I recently was very close to being stranded in Rwanda.
Now that’s got your attention and it is a true story! You may be wondering how this has any connection to the topic of this article. As I was navigating the stress and logistical nightmare of how to get home, I realised I had kicked into EA mode trying to reach the best outcome. Spoiler alert! I managed to get home. I had drafted quite a safe piece on the top skills that an executive assistant should possess to be successful. I wasn’t happy with it. It felt like a repeat of many helpful articles that already exist and it didn’t feel relevant. Yes, being organized, attention to detail, time management, problem solving are the holy grail but they are also fundamental. I realised the skills that I utilised to make it home were the very same skills that contribute to elevating an EA to success.
When you work closely with an executive, a leader, you must be able to mirror their skills to some degree. Especially in the modern business landscape. I believe these are some of the skills that an EA must possess and also avoid being stranded in a country.
Communication
Communication serves as the primary link between the EA, executive and internal & external channels. Effective communication helps to identify objectives, maintain focus, provide clarity and finding a common ground with the audience. And the best communicators are also robust active listeners. An EA should be able to adapt their communication style to suit each situation, considering audience diversity, knowledge levels, attitudes, and the environment but in the most authentic and honest manner.
Communication is not static. It is dynamic and allows you to support your executive and the business by, understanding and addressing concerns, adding value to their world and creating lasting influence. Most of all, it aids in fostering trust, reinforcing a positive reputation and building strong relationships.
Agility
Your executive will often operate in a fast paced and high-pressured environment where curveballs, last minute or second changes and unforeseen issues are the norm. The ability for an executive assistant to pivot swiftly and adjust quickly is crucial as the flexibility allows you to anticipate challenges, provide proactive solutions, and support the executive in making strategic decisions without being hindered by rigidity. There can’t be any room for irk or resistance to the constant change. Agility plays into developing a growth mindset which can be the most powerful tool for any EA and leader.
Emotional Intelligence
A strong EQ can empower an EA to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics with sensitivity, insight and most of all integrity.
By understanding and responding to the emotional undercurrents it allows you to anticipate needs, diffuse conflicts, and ensure smooth collaboration. EQ also benefits you as it often will allow you to see and manage your own stress and emotions effectively which helps you to remain focused and resilient – This is crucial for maintaining the executive’s productivity and morale in a high-pressure role.
Financial Acumen
Now, I’m not suggesting that you need to have a brain of a CFO but a strong understanding of financial principals will enable you not only to understand the financial health of the business but also help you understand the strategy and objectives that your executive is executing.
When I first started as an EA, I had no understanding of how to interpret a balance sheet and it’s been my most valuable gained skill to date.
Originality
In a role where routine tasks can often dominate, an Executive Assistant with originality can think outside the box to find innovative solutions to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and anticipate the needs of their executive. Sometimes the cookie cutter approach, although can produce the same results over and over again, doesn’t mean it’s the right approach.
Whether it's crafting unique approaches to project management, developing creative ways to handle communication, or organizing impactful events, originality can help you stand out as a proactive and strategic partner.
This ability to innovate allows them to not only react to situations as they arise but to proactively shape more effective methods for achieving the executive's goals.
Influence
The ability to influence allows you to guide and shape interactions, decisions and drive favourable outcomes and as an EA you are often working to your executive’s agenda! Having a strong positive influence will help to build rapport with stakeholders and facilitate collaboration to align with the executive and business’ priorities. It allows you to advocate for the executive’s needs and secure necessary resources or cooperation. You can ensure that initiatives are implemented smoothly and that the executive’s strategic vision is realized, enhancing overall organizational effectiveness and driving positive results. But a word of caution, once you have mastered it don’t lose it by taking advantage.
I may have steered away from the traditional top skillset but I believe in 2024 and in the advent of how quickly the modern business landscape shifts, so do the skills of an EA.