Administrative Assistant's Update - sample

April 2019

Focuses on the training and development needs of admin professionals and features topics such as hard skills (software competencies, writing, communication, filing) and soft skills (teamwork, time management, leadership).

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APRIL 2019 2 How EAs drive better performance for CEOs How can executive assistants be of the most value to their executives? That consideration is a key element in an ongoing study of how CEOs manage time, conducted by the Har- vard Business Review (HBR). More than anyone else in an organization, say the study's authors, Michael E. Porter and Nitin Nohria, the CEO confronts "an acute scarcity of one resource: time. There is never enough time to do everything that a CEO is responsible for." The authors point out that EAs "play a vital role in shielding CEOs from distractions and unnecessary activities and ensuring that leaders' limited time is used well. We often hear CEOs say that a highly skilled EA can dramatically increase their efficiency and effectiveness, and our research supports that view." Through their research, Porter and Nohria (who is dean of the Harvard Business School) identified four key behaviours [of EAs] "that drive better performance" for CEOs. They are: 1. Understand the leader's agenda. This knowledge guides the EA in scheduling meetings and ap - pointments. 2. Include all relevant players. Knowing how the CEO manages through direct reports and affected managers will inform the EA as to who should be included in meetings. 3. Recognize the value of spon- taneity. Overbooking the CEO will leave no time for reflection or initiat- ing unplanned interactions. As well, there will be events that suddenly arise and need attention. Having no spaces in the schedule will mean some scheduled meetings will have to be re-scheduled, not always an easy or pleasant task. 4. Zealously protect personal and family time. "Time with family and friends, regular exercise, and oppor- tunities to recharge and reflect are crucial to effectiveness and avoiding burnout," the study's authors con- cluded. The EA's scheduling choices contribute to the balance that will help the CEO "succeed over the long haul." Executives down the line from the CEO can benefit from the same kind of thoughtful and perceptive atten- tion to service pointed out by Porter and Nohria. It exemplifies the soft skills and quality of thinking that will continue to be the admin's ace in the hole as artificial intelligence gains an increasing foothold in organizations' administration. E D I TO R ' S N OT E George Pearson APC in Toronto June 16-19 More than 600 admins representing 450-plus employers are expected to attend the annual Administrative Professionals Conference in Toronto June 16-19. The program includes half-day workshops (June 16 and 19), one-hour symposiums (June 17-18) and keynote addresses. The symposiums are divided into five tracks: balance, career advancement, communication, platinum and technology. Among workshop and symposium presenters will be AAU authors Leslie Hughes, Helen Latimer, Rhonda Scharf and Janice Vilaca. Steven Page, co-founder of The Barenaked Ladies, will be one of the keynoters ("Promoting Mental Health Everywhere"). Others include Jessi Cruickshank, host of the CBC series Canada's Smartest Person; Michele Romanow, CBC Dragon's Den; and Wayne Lee, peak performance expert. The APC, at the Westin Harbour Castle, had in recent years been sched - uled in April. For more information: apccanada.com Administrative Assistant's Update is published once a month by Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Director, Media Solutions, Canada: Karen Lorimer Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Todd Humber Editor: George Pearson george@adminupdate.ca Associate Editor: Jennifer Lewington jennifer@adminupdate.ca EDITORIAL OFFICE (519) 271-6000 Administrative Assistant's Update Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. 1 Corporate Plaza, 2075 Kennedy Road Toronto, ON M1T 3V4 CUSTOMER SERVICE (416) 609-3800 (800) 387-5164 customersupport.legaltaxcanada @tr.com Contents copyright. All rights reserved. © 2019 Thomson Reuters Canada Ltd. Contents may not be reproduced without written permission. Brief extracts may be made with due acknowledgement. Annual subscription: $199. Publications Mail Registration No. 40065782 GST# 897176350 UPDATE Administrative Assistant's

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