quick compliment in front of others goes a long way.

3. Understand the Languages of Appreciation

Gary Chapman’s book The 5 Love Languages has a workplace version called The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace. These include:

• Words of affirmation – the language that uses words to communicate a positive message to another person.
  
  
• Quality time – the language of showing the person they are valued by giving them your most precious resource: your time.
  
  
• Acts of service – demonstrating appreciation and support through actions (e.g. Is there something I can do to help?).
  
  
• Tangible gifts – small items that show you are getting to know your coworkers personally and what they enjoy.
  
  
• Physical touch – handshakes, high fives, a simple pat on the back…workplace and situationally appropriate expressions of appreciation.

Each of us gives and receives appreciation differently. Some assistants love flowers and lunch on Admin Day. Others find it performative or unnecessary. All forms of appreciation are good—none is superior to another. And a balance of all five across the year? That’s the dream.

Understanding your own “appreciation language” (and those of your team) can help you navigate recognition in a much more productive way.

4. Communicate Your Needs Clearly

For years, I told my executives, “If you don’t appreciate me the other 364 days of the year, don’t bother on Admin Day.” And I meant it. But I still loved the gift cards, the treats, and the thoughtful gestures during Administrative Professionals Week.

What made the difference? Education. I taught my executives what I valued and how I liked to be recognized. I didn’t expect them to read my mind, and I didn’t hold it against them if they didn’t get it right immediately. Over time, we found what worked for both of us.

5. Don’t Fall into the Comparison Trap

It’s easy to look around and think, “Why didn’t I get a gift basket?” But comparison steals your joy and distorts your focus. Instead, remind yourself of your own value. Look at what you’ve achieved. Appreciate the personalities and leadership styles you’re working with.

Then move forward. Not bitter—better.

Lead the Way!

This Administrative Professionals Week, take ownership of recognition in your own career. Start by writing down three accomplishments you’re proud of. Then thank three people who’ve helped you recently. Lastly, take a moment to reflect on how you like to be appreciated—and whether you’ve communicated that clearly.

Recognition starts with you. And when you lead with it, others will follow.

Additional Resources:

Tracking Professional Accomplishments Template

ASAP State of the Profession Report