The future behind the walls of corporate America will transform with the evolving landscape in technology because we are entering deeper into AI and immersive virtual worlds.
In the U.S., office and administrative support jobs have the highest proportion of tasks that could be automated with 46%, followed by 44% for legal work and 37% for tasks within architecture and engineering.
Source: CNBC Make It article: Goldman Sachs says generative A.I. could impact 300 million jobs — here’s which ones
There’s no better time than now to step out of your comfort zone and start spending time learning how to develop and sharpen your knowledge base. Here’s a few suggestions how to design the approach to becoming an indispensable executive assistant:
- Excellent communication skills: As an executive assistant, you will be the liaison between your boss and other employees, clients, and partners. You need to have exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively convey information and ideas.
- Strong organizational skills: Being organized is essential to keep track of schedules, appointments, meetings, and deadlines. You should have a system in place to manage tasks, priorities, and time effectively.
- Attention to detail: Paying attention to details can make a significant difference in the success of your boss’s projects and operations. You need to have a sharp eye for details, proofread your work, and ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Understanding the goals will help you support the efforts in the workplace by being mindful of the language and images used in communications and encouraging diverse perspectives in decision-making. You can also advocate for events to be held at accessible locations, champion the cause so that everyone is treated with respect and dignity to build a welcoming and supportive workplace for all employees.
- Resourcefulness: You will encounter unexpected challenges and situations that require creative problem-solving skills. You need to be able to think on your feet, adapt to changes, and find solutions that meet your boss’s needs and expectations.
- Professionalism and discretion: As an executive assistant, you will have access to sensitive and confidential information. You need to be discreet, ethical, and trustworthy, and maintain a professional demeanor at all times.
- Technical skills: Familiarity with technology tools and software is essential to manage calendars, emails, documents, and other tasks efficiently. You need to be comfortable using different devices and platforms and be able to learn new ones quickly.
- Proactivity: Being proactive means anticipating your boss’s needs, taking the initiative, and going above and beyond your job description. You should be able to identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve productivity, and add value to your boss’s work.
In summary, to be an indispensable executive assistant, you need to have a combination of skills, including communication, organization, attention to detail, resourcefulness, professionalism, technical skills, and proactivity. By continuously improving these skills, you can become a trusted and valuable asset to your boss and the organization.
If your executive assistant career trajectory is to develop into a chief of staff role, ChatGPT offers these tips:
- Develop a strategic mindset: As an executive assistant, you’re likely already familiar with the daily operations of the organization. However, to be an effective chief of staff, you need to develop a strategic mindset. You should be able to see the big picture and understand how each department fits into the overall organization.
- Build your network: Start building relationships with key stakeholders across the organization, including senior executives, department heads, and other influential individuals. Networking can help you gain insights into different aspects of the organization and can also help you gain supporters who can advocate for your promotion.
- Expand your skillset: As a chief of staff, you’ll need to be skilled in a wide range of areas, including project management, budgeting, communication, and leadership. Look for opportunities to develop these skills through training, workshops, or by taking on additional responsibilities at work.
- Demonstrate leadership: Look for opportunities to take on leadership roles within your organization. This can include leading cross-functional teams, taking ownership of important projects, or mentoring junior employees. By demonstrating your leadership skills, you’ll show that you have what it takes to succeed as a chief of staff.
- Communicate your interest: Finally, let your boss or HR department know that you’re interested in transitioning to a chief of staff role. Make sure they’re aware of the skills and experience you’ve developed and how they could be applied to the new role. If possible, ask for feedback on what you can do to make yourself a stronger candidate for the position.
Remember, the transition from executive assistant to chief of staff takes time, patience, and effort. However, with the right mindset and a commitment to developing the necessary skills, you can achieve your goal.
The guardrails and models in business will be modernized with technology. Executive assistants are champions of change and are equipped to best prepare our leaders to the new borderless ways of working. Here’s areas to consider exploring to help manage up executives:
- Understand their goals: Make sure you understand your executive leader’s goals and priorities. This will help you align your work and communicate with them more effectively.
- Communicate clearly: Keep your communication with your executive leader clear, concise, and to the point. Provide regular updates on your work, any issues or challenges you’re facing, and seek feedback.
- Anticipate needs: Try to anticipate your executive leader’s needs and be proactive in meeting them. This could involve preparing reports, presentations or other materials that they may need, or identifying potential challenges and solutions.
- Build trust: Build trust with your executive leader by consistently delivering on your commitments and being reliable. Be open and honest in your communication and be receptive to feedback.
- Be solution-oriented: When presenting problems or challenges, always come prepared with potential solutions. This demonstrates your problem-solving skills and shows your executive leader that you are committed to finding solutions.
- Manage your own emotions: Stay professional and composed when communicating with your executive leader, even in difficult or stressful situations. This will help you to maintain a positive and productive working relationship.
It’s hard to know what the future is going to look like in corporate America as technology evolves but you have the power to elevate your career now. Learn how to leverage new tools and capabilities to bring a greater impact to the organization and the executive partnership–develop your relationship together that aligns to the future of work. Start something new and think through how to make AI, automation and Web 3.0 improve productivity that will boost performance across your team–be open to discovery and always be one step ahead!
