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The Strategic Executive Assistant: A Very Bright Career

                              

Let me begin with a statement and a question: It is said that we are what we do. So, how serious should we take this?

 

What do you love about life? I get up every morning to head into my office to do the work that I love. I get to meet the smartest assistants and brilliant business leaders while enhancing the effectiveness of Executive Assistants worldwide. I have learned that

a solid resume and a great work ethic is not enough; we need to be passionate about what it is that we do, every day.

 

Steve Jobs captures my enthusiasm for my work when he tells us: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know it when you find it.” 

 

My work allows me to be a zealous advocate for all levels of administrative professionals, who are providing unparalleled strategic support services in industries across the globe. I assure you without reservation that our world of intense global competition and innovation, compounded by converging economic and social influences, is yielding:

 

• a new expectation,

• a new perspective,

• a new optimism,

• and a new respect for members of this important workplace sector.

 

The career of Executive Assisting that you have chosen requires precise execution with equal parts of trust and timing, with a range of attributes, perspective, empathy, and prior knowledge. In this role, you are gauged by success, not by intention.

 

My experience is that the most senior Executives now rely more than ever on their ‘Administrative Quarterback’, who fills the roles of their “advance person”, and their “right-hand-person”. They almost always have a single individual on staff whose job it is to serve (as the need arises) as troubleshooter, translator, help desk attendant, diplomat, human database, weather advisor, travel consultant, sales executive, amateur psychologist, spousal interface, and ambassador to the inside and outside world.  You are superb in your thinking and values.

 

The transition to this complex role requires that you have the required D.A.T.A.: Desire, Ability, Temperament, Assets, to meet the qualifications. You really want to do the work (desire); that you are good at what the work requires (ability), that you fit this kind of situation (temperament), and that you have whatever other resources the work requires (assets). This is the requirement for strategic success.

 

And here’s the best part: if you love this work, the only way to approach this career is with joy and camaraderie. If it is your core passion, then you know how to get things done with Executive-like confidence, and you achieve that clarity because you understand why you do what you do. With active, living intelligence, you sail through everyday challenges while strengthening your foundational skillset:

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 Everyday Challenges Strengthen Foundational Skill Sets

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• Streamlining processes strengthens Structural Intuition

• Diffusing the anxiety of the person you support strengthens Cognitive Empathy

• Creating order out of complex processes strengthens Managerial Vision

• Sprinting through this ever-changing business environment strengthens Adaptability and Pivoting Skills

• Appreciating your organizational culture and knowing how things get done strengthens Knowledge

• Effectively self-managing, allowing Executives to focus more strategically, strengthens Self-Trust

• Provide tactical support (sometimes emotional support) to Executives…at the most difficult times, strengthens Precision

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The Executive Assistant population differs in personality, temperament, experience, intellect, age, education, upbringing, values, and beliefs. Collectively, you have earned a stellar reputation.

           

It is not surprising that you have realized such rich continuity in a global business universe that challenges Executives to accomplish more with fewer resources. In an economy that demands the capacity and willingness to change, organizational leaders are relying on skilled professionals like you and are positioning them as indispensable members of senior leadership teams around the world.

 

You partner with Executives to achieve their goals, advance their agendas, and leverage their time: this requires discipline, creativity, and enthusiasm. You are valuable contributors to the workforce and sought-after assets to your companies. This has provided a valuable opportunity for you to fill the capability gap, and you have done so, with the disposition to stay focused and the wisdom to concentrate on the task at hand.

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Does this conversation meet the vision and promise of your work? Please let me know. Thank you.

indispensable@duncangroupinc.com.

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Are You Interested in Online Professional Development? Contact us at indispensable@duncangroupinc.com, or scan the QR code for information on the Melba J. Duncan and Centenary University Executive Assistant Leadership Short Course.

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