EA-Pros Week 44 - Helping Assistants Thrive

"Behind every successful team, there's a highly efficient Executive Assistant orchestrating the unknown. Remember, you are the unseen force turning the gears of success."

I feel like you may need to hear this today. You are a vital part of the executive team. Don’t underestimate yourself, and do not give in to the imposter. Instead, continue to grow into your potential as a highly valuable executive partner

👇 Exclusive opportunity:

EA INSIGHTS

Key Insights and Trends

Below are a few insights we think are worth your attention.

Self-Marketing in Today's Business Landscape

You're more than the tasks you complete; you are a brand within your organization. Here’s a way to ensure your unique value shines through. Start with an 'Achievement Log.' Each week, jot down successes, no matter how small they might seem. These are your personal victories, your contributions that keep performance running smoothly. Share these wins in your next 1-to-1 with your executive, not as a boast, but as a showcase of your proactive and results-driven approach. Remember, visibility is key, and your achievements speak volumes about your invaluable role in the team.

Transforming from EA to HR: A Leap Towards Employee Experience

Dreaming of a transition into a more HR-centric role? Start by becoming the go-to person for office culture initiatives. Organize team-building events, wellness programs, or diversity and inclusion workshops. These initiatives demonstrate your commitment to enhancing employee experience and showcase your skills beyond traditional EA tasks. Document these successes and present them as case studies in your performance reviews or discussions about your career path. This proactive approach highlights your potential and readiness to take on new challenges within the HR realm.

The Rise of Specialized Skills

There's a growing emphasis on specialized skills to further augment your value within the organization. For example: Proficiency in customer experience and project management is becoming increasingly sought after, with many managers acknowledging that such expertise can command higher pay. In fact, 69% of managers polled by Robert Half indicate that expertise in customer experience can command higher pay, while 62% echo that sentiment for project and program management skills. Why are these abilities so highly prized? Customer experience is at the heart of customer retention and brand reputation, both critical in today’s competitive market. As for effective project management, it’s more essential than ever for administrative professionals given the challenges facing modern organizations—whether it’s navigating remote work or integrating new technologies. This shift underscores the importance of continuous learning and adaptability, ensuring you stay ahead in a competitive landscape. Read more.

Key Actions to Implement:

1. Skill Development: Focus on enhancing your expertise in areas like data management, project management, and customer experience. Online courses and webinars can be excellent resources for this purpose.

2. Tech Savviness: Familiarize yourself with the latest tools and technologies that can streamline your tasks and improve efficiency. Being an early adopter can position you as a valuable resource within your team.

3. Title Recalibration: Here’s a great term to use when engaging a conversation with your HR department about the evolving nature of your role. Title recalibration focuses on accurately reflecting your responsibilities and contributions.

This week, take a moment to reflect on how these insights can shape your career trajectory and how you can leverage them to enhance your professional growth. Remember, your role is not just about supporting others; it's about driving change and embracing the opportunities that lie ahead.

COACHING MOMENT

Ask an Executive Coach

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

This week’s question is from Dedine: What makes a great assistant?

Transform Your Role, Elevate Your Impact