Question for Administrative Assistants: What is the professional etiquitte when acting as an email delegate?

Question

I am an administrative assistant who reads my boss's emails, relays the message, and responds on his behalf. The outlook is set up so that the email comes from him, but lets the reader know that I am sending on his behalf.

My question is, am I supposed to address the recipient as though I am my boss and speak in his words, or am I addressing them as myself within his email account and letting them know that i am relaying a message from my boss. What is the usual way other admins do this? I never know the right way to go and my boss isn't real clear when it comes to details.

Answer 1

Never assume that you are to speak for someone else.

It is really your bosses preference. Just ask. But initially (or if you have to write someone before you have the chance to ask) just respond as you. It states that you are responding on his/her behalf, so simply respond. You don't have to explain.