Executive Assistant Excellence
Overview
Executive assistants are trusted partners who keep leaders and offices running smoothly. This course builds the skills of an excellent assistant: managing the executive's time and priorities, organising meetings and travel, handling communication and confidential information, and working proactively as part of the leadership team.
Who should attend
Executive and personal assistants, secretaries, office managers and coordinators supporting senior managers.
Training methodology
Interactive presentations, practical exercises, case studies, group discussions, role-plays where relevant, and a personal action plan that participants apply in their own work.
Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Manage the executive's diary, priorities and workflow
- Organise meetings, events and travel efficiently
- Draft professional correspondence and summaries
- Handle confidential information and difficult situations
- Work proactively and build effective relationships
Course outline
Day 1The Modern Assistant
- The changing role of the assistant
- Understanding your executive's priorities
- Working as a business partner
- Professional image and conduct
- Personal organisation
- Self-assessment
Day 2Time and Diary Management
- Managing the executive's diary
- Prioritisation tools
- Handling interruptions and requests
- Delegation and follow-up
- Digital tools for assistants
- Exercise: plan a demanding week
Day 3Meetings, Events and Travel
- Preparing agendas and briefing packs
- Minutes and action tracking
- Planning events and visits
- Travel arrangements and itineraries
- Protocol basics
- Workshop: organise a board meeting
Day 4Communication and Writing
- Professional emails and letters
- Summaries and briefing notes
- Gatekeeping and telephone skills
- Communicating on behalf of the executive
- Handling difficult people
- Writing practice
Day 5Confidentiality and Proactivity
- Managing confidential information
- Records and filing systems
- Anticipating needs
- Problem solving and decision making
- Building your network
- Personal development plan