Joan’s last State of the Profession was given two years ago. She has reviewed her notes from that speech, and she notes the changes:
There are now four distinct generations employed in the workplace. We can benefit from all the generations. Bridge the gap with each other. It’s not them against us. It should be us trying to elevate the profession! There are benefits to all the generations.
Be Bold! If you hear people talking negatively about another assistant, walk away from the negativity or else speak up for that person to advance the profession.
There are more than 40 titles out there. No earth shattering new titles have come about. Joan would like “secretary” to be a retired title that just goes away. It takes the profession to where we aren’t anymore. We are strategic business partners.
Training and Development – organizations are investing more than ever before in specialized training. Companies are realizing that this is a career. Assistants invest in themselves and they need to see themselves as valuable. Brian Tracy says you need to invest in yourself, because when you do, you take that with you for the rest of your life. Assistants need to see themselves as valuable assets.
Succession Planning for Senior-level Executive Assistants – These need to be in place; companies are beginning to see the value of these as they anticipate the departure of their most experienced assistants within the next few years.
Competencies – Calendaring, travel, task organization, projects. These are fundamentals, foundations that are critical to be in strength. These core competencies are your stronger core foundation. Now you build on top of that.
Cross-training, Mentoring – Open your heart and be a mentor to others.
Need for coaching of executive assistants on increasing performance, professional presence, and raising their standards in the role.
Executives are tech-savvy, so how do they handle the assistant? How do they use them to an advantage in this modern day world.
Administrative stress levels are higher due to changing priorities and fast deadlines.
Impact of technology on executives and assistants. Assistants need to work with the same devices their executives use.
Virtual support – executives travel internationally and support is virtual.
Mindset – do you see yourself as in a career of choice?
Create a modern view of the administrative assistant.
Nurture active, vital vision of leadership. Propose ideas.
Powerful, vibrant, BOLD assistants. How will you manage yourself?
Things to work on:
Strategic thinking
Presentation skills
Establish your own brand (example: part of Jasmine’s brand is her calm demeanor)
Self-management (manage your thoughts and emotions) Use your passion and energy for work.
“Live it, be it, own it!” One person can make a BOLD difference, and that person can be you!
Leave a Reply