1. The most important attributes of an
Effective Executive Assistant
Kellie Barrett
16th October 2015
2. Organised
Strengths Weakness
High levels of organisational and multi tasking skills Like to be in control by nature which is tested in changing circumstances.
Identifying better ways / systems to ensure best practice in organisation
Strong time management skills
Effective task management , prioritising skills
Proactive and creative in seeking ways and means to improve
working standards
3. Excellent Communicator
Strengths Weakness
Strongly believe in the importance of excellent customer service and
relationship building, and the impact those relationships can have in
helping me and others to do a better job
Remembering that good service does not always mean saying yes. Find it
difficult to say no which can be misinterpreted as unassertiveness
Comfortable with communicating at all levels and in all mediums. Public speaking
Listen first to understand the need
Speak clearly with confidence and knowledge
Earn trust and build relationships
4. Understand the business principles, goals and objectives
Astute, anticipate the need, and efficiently and effectively
take the necessary action
Confidence to work on own initiative, take ownership and be
accountable
Proactive & Decisive
Strengths Weakness
I am driven to learn and pick up new skills and sector awareness . I have
experience in many sectors complex and focused.
Impatience to understand
I bring energy and passion to the role Can be emotional
I am always accountable for my work and take pride in the finished product
which is why I enjoy project based work
Can sometimes need reassurance; do need to be given a pat on the back
from time to time
5. Flexible & Adaptable
Strengths Weakness
Push myself to work outside my comfort zone. Lots of experience of being
thrown in at the deep end.
Can find it difficult to delegate
Proactively seek training opportunities to broaden my knowledge and
experience and increase my adaptability
Understand and respond to complex, evolving situations
Positive in changing circumstances and have a “Can do”
attitude
Work as a team player and be ready to work outside your
comfort zone
Editor's Notes
Example of strengths:
It’s a bit of an oxymoron because we are often control freaks but then asked to be adaptable and flexible which can be a challenge!
Organising complex multi functional teams submission of reports and information for high level meetings by creating a calendar.
Organising Board meetings for multi nationals in a different European city each quarter.
I am comfortable communicating at all levels Baristas to engineers to CEO’s and in all mediums. I place quite a high importance on the value of picking up the phone!
Experience in mass mailings / face to face at events / phone / emails etc…
My sales background taught me to adapt my communication approach to my audience.
“Don’t’ be a passenger; be a co-pilot”
Have worked in many different sectors and have always picked up the basic business principles – Most complex
Took Prince2 Project management qualification to better understand for the benefit of the learners and to broaden my own career options
I didn’t choose the career path I grew into it because of my soft skills in the areas of communication and organisation and commitment. Varied sectors, more business knowledge.
- Created the job at SCAE for myself. Pushed to be more involved with the exhibitors because of customer service / Pushed to be more involved in planning the exhibition to make them better and to justify our going to them. Fact files.
