As a busy professional, your time is valuable. The more time that you spend focusing on what you do best, the more money you make.

Enter your assistant. It's easy to overlook what a vital role these professionals play in your daily life. Yet, when forced to actually consider life without such support, most people can't imagine it!

So, for one week every year, it's customary to show appreciation to these professional support providers. This year that week is April 24-28.

I challenge you to really let them know how much they mean to your success and to that of your business overall. Yes, people certainly appreciate receiving bonuses, flowers, balloons, gifts, etc. However, sometimes it really is the thought that counts and all of those nice gifts can seem rather cold and thoughtless.

I suggest that this year you take a few minutes and really think of all the ways that your assistant has contributed to and, at times, even facilitated your success. Really rack your brain for specific instances.

Once you've come up with your list, which I guarantee you will be longer than you originally thought, set up a time to discuss these things with them. I would suggest taking your assistant out to lunch. Just make sure that you're not interrupting their schedule or unintentionally making more work for them!

This might sound like a very simple gesture, but you'd be amazed how much a few words of acknowledgement can really mean. You may think that your assistant knows what a vital role they fill in your organization but that may not be the case.

Many assistants get frustrated because they feel unappreciated. Don't get me wrong, they're not asking for constant attention or coddling. Usually, it's very much the opposite. However, wouldn't you rather go to work everyday feeling as if you're a part of something bigger? Now imagine that you know you're a part of that something, but you feel as if no one else realizes it!

It's not a pretty picture is it?

So, this week as administrative professionals or assistants or whatever title they may have are honored all across the country, make sure you're on board. Find some way to acknowledge your assistant's value. It take's so little time and effort on your part, but it can make your workplace so much more pleasant for everyone!