The name change says it all. No longer a secretary, the role of an executive or personal assistant (EA & PA) has changed significantly. And for some, their success has led them on a career path into executive positions within the company.
It’s been a long time since an EA simply made a cup of coffee and organised meetings for their boss. Yes they may still do these minor activities, however the role is now more dynamic, ever changing, and is held in high regard. When they are motivated and well-trained they add to the bottom line of the business by freeing up the time needed for decision making by senior executives. This is because the assistant is well qualified to do much of it in their place.
The name change says it all. No longer a secretary, the role of an executive or personal assistant (EA & PA) has changed significantly. And for some, their success has led them on a career path into executive positions within the company.
It’s been a long time since an EA simply made a cup of coffee and organised meetings for their boss. Yes they may still do these minor activities, however the role is now more dynamic, ever changing, and is held in high regard. When they are motivated and well-trained they add to the bottom line of the business by freeing up the time needed for decision making by senior executives. This is because the assistant is well qualified to do much of it in their place.
Today, executive assistants attend meetings on behalf of the boss and is even expected to make decisions on their behalf. They are looked to when the boss is not there. He or she will attend key strategy and planning meetings, so they are well versed on the company agenda and better able to respond on behalf of the executive in question, whether it be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
They organise travel and scheduling meetings to ensure optimal use of time, write e-mails, agendas, and some even co-ordinate research activities for the business to get a better handle on how it’s tracking with their customers.
The more involved, the more a personal/executive assistant can proactively provide. The bosses using them best have learned to delegate well. By treating their PA/EA as a peer and giving them power in decision making, which is exactly what they were hired for, the boss has time and energy for the key part of their role.
They have them at their right hand so they can learn the ropes in the business and are adept in taking the reigns – and the good bosses trust and let them do it. Personal assistants are respected by colleagues because they are a senior and competent member of the team.
Attending business or relevant courses that relate to your services are an investment into their education, as it will enable your personal/executive assistant to understand the communications both internally and those you send to clients/suppliers etc.
Advances in technology have changed the scope of the PA’s role. No longer office bound, executive assistants are required to be mobile and able to cope with change, sometimes 24/7. With the CEO or Managing Director overseas, they are still required to provide support across time zones at a moments notice.
Creating and editing PowerPoint and Prezi, using and following relevant social media or setting up conference calls and video conferencing means understanding and versatility with different technologies of today is a mandatory part of the job.
Not everyone feels comfortable in giving so much power away. However, if you treat your assistant as an extension of your authority then you will get the best results:
Help them with career advancement when they are ready to thrive in another area of the company. By doing this, although you may lose their valuable help personally, their skills will continue to benefit the company in the long run.
If you’re interested in the career opportunities you could be afforded by completing an executive secretarial and personal assistance course with ICI, check out the information available on our course page here.
Gladys Mae serves as the General Manager and Head of Student Services at the International Career Institute. Gladys holds a degree in Mass Communication - Broadcast Media from the University of San Jose-Recoletos. She joined ICI in 2010 and has over the past 12 years been instrumental in providing leadership and guidance to staff and students alike. Prior to joining ICI Gladys led a multifaceted career with key roles in the banking and business process outsourcing industries.
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