Being a good executive assistant requires a unique set of skills and qualities. Patience, flexibility, strong communication skills, and a hardworking attitude are all essential for success in this role. Interpersonal skills are especially important for executive assistants, as they interact with many people both inside and outside the organization on a daily basis. It's important to build relationships with these people, as it makes it easier to ask for favors and get things done.
In addition, technology has made the role of an executive assistant more strategic and analytical. It's also important to build relationships with the executive's inner circle, including their family and closest colleagues. An executive assistant is essentially a project manager tasked with managing a single complex project. As the first team members to learn about important decisions, they are often on the front lines of organizational changes.
Data entry, record keeping, and staying up-to-date with the latest applications and solutions are all important parts of an executive assistant's job. This is also the best way to advance your career and add more value as an executive assistant. It's essential for executive assistants to assign responsibilities during the workday in order to avoid working late or becoming overwhelmed. Organizational skills are key for executive assistants, as well as the ability to think quickly and propose alternative solutions when faced with problems.
Here is a list of 14 essential skills that every executive assistant should possess:
- Persuasion
- Attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Leadership
- Communication
- Multitasking
- Discretion
- Tech savvy
- Flexibility
- Initiative
- Resourcefulness
