Many organisations fail to align the skill levels of administrative professionals with the needs of their executives, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. The Global Skills Matrix highlights the importance of strategic Level 4 assistants for C-suite executives—business partners who provide high-level support, project management, and decision-making insight. By structuring support teams to pair Level 4 assistants with executives, Level 3 assistants with senior management, and Level 2 assistants for broader operational tasks, businesses can drive productivity, streamline operations, and unlock their full potential. It’s time to match the right talent with the right role.
Category: Partnership
Who Should Assistants Report To? Exploring the Executive vs. Head of Admin Debate
Should an assistant report directly to their executive or to a head of admin? This decision shapes the assistant’s role, development, and the value they bring to the organisation. Direct reporting fosters a close, strategic partnership with the executive, while reporting to a head of admin provides structure, support, and growth opportunities within an administrative team. Many organisations find success with a hybrid approach, blending the strengths of both models to empower assistants and maximise their impact.
Unlearning to Lead: How Administrative Professionals Can Thrive in 2025 and Beyond
In a fast-paced, collaborative environment, efficiency is key. One simple yet powerful way to enhance team coordination is through a unified color-coding system. Whether it’s managing calendars or email inboxes, standardizing the color codes across your team can significantly improve clarity and reduce confusion. By adopting a shared system, team members can seamlessly step in to support one another, ensuring continuity and productivity even during absences or transitions. A consistent approach not only makes it easier for your executive to stay organized but also fosters smoother communication and collaboration with other departments. This small change can make a big difference in how your team functions—creating a more efficient, organized, and stress-free work environment for everyone involved.
From Firefighter to Strategic Partner: How Assistants Can Break Free from Reactive Mode
Feeling stuck in reactive mode? Discover how assistants can shift from firefighting to becoming strategic business partners through proactive planning, workflow optimization, and future-focused strategies. Elevate your role and create lasting impact with these actionable insights.
Unlocking the Full Potential of Your EA: The Power of Visibility in Leadership
To truly unlock the potential of your Executive Assistant (EA), increasing their visibility within your network is key. EAs are more than just schedulers—they can be strategic partners who anticipate needs, solve problems, and strengthen key relationships. By empowering your EA to connect with senior leadership, board members, and external partners, you not only enhance their impact but also foster their professional growth. This visibility transforms them into trusted contributors, helping drive your business forward with confidence and alignment.
Beyond Hard Work: How Administrative Professionals Can Drive Impact and Success
Success for administrative professionals goes beyond working hard—it’s about working with impact. By shifting from a task-oriented approach to a more strategic mindset, admins can elevate their roles and drive meaningful outcomes that align with organizational goals. Learn how to transform your work into a powerful force for success, build influence, and become a trusted partner in achieving your company’s mission
Bridging the Gap: An Open Letter to Microsoft Teams on Empowering Administrative Professionals
Microsoft Teams has revolutionized workplace communication, but has it overlooked the needs of administrative professionals? In this open letter, Lucy Brazier OBE highlights the challenges Executive Assistants face due to limited visibility in Teams conversations and urges Microsoft to bridge this gap, enabling seamless collaboration and productivity for executives and their support teams.
