How can I be an excellent medical transcriptionist, yet my secretarial skills are just so-so?

How can I be an excellent medical transcriptionist, but my secretarial skills are just so-so?

• My job title at work is Medical Transcriptionist/Secretary. I've been there 17 years, and for the past five years I also have been a right-hand person (secretary) to my supervisor, due to major staff cuts. I type 140 WPM, I can alphabetize (file) quickly, and I can even do some multi-tasking; however, my weak spot is in communication and getting people to think, "Hey, there's one heck of an efficient supervisor; I really, really like her." I've always been a quiet, shy person and to do things like make reservations for a hotel or to call Policy Council members to inform them of meetings takes a lot out of me mentally. Medical transcription jobs are extremely scarce (believe me, I have done my research). Also, my job offers a lot of benefits (including good health insurance, being able to work from home once a week, great Paid Time Off hours, and my supervisor buying me lunch quite often when I go out to get her lunch for her). My question is this: How do I become a better secretary? Management thinks I'm doing fine, but everyone else (Board of Directors and Policy Council) apparently does not. (The previous secretary who left was a very effective liaison/diplomat. As previously said, this is the area where I am extremely weak.)

• Answer:

  You may have to take some administrative courses to brush up on your skills and to keep yourself current. Do not compare yourself to another person just try to be the best person that you can be.