As an Assistant professional, you possess a unique set of skills and the potential to be a leader in the workplace. However, it can often feel like too many obstacles prevent us from seizing leadership opportunities. We’re here to tell you that unlocking your inner abilities as an Assistant leader is possible. With this guide on 5 ways to improve your Assistant leadership skills, we believe you can confidently navigate any workplace challenge!
With these powerful techniques, let’s dive into what it takes for Assistants to become influential leaders within their organizations and take charge of their impact.
This exclusive bundle of resources is designed especially for Assistants. It includes a range of useful templates, including examples of SMART objectives for Executive Assistants, goal-setting worksheets, conversation templates, and more.
We see this all the time in great leaders—they are always curious. You should continuously learn as much as you can about the business, the people around you, and your strengths and weaknesses.
Take the initiative in your learning. Volunteer for work that will challenge you, identify areas where you can improve, and then pursue training or read self-improvement books. We discuss this in depth inside The EA Campus online community.
This is something all leaders must do.
They take the initiative, make things happen, and take responsibility for driving the business forward. Even if you’re not in a management role, you can act like a leader by taking action. Make decisions in the best interest of the business, and volunteer for tasks that will get you noticed—even if that means taking on work that others may avoid.
During your one-on-one meetings with your Executive (focused on your personal development), ask for input on the skills that make you a leader, such as taking the initiative, understanding the business, motivating others, and taking responsibility for your work and the company’s success.
There are many leadership skills to develop, and feedback can highlight areas for improvement. If you work with teams or project groups, also seek feedback after completing the project.
Difficult conversations are always challenging, but often, something positive comes from addressing tough issues. Real leaders can initiate these types of discussions and structure them to ensure they are productive and worthwhile.
Self-awareness is an excellent strength for Assistants, but for leaders, understanding their strengths and weaknesses is essential.
If possible, take a survey like Insights Discovery or Myers-Briggs to identify your strengths and weaknesses as a leader. This understanding will give you a clear idea of the areas you can improve.
Though the journey toward leadership can be intimidating, we believe in the potential of Assistants everywhere. With just a few steps, you can make a significant impact. The five strategies outlined here are an excellent starting point to help you thrive in any professional environment, so take them and run with them!
You have all the necessary capabilities—it’s up to you to unlock and hone those skills as an Assistant leader. Ready for more? Take it further by enrolling in our Strategic Business Partner Online Course. In this course, industry experts will guide you in mastering the skills of a modern Executive and Personal Assistant leader, from effective communication with key stakeholders to assisting with performance reviews and projects. With our support, you’ll be ready for any challenge and prepared to make a powerful impact.
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