Viewing an assistant as a cost rather than an investment is a fundamental misunderstanding of their role. Assistants enable executives to focus on high-value tasks, optimize workflow efficiency, and reduce stress—all of which contribute directly to business growth. Their specialized skills, from process implementation to project management, drive productivity and profitability. However, spreading assistants too thin diminishes their impact. When utilized correctly, every hour they save for a manager translates directly to the bottom line. It’s time to position assistants as strategic assets rather than overhead costs.
Tag: leadership support
There’s No Such Thing as ‘Just’ a Job: Recognising Every Role’s Value
Everyone plays a vital role in the bigger picture—there is no such thing as ‘just’ a cleaner, ‘just’ an assistant, or ‘just’ anything. Carmina, my 68-year-old cleaner, understands that her work allows others to thrive. Her wisdom is a reminder that no matter the job title, every contribution matters in making life and business run smoothly.
Leading Up: Why EAs Are More Than Just Support
Many assistants don’t see themselves as leaders, but to become an administrative business partner, you must embrace influence and proactivity. Leading up is not about overstepping—it’s about enabling your manager to focus on what they do best. By shifting your mindset and taking initiative, you don’t just support—you lead, drive efficiency, and contribute to the success of the entire organisation.
Creating Opportunities: How Hiring Entry-Level EAs Can Change Lives
Administration is one of the few careers where a woman can start at the bottom and grow into a successful profession. Yet, many companies overlook entry-level administrative roles. By committing to hiring Level One assistants from disadvantaged backgrounds, businesses can provide life-changing opportunities while fostering a more inclusive workforce. Could your organisation be part of this movement?
The Missing Piece: Why EAs Must Be on the Org Chart
When administrative professionals are left off the org chart or positioned incorrectly, it diminishes their visibility, value, and career progression. This oversight sends a message that their role is less important, impacting recognition, inclusion, and access to opportunities. It’s time to ensure EAs and administrative professionals are properly represented—because visibility matters.
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.
Reimagining Administration: Recognizing Diverse Roles and Advancing Career Paths Through the Global Skills Matrix
In many organizations, administration is still seen as a homogeneous role, but the reality is far more complex. Administrators range from those supporting daily operations to strategic leaders guiding executive teams. The outdated perception of administration as a “one-size-fits-all” job limits career growth and fails to recognize the diverse skills and expertise administrators bring to the table. The Global Skills Matrix provides a framework to distinguish these roles by level, responsibility, and impact, ensuring that administrators are valued and recognized for their contributions. It’s time to elevate the profession and open doors for more strategic, career-driven opportunities in administration.
