Making Better Decisions to Maximize Your Impact

Today’s administrative professionals are leaders in their own right. They manage projects, solve problems, and make decisions that move the business forward. But administrative titles haven’t kept up with the evolution of admin responsibilities. According to early findings from the 2025 State of the Profession Report, 28% of admins say their title doesn’t match the scope of their role.

Having a title that doesn't reflect your responsibilities can be frustrating, but that doesn't mean admins who want to stand out as leaders are out of options. The solution? Lead through your decisions. Strong, strategic decision making demonstrates leadership ability, regardless of title. Here, we offer a practical guide to making decisions that elevate your impact and help you earn the recognition you deserve.

Build a Leadership Mindset Through Smart Decisions

Great leaders make decisions that support long-term success. They anticipate the needs of their team, weigh the risks of difficult decisions, and align their choices with larger business goals. Consistently making strategic decisions for the good of the company elevates administrative professionals from support staff into trusted advisors. 

To build this mindset, focus on the habits that make your decisions more strategic:

1. Gather and analyze information. Smart decisions start with strong foundations. Before acting, review relevant data, examine previous experiences, and seek input from stakeholders. This not only minimizes risk but also shows that you think beyond gut reactions. 

2. Think beyond the task. Effective leaders consider the context. How will this decision affect your executive’s priorities, the team’s workload, or the broader business? Strategic thinking earns you a seat at the table and builds your reputation as someone who sees the big picture.

3. Communicate with clarity. Decision making is only as strong as your ability to convey your ideas. When you prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities, or adjust timelines, do so with transparency. Clear communication shows that your decisions are intentional.

4. Own the outcome. Leadership means taking responsibility for both wins and setbacks. Evaluate the results of your decisions, gather feedback, and use those insights to improve. This reinforces trust in your leadership and demonstrates a growth mindset.

Choose the Right Decision-Making Model

Admins make countless decisions each day, from quick logistical updates to complex strategy planning choices that ripple across teams and departments. Understanding different decision-making models equips you to respond effectively in any situation. 

It shows you can think critically under pressure, prioritize effectively, and make informed recommendations that align with organizational goals. It’s also a powerful way to demonstrate leadership, even if your title doesn’t reflect it yet.

Every administrative professional has these decision-making models in their toolkit:

• OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act): Use this when time is tight and the stakes are high. Say two executive meetings are accidentally booked at the same time. With the OODA Loop, you can quickly assess the conflict, weigh priorities, decide on a course of action, and communicate it without slowing down business operations. 

• Eisenhower Matrix: Ideal for navigating the daily juggle of tasks, deadlines, and requests. This model helps you sort work by urgency and importance. Need to decide what gets tackled now, what gets scheduled for later, and what can be delegated? The Eisenhower Matrix gives you a clear framework to protect your (and your colleagues’) time and focus. Read more about when to utilize an Eisenhower Matrix

• SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats): Best used when you’re making or advising on long-term decisions. Thinking about switching software platforms? Planning a new team process? SWOT helps you weigh the internal and external factors so you can make strategic recommendations with confidence.

Expand Your Decision-Making Impact to Elevate Your Career

Decision making is one of the clearest ways admins can demonstrate leadership ability. When admins take deliberate steps to sharpen and showcase this skill, they contribute to the success of the organization, earn trust, and build influence. 

This is crucial in a profession where titles don’t often reflect the full scope of responsibility. Building a track record of smart, strategic decisions helps you bridge that gap and earn the recognition your contributions deserve. 

Here are powerful ways steps to expand your decision-making influence:

• Take initiative. Leaders don’t wait for direction. They anticipate challenges and act. Whether it’s identifying a potential conflict in the schedule or suggesting a more efficient process, being proactive positions you as a proactive and strategic thinker. Executives notice when you solve problems before they escalate.

• Communicate your decisions confidently. When you clearly explain the motivation behind your choices, you build trust and credibility with your team. Whether you’re managing a client relationship or shifting team priorities, confident communication reinforces your leadership presence. 

• Invest in professional development. According to early findings from the 2025 State of Executive Administration Report (coming out in April 2025), admins in later career stages are more likely to receive external training, and certification holders are on the rise. Structured learning like the PACE Certification, helps you deepen your skills, sharpen your decision-making, and demonstrate your commitment to growth.

• Advocate for your authority. Many admins, especially in large companies and early career stages, say they have limited control over professional development resources. Demonstrating strong decision-making skills helps you build a compelling case for more autonomy. The more you prove you can handle, the more leadership responsibilities you’re likely to gain.

Turn Decision-Making Skills Into Career Advancement

Smart decisions set great admins apart. They build trust, drive results, and signal to executives that you’re ready for more. The upcoming 2025 State of the Profession Report highlights it clearly: professional development, especially certification, is fueling career growth.

If you’re ready to strengthen your leadership skills and gain the recognition your role deserves, PACE Certification is your next step. It’s a proven way to build decision-making confidence, demonstrate your value, and move your career forward.

Explore PACE Certification