A good intern does what they’re told.

Even a new grad would probably be well suited to focus on the basics. Be the person who always does what’s asked of them, who finishes everything they start, and who volunteers for the jobs no ones else wants.

But eventually, the tide turns.

Being good at the administrative-type work is a great way to get a seat at the table and to prove ourselves as a team player, but it only gets us so far. If our goal is to be the person leading the charge and taking actions that makes a difference, then we need to be willing to focus on what really matters.

As Cal Newport puts it, the routine administrative tasks in our work (filling out spreadsheets, responding to emails, staying organized, etc.) is necessary, but it isn’t what sets us apart.

The goal isn’t to be the best we can possibly be at these tasks, but rather to simply do enough to not be fired so that we can focus on the aspects of our job that really matters.

Which leads us to the potential roadblock.

If we build a reputation as the go-to person whenever a new shallow task needs a leader, then we lose more and more opportunities to dedicate ourselves to the more productive and fulfilling work that we could be doing.

So sure, being a good assistant is a good way to get ahead early on. But be careful not to be too good.

-Brandon