The Advanced Executive Assistant Program

Course Overview

Executive Assistant’s role is crucial for the success of the Leaders, Teams, and Organisations. A significant number of tasks in any office routine are made at the “back office” because Leaders should not waste their time and energy on some of the responsibilities that need to be accomplished carefully daily. It is likely that you can make this move because you have been the “go to” person your boss and co-workers have always counted on. But now you need to equip yourself with the qualities of a leader. You will be required to know how to motivate and build team morale, take the initiative, solve problems, and manage performance.  So, an Executive Assistant should work side by side with Leaders, helping and supporting them proactively, contributing to the global results and achievements of the companies.

However, the Executive Assistant must continuously invest in their skills and competencies to succeed in these endeavours. The role will be analysed and rethought in this programme to create an updated and modern mindset. Two notable areas will be wisely approached during the program: business etiquette and the strategic role of the Executive Assistant. Regarding business etiquette, there is particular emphasis over cross-cultural practices and, on the strategic role, exceptional attention to organisation methods and work-life balance.

Course Objectives

This training course will facilitate the participant to understand the Executive Assistant Role much better, especially during these challenging times, and supporting Senior Leaders.

After the training course, the participants will learn to:

• Understand the key importance of Executive Presence for personal and organisational image
• Know how to improve social and business etiquette practices
• Identify protocol dress codes
• Communicate effectively in accordance with the role demands
• Understand the relevance of acting in accordance with global principles of business etiquette, especially when dealing with international entities
• Know how to interact with visitors coming from any part of the globe
• Know how to interact with VIPs and official entities
• Plan basic seating arrangements
• Organise and manage working meetings and professional meals
• Organise a business trip
• Increase significantly professional performance by developing overall competencies as far as organisation methods and emotional intelligence are concerned
• Develop behaviours that allow a better work-life balance
• Reflect and implement the role of strategic development

Target Audience

This training course is suitable for anyone in a Senior Office Manager, Secretary & Assistant position who needs to develop, update, and strengthen soft and hard skills, business etiquette and cross-cultural communication knowledge, much required nowadays to an outstanding performance.

It is suitable for a wide range of working professionals, including (but not limited to) the following:

• Executive Assistants
• Senior Assistants
• Personal Secretaries
• Executive Secretaries
• Office Managers
• Secretarial Staff
• Communication and Protocol Staff
• Everyone who wants to improve/polish their skill sets in these domains

Training Methodology

A blended learning approach drives this training course. It draws on various adult learning techniques such as action learning, experiential exercises, group discussions, video case studies, role play and self-reflection activities. The resulting variety helps delegates stay engaged throughout the course, feel challenged and draw quick wins for their development. It also ensures delegates are exposed to ample opportunities to apply what they learn to the real-world challenges they face back in the workplace.