We all value that person who goes the extra mile as they deliver products and/or services to us, not so? This is more pronounced as people are becoming increasingly aware of product and service standards and their rights as customers.

In this article, I share my thoughts and experiences with this concept from the perspective of actors in organisations. In my experience with various organisations I have been confronted with the transition in the evolution of the role of a Company/Board Secretary. Unfortunately, sometimes, the actors themselves are responsible for the slow adaptation to change. I say this because, whereas we may be aware that there are new trends, we are more comfortable with the singular role of being the scribe of business activity.

Self development and improvement in an organization or other endeavor is critical to attainment of excellence. In company secretarial practice there is a growing expectation of that “extra” aspect in service delivery on the part of the person discharging the function.

One of the expectations is for the professional to be T-shaped and exhibit that attribute. For example, the one liner appreciation of the business of the organisation is replaced by the ability to provide a concise synopsis of the business with features such as key statistics and performance metrics. Further, the ability to conduct a situational environmental scan and proactively and subtly intervene without pitting stakeholders against each other, is critical.

Aside from being a repository of trust and confidence in the organisation, a deliberate approach towards facilitating accessibility to the company secretariat which involves solution orientation will set you apart. Don’t be the one that people go to when they want to know how you cannot do something because of your straight jacket rigidity.

My observation is that sometimes we confuse modesty with constraint in the fear of being understood as overly ambitious. Reminding oneself that ambition is only bad when it is unguided and inconsiderate is one way to put your efforts in context.

Professionals should strive to always push their boundaries with a view of being more efficient and effective. I encourage a regular interrogation of self as professionals as to whether we are doing our best to be the ones who have that little extra that the market is looking for!

Enjoy your day and ….let’s share!