In an office setting, how should an administrative assistant generally approach the idea of supervising two other employees?

Introduction / Context:
As careers progress, many administrative assistants are asked to take on coordination or supervisory responsibilities. Supervising two other employees might mean assigning tasks, monitoring deadlines and providing feedback, even if the role is still largely administrative. Employers want to know whether candidates see this responsibility as a burden or as an opportunity to contribute more. This question explores the most professional attitude toward supervising a small team in an office environment.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The context is an administrative assistant supervising two other employees. - Options describe different reactions, from positive leadership to refusal or misuse of authority. - We assume the organisation has formally assigned this responsibility. - The question asks which approach reflects professionalism and good workplace behaviour.

Concept / Approach:
Supervising others involves more than giving orders. A good supervisor sets clear expectations, delegates tasks fairly and supports team members so that everyone can succeed. For an administrative assistant, this often means coordinating workload, sharing information and coaching newer staff on procedures. A professional response is to accept the responsibility and approach it with a focus on teamwork, communication and fairness. Rejecting the task without discussion, using the role to avoid work or ignoring team members would all create problems for the office and damage trust.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify which option shows a balanced, leadership oriented mindset. Step 2: Option A describes viewing supervision as an opportunity to lead, coach and coordinate, while remaining organised and fair, which matches best practices. Step 3: Option B suggests refusing responsibility outright, which would signal unwillingness to grow or support the organisation. Step 4: Option C proposes using the role to control others and avoid tasks, which is unprofessional and likely to cause conflict. Step 5: Option D describes ignoring the two employees, which would lead to confusion and poor performance.

Verification / Alternative check:
Management and leadership training emphasise that first line supervisors should support their teams through clear instructions, coaching and feedback. Effective supervisors see their role as helping others do their best work rather than simply exercising power. In an administrative context, this might look like distributing incoming requests sensibly, mentoring junior staff on office systems and checking that deadlines are met. None of these responsibilities can be met by refusing the role, abusing authority or ignoring team members. This perspective confirms that the approach in option A is the correct one.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Refusing responsibility: While it is acceptable to ask questions or request support, rejecting supervision entirely without reason shows lack of flexibility. Avoiding tasks and controlling others: Good supervisors lead by example and remain engaged in routine work; misusing authority damages morale. Ignoring employees: Teams need guidance and communication; a hands off approach usually results in mistakes and missed deadlines.

Common Pitfalls:
A common misunderstanding is to assume that supervision is all about authority and giving orders. In reality, supervision in an office often looks like coaching, coordinating and problem solving alongside the team. Another pitfall is feeling overwhelmed and silent rather than seeking training or guidance. A professional administrative assistant who is new to supervision can still respond positively by being willing to learn, asking for clear expectations and treating people with respect. For exam purposes, associate good supervision with leadership, fairness and organisational skills, not with avoidance or misuse of power.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is View it as an opportunity to lead, coach and coordinate work while staying organised and fair, because this reaction shows a growth mindset and aligns with professional expectations for supervisors in administrative roles.