In an earlier post I listed seven things to remember when dealing with executives' secretaries. Here are some things you can do to put that knowledge to use:

• Keep your goal aligned with hers and remind her that this is the case by saying things like, "I want to make sure that I use [your boss's] time well."

• Let her help you achieve this shared goal by seeking her advice. "I sense from talking to some of my contacts in the company that x is an issue in several parts of the organization. Do you know if he feels that way? Do you think he might be open to talking about it?"

• Keep your goal aligned with hers and remind her that this is the case by saying things like, "I want to make sure that I use [your boss's] time well."Let her help you achieve this shared goal by seeking her advice. "I sense from talking to some of my contacts in the company that x is an issue in several parts of the organization. Do you know if he feels that way? Do you think he might be open to talking about it?"

• Also, seek her judgment. "If you wouldn't mind, I will send the email to you first, and if you don't think it would interest him, please don't forward it to him. I don't want to waste his time." "I am planning to bring our tax specialist with me, unless you sense that [your boss] would rather meet one-on-one. What do you think?"

• Show gratitude and interest. Verbal thank-yous, thank you notes, notes to a administrative assistant's boss commending her, and flowers are all ways to show your appreciation for help. Praise will mean more if specific rather than general. ("Your advice on x saved hours of work, helping us meet the tight schedule.") Equally important are showing interest in her children and spouse, and in her health and well-being as you would any other business friend.

Assistants to executives want to help their bosses use time productively and efficiently. They can help you do the same if you give them a chance.