Class Details
Experienced Executive Assistant's Course
Course summary
The role of the Executive Assistant (EA) has evolved from mostly an administrative focus of ‘hanging coats and taking notes’ to one that requires more sophisticated skills, with increased responsibility and decision-making capability.
Today's EA/PAs deal with fast-paced, highly networked, multi-platformed digital business and organisational models. This one-day workshop will provide you, the experienced Executive Assistant (EA), with the opportunity to investigate the latest trends and methodologies in your EA/PA role. You will build on your skills and competencies and maximise your potential.
This course will help you ensure sound business outcomes in complex situations and to successfully navigate change.
This course is for experienced Executive or Personal Assistants with at least five years of experience. It is intended as a follow-on to the Executive Assistant’s Course, however you do not need to attend that course in order to enrol in this one.
Aims
This workshop aims to equip you with strategies and methodologies to future proof your role and stand out from the crowd.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you should be able to:
- discuss factors contributing to the heightened expectations in today’s demanding business environment
- review trends impacting the role of today’s Executive Assistant and discuss the shift in the ‘identity’ of this role
- evaluate strategies for building trust and managing expectations
- discuss aspects of diplomacy, negotiation and ‘gatekeeping’ when faced with negative events
- identify aspects of best-practice communication in the workplace – technology vs. human interaction
- articulate ways to build on your 'professional brand' – personal presentation, professional efficiencies and social media
- evaluate the key aspects of being a Change Manager – training, marketing and communication
- list ways to future-proof your role
- discuss the career pathways for today's EA.
Content
Module 1 – Managing the many responsibilities of the current day Executive Assistant
- Review the trends in the EA work environment such as global connectivity and reliance on digital platforms.
- Address aspects of sustainability in the workplace.
- Manage the heightened perceptions and expectations of the EA role through in-class discussion based on a robust learning framework.
- Align the skill-set of the EA with your manager's skill-set by recognising the priorities of each.
Module 2 – Mastering communication in today’s complex business environment
- Discuss the downfalls of current communication practices and address methods to improve business and interpersonal outcomes.
- Review a case study to address the impact of a negative situation or event.
- Identify skills of ‘gatekeeping’, diplomacy and negotiation.
- Establish a sound business persona through strategies to build on your ‘brand’ including personal presentation and social media.
Module 3 – Master the dynamics of change
- Identify key changes in the workplace by providing relevant examples for discussion.
- Review the ‘Chaos’ model to successfully prepare for the consequences of changes EAs encounter.
- List ways to manage stress and avoid ‘burn out’.
Module 4 – Strategies to future-proof the role of the Executive Assistant
- Discuss the leadership attributes inherent in the role of the Executive Assistant.
- Review current job descriptions in the EA marketplace and note the attributes advertised.
- Assess personal goals and develop a timeline with milestones to achieve them.
Prerequisites
We recommend attending the Executive Assistant’s Course if you have less than five years of experience as an EA or PA, or checking that your skills match the course learning outcomes.
Who this course is for
Experienced EAs and PAs with at least five years of experience in either a support role or a mid-to-senior management role.
Delivery style
- Face-to-face, presenter-taught workshop using your own device
- Online workshop via the platform Zoom
Materials
A course workbook is distributed electronically using Dropbox.
What you need to do before the course
To get the most out of the course, please bring your own laptop so you can take part in the in‑class activities.
Sessions
Location
Face-to-face (CCE Building, Sydney)
Public transport
As bus and train timetables regularly change, we suggest you visit the Transport for NSW trip planner before you set out.
The nearest train stations are Newtown Station and Macdonaldtown Station. Macdonaldtown Station is closer by distance than Newtown Station, however trains do not stop as frequently as at Newtown Station.
Other information
Parking
Nearby parking is available at Wilson Parking - RPA Medical Centre Car Park (entry via Elizabeth Street off Carillon Avenue).
A Flexi Saver Rate is available but must be booked in advance online and includes the booking fee. Bookings can be made via the Wilson website or by downloading the Wilson Parking App. Otherwise, hourly parking rates will apply, as advertised on the Wilson Parking website.
Meet the facilitators
Maggie Videan
Maggie Videan is a Learning and Development professional with a special interest in the area of professional development for the Executive Assistant. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology, Education & Communication) and a Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment. Maggie’s experience includes speaking at national conferences, conducting in-house training for Executive Assistants, writing for EA-specific publications and delivering training at the Centre for Continuing Education where she has been a tutor for over 15 years.
Maggie has been privy to the many challenges and issues facing the present-day EA and continues to provide up-to-date learning opportunities to keep the skills of the current day EA relevant and meaningful.
Having worked across a wide and diverse range of industries, Maggie is an experienced educator, presenter and facilitator, and her training sessions are highly interactive and engaging.
