What are the latest trends or best practices in executive support?

In executive support today, we see a rise in using smart tools to handle routine tasks, freeing up time for more important work. With remote setups, being good at online communication and using tools like Slack or Trello has over time become a huge necessity. The key is balancing tech skills with a personal touch, being ready to adapt fast, and staying ahead of what executives need in a fast-changing environment.

Trends and best practices in executive support include the virtualization of support, enhancement of digital skills, emphasis on emotional intelligence, proactive information management, focus on information security, flexibility and adaptability, automation of repetitive tasks, remote and international collaboration, continuous training and professional development, and considerations for sustainability in the workplace.

Success in remote and flexible work relies heavily on one's adaptability to new software and technology. While the advantages of embracing flexible work arrangements are evident, the entire team can find itself taking ten steps back if your technology fails to meet the demands of remote collaboration.

embracing technology is essential; utilizing scheduling applications and virtual assistants helps streamline day-to-day tasks. A forward-thinking mindset is critical—anticipating the executive's needs and preparing accordingly. Professional development is also pivotal, with an emphasis on enhancing both technical and soft skills to provide comprehensive support. Networking has transitioned into a more digital arena, making it necessary to cultivate connections online. Emotional intelligence remains a prized asset, enabling nuanced support that aligns with the executive's tone and approach Additionally, adaptability is more important than ever, especially in adapting to remote work environments and cordinating across different time zones.

Here's what I see as the hottest trends: Tech Savvy: Mastering advanced tools for scheduling, communication, and data analysis frees up the executive's time for strategic thinking. Remote & Hybrid Support: With flexible work arrangements, EAs need to be experts in remote communication and collaboration tools to keep executives connected and productive. Business Acumen: EAs are going beyond administrative tasks, becoming trusted advisors, anticipating needs, and even managing projects.

As a strategic EA myself, here are my key insights for building a strong strategic partnership with your Executive: Can you demonstrate integrity and consistency to build trust? Are you reading between the lines and acting with emotional intelligence? Have you aligned yourself with your company and executive's strategic goals? Have you found the right mix of formal and informal communication? Are you anticipating needs while staying ready to pivot? Can you go beyond traditional EA duties to add unique, strategic value? Have you built relationships across departments for better support? NETWORK LEARN GROW is my motto and is a daily reminder that being a great EA means forever moving with the times and the needs of the business.

To excel as an Executive Assistant, pay attention to understanding your direct reports' working style, decision-making processes, and personal preferences. This awareness will empower you to make choices that align with their vision and give you confidence in yourself. When working with potential joint venture partners, you will need to act as an extension of your executive and at times be expected to respond on their behalf.

Ser assistente executiva é ser a parceira estratégica de um executivo e isto envolve estar intimamente alinhada com seus objetivos e vis?o, saber quais s?o seus KPIs, os resultados que ele precisa entregar, assim é possível fornecer um suporte de qualidade, insights valiosos e contribuir ativamente. Uma assistente executiva deve fornecer tempo ao seu executivo, colaborando ativamente se antecipando, prevendo demandas, identificando oportunidades de dinamizar a agenda, entendendo que reuni?es devem ser reuni?es, conversas rápidas, uma nota por email ou um simples recado, assim ela ajuda o executivo a atingir seus objetivos e conduzir a organiza??o para o sucesso.

As an Executive Assistant you must be proactive, creative, and resourceful. You should anticipate challenges and offer solutions before issues arise. Embracing curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning is essential. By cultivating strong relationships with your executives, they can truly become invaluable allies in achieving organizational goals.

The role of an EA is evolving to be more strategically focused and integral to the operation of leadership teams. But what does being a strategic partner mean to the executives or teams I support? As a high-performing executive support professional, I have always understood the value of being a strategic partner. However, many executives still need guidance in understanding what this looks like in practice. It's up to me and other executive support experts to educate and promote our value, so that our executives can learn to leverage the full potential we bring to the table. If you are passionate about making a strategic impact, feel free to follow or connect with me on LinkedIn!

Executive assistants and chiefs of staff are pivotal to digital transformation, mastering technologies like Asana, Trello, Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, and Notion. They also use Tableau, Power BI, QuickBooks, SAP, Hootsuite, Zendesk, and Workday to integrate insights and ensure departmental alignment. Investing in comprehensive training on current and emerging technologies and implementing an executive operations platform centralizes tasks, data, and communications, enhancing efficiency. Continuous learning and advanced tools empower these roles to drive digital transformation and ensure ongoing success. We build an executive operations platform, so digital transformation is very important at Execify.ai

Organizations must prioritize digital transformation to remain competitive. This includes integrating digital technologies across all aspects of the business, investing in digital talent and skills, adopting agile methodologies for software development, focusing on customer experience, and ensuring robust information security.

Leveraging large language models enhances communication and decision-making processes, while skills in data analytics contribute to data-driven decision-making. The assistant's understanding of cybersecurity ensures the protection of sensitive information, and continuous learning fosters adaptability to emerging technologies. This unique skill set allows the executive assistant to not only navigate but actively shape the digital landscape within the organization, contributing to strategic planning, innovation, and overall efficiency in a technology-driven business environment.

I believe it's an incredibly lucrative time to get creative and leverage technology to enhance the impact of executive support experts. However, I find it crucial to balance this enthusiasm with careful research and a deep understanding of the implications of each new technology I choose to deploy. With the sheer amount of tools, platforms, apps, features, and services hitting the market every day, it remains to be seen which will stand the test of time. For more insights and discussions on the evolving landscape of executive support and technology, feel free to follow me on LinkedIn!

Let’s be real—executive support is getting a serious upgrade, and AI is leading the charge. From scheduling to handling emails, AI-powered tools are taking the tedious stuff off our plates so we can focus on more important things. But the real magic? AI now helps predict what the boss needs before they even ask. It’s like having a crystal ball, but way more high-tech. Instead of just reacting, we’re now driving the workflow and making things run smoother than ever. If you’re not using AI in 2024, you're definitely falling behind!

In today’s dynamic workplace, executive assistants like myself play a pivotal role in fostering diversity and inclusion by bridging the communication gap between executives and employees, promoting inclusive practices in company events and policies, supporting diverse talent development through equitable recruitment and mentorship programs, and modeling inclusive behavior that inspires a respectful and inclusive organizational culture. Our strategic influence significantly contributes to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment, driving organizational success and innovation.

Drawing on my experience in fostering inclusive workplaces, I bring a heightened awareness of the importance of diversity in decision-making and problem-solving. In my current role, I actively advocate for inclusive practices, ensuring that various perspectives are considered in strategic initiatives. As an EA, I prioritize creating an environment where everyone feels heard and valued, promoting equity and fairness in daily operations. My background as a Diversity & Inclusion Specialist allows me to integrate D&I principles into the organizational culture, influencing not only how we work but also shaping the overall ethos of the company.

As a seasoned executive support expert, I have found that my cultural agility skills went a long way over the years in how I was able to make meaningful connections with both colleagues and external partners. Now more than ever, it will matter how well you navigate the global experience in the nature of work and how you successfully collaborate with others towards shared goals. If you're interested in gaining more insights on executive support and cultural agility, feel free to give me a follow!

As an executive assistant, fostering diversity and inclusion is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. By championing these principles, you help cultivate a workplace where innovation thrives and diverse perspectives drive better decision-making. Your role in modeling inclusive behavior and advocating for diverse voices can significantly influence organizational culture, making it more adaptive and resilient. Embrace continuous learning and actively participate in diversity initiatives to enhance your effectiveness and contribute to a more equitable work environment.

It's also important for EAs to manage the exec's personal brand and presence -- social media is now a (if not the) news source, so it behooves leaders to position themselves as trusted authorities and maintain some control of the company's narrative.

EAs serve as the right hand to their executives, but it's crucial to acknowledge that your skills and success are uniquely attributed to you as an individual. It is not uncommon to hear about EAs being in their role for 10 years+

It's more important than ever for EAs to understand and convey to others what value they bring to an organization. Understanding your brand, showcasing your strengths and the challenges that you solve are the key to making the best impression. Don't try to be a Jack or Jill of all trades. Know where you fit and function the best. For example, if you are a tech EA that supports Revenue operations, showcase that and how you support the team and their KPI and metrics through your RKO or SKO work and other projects you manage. If you thrive supporting finance people, showcase that. Remember, the reason any employer is looking to hire, is because they have a problem to solve. Show them that you're the solution for them!

Best practice — a project management tool, again & again. Organizing to staying efficient. Though I can’t say I’ve “missed” much over the years as I started to support multiple executives I saw the room it could leave to miss something. With dedicated hubs it’s less likely for something to not be captured.

A marca pessoal de uma boa EA é construída com profissionalismo e discri??o, deve manter sempre a confidencialidade e a discri??o lidando com temas sensíveis da empresa e do executivo. Ser multi-tarefa, mas mantendo-se organizada com gest?o do tempo e prioridades. Ter uma ótima comunica??o oral e escrita. Ser proativa para se antecipar às necessidades do executivo e seu time. Construir relacionamentos de forma positiva com seu executivo e demais stakeholders. Por último e n?o menos importante, diante de desafios, imprevistos e mudan?as, precisa ser capaz de se adaptar rapidamente e manter a calma sob press?o, n?o deixando seus valores e essência de lado e sempre sendo uma pessoa de confian?a para seu executivo e time.

In the realm of executive support, embracing continuous learning and professional development is crucial. As the landscape evolves with trends like digital transformation and remote work, staying ahead requires a proactive approach to acquiring new skills and knowledge. Networking with peers and mentors can provide invaluable insights and opportunities. Additionally, fostering a mindset of adaptability and resilience will enable executive support professionals to navigate and thrive amidst ongoing changes and challenges in the industry. Confidential executive coaching always takes you ahead of the curve. Onward

Some key trends and best practices in executive support: 1. Integration of Advanced Technology: Executive assistants are increasingly leveraging technology tools to streamline tasks, manage calendars, and enhance communication. 2. Emphasis on Soft Skills Development: Beyond technical competence, EAs are focusing on interpersonal skills like empathy, adaptability, and effective communication. 3. Shift Toward Remote and Hybrid Working Models: As work arrangements evolve, executive support professionals are adept at providing seamless assistance in both virtual and physical environments. Staying informed about these trends ensures effective support for organizational leaders.