Book excerpt: Assistant, you are a leader. As an assistant, you constantly face obstacles that hold you back from accomplishing your career goals. Whether it's a job change, shifting deadlines, a micromanaging executive, a toxic co-worker, a high-pressure project, or an intense negotiation with a vendor, the administrative profession is not for the faint of heart. If you're looking to maintain the status quo and be "just an assistant," this book is not for you. But, if you want the confidence and ability to conquer the challenges that most try to avoid, then you're in the right place. The Leader Assistant outlines four pillars-embody the characteristics, employ the tactics, engage in relationships, and exercise self-care-that will help you rediscover your passion for the profession and become a confident, future-proof, game-changing Leader Assistant. If you neglect even one pillar, you'll head for burnout, stagnation, and anonymity. You are meant for so much more. Are you ready to be the Leader Assistant the world needs?