Make Time for Strategy
Often, Assistants must find opportunities to grow or develop those opportunities themselves. That means understanding how the organization works, how it makes money, and who the key players are. You must know your environment and stay alert for the right opportunities.
You have to shift your focus away from your day-to-day work. Finding new growth opportunities isn’t about adding extra projects to your to-do list; it’s about identifying strategic options for the good of the organization.
Ask yourself these questions to pinpoint opportunities where you can help your Executive, team, or organization—and your career in the process:
- What do you know about the business, company, or industry that only you can see?
- What are some possibilities your organization or team hasn’t explored yet, and why not?
- What gaps do you see?
- What business objectives are you most passionate about, and which of those are you uniquely qualified to help with?
Embrace the opportunity to meet teams outside your own if that’s where you can best contribute. Building relationships across departments is another sign of your interest in growth.
You also need to make strategic decisions about how you spend your time. Regularly ask yourself: Is this work strategically aligned? Is it moving the needle? If the answer is no, reconsider whether that task is worth doing.
Look Outside Your Role
Every company has projects that cut across departments and hierarchical levels. Find out what those projects are and, more importantly, who is involved. If you’re unsure how to get on a cross-departmental project, start by identifying key players and staying updated on their initiatives. Over time, this network will make it easier to get involved.
Sometimes, opportunities to grow your skills, expand your network, and see the bigger picture don’t naturally exist within your organization—you may need to create them. For example, one Assistant organized a “lunch and learn” series on how to use Microsoft Outlook more effectively, raising her profile and building her network.
Proactively managing your career also means communicating with your Executive about your aspirations. A good manager will keep you in mind for upcoming projects that match your interests and skills—or explain what you need to improve to qualify for those opportunities.
What Is Falling Through the Cracks?
One of the best ways for Assistants to contribute is by identifying tasks or projects that are falling through the cracks. Ask yourself:
- Where are colleagues struggling to complete tasks?
- Are there areas where projects are stalling?
Support busy colleagues or departments when possible, but set boundaries to avoid being taken advantage of or overwhelmed. Helping others should align with your goals, your Executive’s objectives, and the organization’s needs.
Additionally, identify gaps in your business. For example, if there’s a lack of expertise in remote work technologies, upskill yourself in those areas and initiate projects to help the organization move forward.
Proactivity is essential for Assistants aspiring to a strategic role. Sometimes, you can’t wait for someone else to give you the green light—take the initiative to address what needs to be done.
Delegate and Automate
Delegating can be challenging for Assistants. However, not every task handed to you needs to be completed by you. Assess whether others on the team or your Executive’s direct reports should handle specific responsibilities.
To create time for strategic thinking and growth, identify repetitive tasks that can be automated. Explore apps and software to streamline processes, manage your time effectively, and free up bandwidth for higher-value projects.
Take Charge of Your Growth
Finding opportunities to grow in your Assistant role becomes easier when you actively manage your professional development. Advocate for yourself and your ideas. That’s how you grow your role, strengthen your partnership with your Executive, and contribute to the organization’s success.
Working as an Assistant can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires you to take the lead in creating growth opportunities. Confidence and initiative are key to achieving career satisfaction. If you’re ready to take a deeper dive into building the mindset that drives success, check out the Assistant Mindset Online Course. This course is designed specifically for Assistants like you, providing strategies and tools to help you take charge of your career today!
