Unsurprisingly, most advice that exists around the subject of project management is aimed at the Project Managers themselves. Other staff, whether working in administrative, assistive or support roles, are sometimes looked over. Most people know how to do their job well in this field and therefore it's presumed that they will just get on with it, and the project will run smoothly. If that's the case, fabulous, but these tips may help someone new to the role or who wants to make sure they cover all eventualities that they might come across. After all, without support, most projects will fail, no matter how good the management are.

1. Know everyone involved, and make sure they know you

Very often this is as much a health and safety concern as it is useful to your job. It's not a coincidence that most people in support roles are also first aiders, fire wardens, and the person who runs inductions for new starters.

A register should be kept of everyone working on the project, and their roles. This means that (as described later) communication will run more smoothly and you can keep track of where someone is at any given time. If someone goes off sick, you should know what hole this makes in the "conveyor" of the project and who else could come and fill it. If there's a fire, you should know if someone is working away or having a meeting outside the project office.

All this boils down to common sense, but it's a great responsibility and also benefits you as being a recognisable and valued member of the team.

2. Know the project as well as the managers

Just because you are in a 'support' role, it doesn't mean your value is less than the rest of the team. If anything, you should be the cog in the wheel that drives the project. If you know what the milestones are and how they are being achieved, you are in a good position to inform and educate the managers and keep them up to speed.

If you know who everyone is and where they are based, then you can facilitate effective communication between the team members, which is absolutely essential to any project. If the project is about to fail on some level, you can usually spot it early on and assist in working out a solution.

3. Consider the environment you're working in

It may or may not be down to you to do what are considered lowly things such as making tea or handing out the post, but this helps you do the above steps in that you are a visible, friendly face and a member of the team everyone likes and gets on with. You can't beat that for networking!

In today's climate, budgets are low and jobs are scarce - if you make yourself indispensable by making the environment more comfortable - always having pens, papers, laptops ready for taking minutes, impromptu meetings, or keeping the coffee hot and the room warm, it all adds up.

These three elements may sound trivial or "below" you at first, but no project can run without a thoughtful, friendly and helpful support staff. On top of that, a "can do" attitude is probably the number one requirement for being considered for a promotion in any job. Positivity goes a long way, and if you're a super support, you may be on your way to becoming a super manager.