As an EA, our profession is often associated with the tactical skills, such as scheduling, coordinating meeting and travel, scribing meetings. However, the EA has evolved considerably in the past few years, and it is important to recognize you are a leader in your organization.
You don’t have to be the Lead EA, manage others, or even be an EA. You could be any administrative professional and be a leader. Being a leader simply means taking ownership of projects and responsibilities, being proactive, and contributing to the overall success of the organization. In this article, I will discuss three simple ways EAs can step up to leadership.
Develop a strategic mindset
Admin professionals can become leaders in their organizations by developing a strategic mindset. Yeah, you probably hear that a lot, but what the heck does it mean? It means understanding the organization’s goals, objectives, and long-term vision. Become aware of the challenges and opportunities facing your organization and be able to identify ways to contribute to its success.
These could be small opportunities. EAs have a lot of power but you may not know or fully appreciate it. You don’t have to ask anyone’s permission: be a trendsetter! Create your own process to solve whatever Your Big Headache is and use it. People will see how great it is and adopt it.
To develop a strategic mindset, ask questions and seek out information about the organization’s and your leader’s goals and objectives. Stay informed about the industry and market trends that affect your organization’s performance. Do you know the top 3 products or services of your organization?
With a basic understanding of the company, you can provide valuable insights and recommendations to your executive and demonstrate your leadership potential.
Take ownership of projects and responsibilities
Demonstrating leadership potential starts by taking ownership of your projects and responsibilities. This means going above and beyond what is expected and taking initiative to complete tasks to the best of your ability.
I say this a lot: doing the minimum is not good enough. If you want to build a solid EA career, you have to consistently provide value that your executives didn’t know they needed until you delivered it.
Be proactive in identifying areas where you can contribute and improve processes. Take the lead in organizing and implementing new initiatives, demonstrating your ability to manage projects and collaborate with colleagues. Again, you don’t have to ask permission: if you’ve got an idea to solve A Big Headache, then develop it and share it with your peers.
Continuously improve skills & knowledge
I am shocked each time an EA or other admin professional tells me that they just don’t want to learn a new app. Of course, being a professional, I don’t show that shock on my face. I get it. I’ve forgotten more apps than I currently use. Anyone remember WordStar? WordPerfect? No. Because they do not exist. These apps are no longer relevant.
You become a leader by continuously improving your skills and knowledge. This means investing in your professional development and staying up-to-date with trends and best practices.
Attend conferences, workshops, and training sessions to learn new skills, gain knowledge and network with peers outside your organization. Pursue certifications or advanced degrees to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to your profession.
There is a plethora of training opportunities, both in-person and virtual. Join a professional organization like IAAP, subscribe to Executive Support Magazine, sign up for webinars, work with a coach.
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