EA-Pros Week 34 - A Clear Path to Chief of Staff

"Remember, you can only produce into the external (your environment), what is taking place within the internal (mind, heart, soul)."

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EA INSIGHTS

Key Insights to Help You Thrive!

Understanding the Landscape: Why Professional Development Matters
In your roles, you serve as the backbone of your organizations, often juggling multiple responsibilities that require a wide array of skills. The demand for advanced competencies in areas like technology, project management, and communication is increasing. By advocating for your professional development, you're enhancing your career trajectory and significantly contributing to your organization's success. For starters if you’re unaware of the Global Skills Matrix, this is a great tool to keep in your desk drawer

Step 1: Define Your Professional Development Goals
Start with a clear, compelling vision of your career path. What skills are you aiming to acquire?

Step 2: Align Your Goals with Organizational Objectives
Understanding your organization’s goals is crucial. How can your enhanced skill set benefit your team or company?

Step 3: Research and Propose Specific Learning Opportunities
Don't just request general "training" – be specific. Identify courses, workshops, certifications, or even conferences that directly relate to the skills you want to develop.

Step 4: Prepare Your Case
When advocating for your professional development, prepare like you would for any major project.

Step 5: Schedule a Formal Meeting
This isn’t a hallway conversation topic. Schedule a formal meeting with your supervisor.

Step 6: Offer Options and Flexibility
Be prepared to discuss alternative options or be flexible with your proposals.

Step 7: Follow-Up and Demonstrate Impact
After attending the training, it’s crucial to follow up. Share what you’ve learned, not only with your supervisor but also with your team.

An example of this final step (and step #4) is the business case template I shared with those who were interested in joining the upcoming ElevateEA Master Strategy Class we’re offering to assistants who are looking to craft their career advancement strategy plan. Becoming a highly valued executive partner within their respective business. If you want to see it you can find that here.

Remember, your professional development is not just about your personal and career growth—it's also a strategic advantage for your employer.

Seizing Opportunities with Skill Diversification
The 2024 American Society of Administrative Professionals' report underscores a critical evolution in your field: Administrative Professionals. Per this report, today’s APs manage a versatile toolkit, mastering an average of 21 skills across technical, management, and power skill categories. This broad skill set isn’t just about keeping up; it's about leading the way in a tech-driven corporate environment. With specialties ranging from project management to advanced CRM platforms, APs are setting new benchmarks in efficiency and expertise.

The AI Edge
An impressive 26% of APs are now utilizing AI tools such as ChatGPT and Grammarly to streamline tasks and enhance accuracy in their roles. This proactive adoption of AI not only boosts individual performance but also positions APs as forward-thinking assets within their organizations.

Here’s something that blew my mind! Imagine if there was a report that gave you insight into all the top A.I tools executive operations are using today. Well, I found one that you definitely should take a look at! It shares the top A.I tools being leveraged in marketing, sales, executive operations, customer support, productivity, and more! Seriously, take a look at this here.

COACHING MOMENT

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Every week I take a question from you and provide a bit of strategic advice.

How can I remain neutral with all the conflict taking place within my team?