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[mignon]

Hi All,

I recently turned down an administrative position (I'm faculty), because I am not good with paperwork.  I tend to be disorganized and have trouble keeping track of documents.  I'm beginning to wonder, though, how critical this is.  I have other qualities (can end a meeting on time, can take a joke, can save $) that many administrators seem to lack. 

So, am I right to stay out of administration?  How important is detail-oriented paperwork for chairs, deans, and such folk?

[der_gadfly]

Well, without meaning to be gross about it, "No job is done until the paperwork is completed".

I have terrible organizational skills when it comes to filing, yet I have managed to skulk about in the administrative sector for quite a while, with a fair degree of success. My skillset is highly focused on setting out the reality, then providing service to those who actually do the work. I then take care of all the wrapup.

In some cases, I set out the 'template' for how we will proceed, then work through what I get and somehow have managed to make a silk purse or two from sow (and yak) ears. Do NOT ask me to make pretty cover pages, put anything into a folder or binder, or perform other such mundane tasks, for I will just never get it right: my hole-punching skills are at a second grade level, and making titles for folders is just far too advanced for me.

So, you ask, can you become an evil adminicritter? sure why not. Remember:

Those who can, do.
Those who cannot do, teach.
Those who cannot teach, teach gym.
Those who cannot teach gym, administrate.
Those who cannot administrate, become guidance counselors.
Those who cannot be guidance counselors, go into HR.
Those who cannot handle HR, get elected.

(oh just waiting to get blasted for the above........ It is a JOKE folks!)

[libarts]

My short answer? No, you're not right to stay out of administration because you are loose in the paperwork department.

My long answer? People and political skills matter far more. If you have trouble tracking sheets of paper, make sure you've got a crack AA who will keep you in line and remind you of deadlines. I'm not saying you can disregard paperwork--just that there are various ways to deal with it and those skills can be learned, to some extent. The people skills? Not so much. The academic world certainly needs more administrators who can end a meeting on time and take a joke.

[brixton]

How important is paperwork?  Very.  AA's really can't always know the importance of a grant deadline.  But if you miss a big one, you're going to be dealing with some pretty angry constituencies.

[sinatra]

Although I agree with libarts that people skills are critical to a successful administrator, but I still think you are right to stay away from administrative positions FOR NOW if you are not good with paperwork. Keeping up with paperwork is critical in everything from personnel searches and hiring/firing decisions to the everyday transactions that occur in the different offices of the college or university you serve. Poorly kept notes, applicant files tossed instead of kept, and a lack of a paper trail documenting conversations with poorly performing personnel mean losses in lawsuits. If your heart is really in being an administrator, there are things you can do. Take administrative assistants out to lunch and ask them to share tips and strategies with you so that you can learn to tolerate the paperwork portion of the "daily grind." Attend workshops offered for faculty and personnel on management and organization skills. Even invest a few dollars in personal enrichment courses through a local community college that will help you in these areas. Taking even one of these steps will help you be a better administrator later. Good luck!