EA-Pros Week 42 - Helping Assistants Thrive

"The best way to predict the future is to create it. Assistants are the architects of tomorrow, shaping destinies with every task."

This edition of EA-Pros is crafted to deliver helpful insights and resources to your inbox so you don’t have to spend time searching and identifying key information that will elevate your life and career.

👇 Exclusive opportunity:

EA INSIGHTS

Key Insights to Help You Thrive!

The Future of Executive Support

The future of executive support is being shaped by several key trends, informed by shifts in the global business landscape, technological advancements, and evolving executive needs. Based on industrial research, here’s what you need to know:

1. Increased Reliance on Technology and AI: Integrating AI and machine learning tools in daily workflows is transforming the traditional roles of assistants. Platforms like x.ai and Clara for scheduling, Trello and Asana for project management, and voice-activated devices like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for hands-free assistance, are becoming indispensable. According to a report by McKinsey, nearly half of the activities people are paid to do in the global economy have the potential to be automated by adapting currently demonstrated technology.

2. Strategic Partnership Role: Executive assistants are increasingly becoming strategic partners rather than just support staff. A survey by the Harvard Business Review highlights that CEOs value EAs who provide strategic counsel, seeing them as integral to their success. EAs are taking on roles that involve decision-making, project management, and even participating in board meetings. If you’re interested in enhancing your value as a strategic partner and advancing your career, then the ElevateEA Master Strategy Class (only given twice a year- spring and fall) is something you want to know about. This is an exclusive master class that only accepts 30 assistants per semester. This small group works together to build their executive profiles, master strategy career plans, and work optimization systems, while also receiving business acumen training, skills assessments, psychology-based communication mastery, and more! It’s an astonishing class. However, if this is of interest you’d want to move now! Next class starts in April and seats are assured to fill quickly. Apply here

3. Remote and Flexible Working: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work, a trend that is likely to continue post-pandemic. Research from Gartner predicts that 48% of employees will work remotely at least part of the time after COVID-19, compared to 30% before the pandemic. This shift necessitates EAs to be adept at using digital communication tools, managing virtual meetings, and maintaining productivity and confidentiality in a remote environment.

4. Emphasis on Soft Skills: Emotional intelligence, adaptability, communication, and problem-solving are becoming increasingly important. A LinkedIn report on the most in-demand skills lists creativity, persuasion, collaboration, adaptability, and emotional intelligence as the top soft skills companies need most. EAs with strong soft skills can navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, manage stakeholder relationships, and drive positive organizational culture.

5. Lifelong Learning and Professional Development: The rapid pace of change in business and technology means that executive assistants need to commit to continuous learning and upskilling. Organizations like the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) offer certifications and training to help EAs stay current with the latest tools, technologies, and best practices.

By leveraging these trends and adapting to the evolving landscape, executive and administrative assistants can ensure they remain valuable and irreplaceable members of executive teams.

ChatGPT Triumphs: Tools That Transform Your Toolbelt!

Speaking of AI integration. Many assistants have expressed frustration with the lack of A.I. training for advanced skill increase. Most of you are beginning to realize that in order to enhance your value, you will need to become highly proficient at using these tools (if you weren’t aware of this, hopefully this is your wake-up call). In an effort to help/coach you along the way, I think you will really enjoy this ChatGPT cheatsheet I use to increase my own A.I. proficiency. You can get that here, it’s an incredible tool to have in your belt. Let me know what you think, I hope this is helpful.

Elevate Your Day: Time Mastery

Embrace the 'Top-Three' method: Each morning, pinpoint three critical tasks that will significantly impact your day. Focusing on these ensures you channel your energy where it counts, turning time into your ally in achieving career milestones. For more time mastery techniques that will free you up to do more of the work you love, check out this powerhouse resource here.

COACHING MOMENT

Ask an Executive Coach

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

Being a stellar EA has made it so my directors don't want to lose me, the ‘people pleaser’ in me volunteers myself too often for projects that do not propel me forward with my goals, being in a small org we all have to wear too many hats. How should I handle? — Kimberly