Office Dynamics International

In a time when businesses are moving faster and faster, organization for administrative professionals is more essential than ever, especially with digital assets. During 2024, Office Dynamics International saw a drastic increase in the number of executive teams who reported a need for better digital organization when it came to retrieving their digital files. "We can't find anything!" was a common theme we heard from executives when we were brought on to train administrative teams That is why I am thrilled that Mike Song, tech skills and efficiency expert, leads a whole section dedicated to this topic in our course, Digital Efficiency for Administrative Excellence. Starting next April, this program is dedicated to helping administrative professionals save time by using tech tools to their advantage. Mike is the author of the best-selling book, "The Hamster Revolution," and has dedicated his career to using his advanced insights with common corporate tech tools to help professionals save time and ease stress at work. We are honored to partner with him and have him lead this course! P.S. If you sign up before the end of November, you will save nearly $50 on your registration! Enroll here: https://bit.ly/4fJkzLF

Are you ready to embrace the future of your administrative career and lead the charge in the age of AI? At this year’s Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence, Madelyn Mackie, CCMC, NCOPE, Career Activator captivated the audience with a powerful reminder: AI is not a threat—it’s your assistant’s assistant. But here’s the kicker: if you don’t learn how to use it, someone else will. From boosting efficiency to elevating your strategic influence, AI is transforming the administrative profession—and the 2025 Conference is your opportunity to gain the skills and confidence to stay ahead of the curve. Register by the end of this year and save $200 on your ticket: https://lnkd.in/gtCkhjtC. Ready to dive even deeper into AI with your administrative profession? Get started today with our virtual Fall in Love with AI event this upcoming February! Learn practical ways to integrate AI into your workflow, enhance productivity, and solidify your value in the workplace: https://bit.ly/47BszeM Let’s prepare to lead together—because the future belongs to those ready to embrace it. #FutureReadyAssistants #CareerFocusedProfessionals #AdministrativeProfessionals #AIForAdmins #AIEfficiency #ProfessionalDevelopment #MasterAI #BoostYourCareer

Join us on December 4th for our annual "It's a Wrap!" webinar, where I will recap the year's top tips, strategies, and advice shared with administrative professionals worldwide. This free event is a perfect opportunity to revisit powerful strategies, reaffirm your commitment to new work-life lessons, and gain that final dose of energy to finish the year strong. Expect fun, giveaways, and a chance to ask me your most pressing questions. Plus, one lucky attendee will win Joan's Jolly Jingle Basket, filled with festive surprises: https://bit.ly/4fDBFuI Simultaneously, we're launching our "12 Deals of Christmas" from December 4th to 19th. Each day, unwrap exclusive discounts on our top-rated administrative training courses and resources, designed to enhance your skills and brighten your season. Don't miss out on these daily surprises tailored for your professional and personal growth: https://bit.ly/4hXjrFO Mark your calendars and join us for these festive events to celebrate the season and advance your career!

Throughout my career, I've seen firsthand the extraordinary difference a highly skilled Executive Assistant can make. It’s not just about handling tasks—it’s about mastering a blend of skills that truly set professionals apart. Strategic thinking is one of those essential skills; exceptional EAs think several steps ahead, anticipating needs and proactively solving challenges before they even arise. Communication is another core pillar—being that critical link between executives, teams, and clients is no small feat, and it requires clarity, precision, and confidence. In a fast-paced environment, adaptability is also vital, allowing you to pivot with ease and stay calm under pressure. Being tech-savvy has become essential, too—knowing the latest tools helps streamline workflows and boost productivity. And, of course, strong organizational skills tie it all together, helping you manage complex schedules and details seamlessly. For those ready to elevate their role, I created the Executive Support Series to provide the focused training and insights EAs need to build these essential skills. If you're looking to become indispensable in your role, I encourage you to take the next step. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4fgZsk7 #AspiringAssistants #CareerAssistants #AdministrativeProfessionals #ExecutiveAssistantTips #AssistantSkills #CareerDevelopment #LandingYouDreamJob #AssistantCareerAdvice #ProfessionalGrowth

One of the toughest challenges any professional can face is working under a toxic or misaligned leader. But know this: you are not alone, and you don’t have to simply endure it. I’m passionate about helping administrative professionals like you find ways to turn these difficult experiences into sources of growth and resilience. Kayla Hutchens, CESP, CWCA, ACEA, one of our speakers at this year's Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence, recently wrote a guide on this very topic titled "Incompatible Leadership: Strategies for Dealing with Toxic and Misaligned Managers." Kayla brings Over 20 years of hands-on experience as an Administrative Professional, working in environments as diverse as start-ups, global corporations, privately held companies, and government agencies. To help you understand the deep value this guide can have on your profession and help you achieve a healthy office life, we have previewed some of its contents in our latest Office Dynamics blog, which delves into strategies for navigating these challenging dynamics with grace and strength: https://bit.ly/3ZbIM7S For even deeper insights on handling misaligned managers, be sure to purchase her guide: https://bit.ly/4fKOUcv I am so proud of Kayla for talking about an issue that is often not addressed, and I fully believe this guide will continue to help many administrative professionals for years to come.

Corporate dress isn’t just about looking good; it’s about building a professional brand that leaves a lasting impression. This concept is one of many I teach in our Star Achievement Series, where we cover not only corporate etiquette but also the power of personal presentation. Check out the fabulous looks from our recent Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence, where attendees embraced the elegance and energy of our event. From professional polish to personal flair, these outfits reflect the pride and professionalism we see in the administrative profession. For inspiration, check out our Pinterest board, where we’ve curated some of our favorite corporate outfits: https://bit.ly/3YO3Y3x And if you’re looking for more insights on professional dress, we’ve covered this in-depth on our blog: https://bit.ly/3O3p1sr

To build a culture of business professionals who desire to follow you rather than feel obligated to do so, it takes a simple practice often ignored: kindness. There are a few practical ways to exercise that in the administrative profession. For administrative professionals: * Find opportunities to go the extra mile for the people you support. Take a step back and consider how you can make the project, report, or whatever you work on just a tad bit better. * Consider the little touches, like adding something sentimental to a corporate gift or event for your leader. Small, thoughtful touches go a long way. * That new administrative professional who might be struggling? Plan a lunch date and offer to be their mentor. For executives: * Make time for your EA and understand that their goal is to help you succeed; they need your presence to do that. * Publically and privately praise their work and ensure that your feedback uplifts rather than diminishes. * Do they have a specific area in which they excel? Give them a voice and a seat at the table to share their ideas. The reality is that we never fully know what someone is going through. If you want to build a culture of people who thrive in your presence, learn to listen, understand, and seek to give others the benefit of the doubt. How do you plan to practice kindness today? P.S., Cherron (shuh-Ron) Castillo of Fruitful Training Group, one of our speakers at this year's Annual Conference for Administrative Excellence, addressed how to create a culture of people who desire to follow you. If you missed it, you can listen to her full session via our On-Demand video recordings: https://bit.ly/3Z1DNGA #WorldKindnessDay

#administrativeprofessionals Sign up for Joan Burge’s phenomenal “Monday Motivators” - you’ll be glad you did & check out Office Dynamics International too! https://lnkd.in/e9aa53x2

A special shout-out to Vital Germaine (who's post got me reminiscing) for a memorable exercise that beautifully demonstrated our influence on one another. He began with a simple ball of yarn, passing it to someone who had impacted him at the conference, who then passed it on to another. The result? A powerful, interconnected web spanning the ballroom—a vivid reminder of our shared support and inspiration. I'd like to pass my own "yarn" to those who made a significant impact on my experience: ? Joan Burge & the entire Office Dynamics International Team - Their dedication to the administrative profession, coupled with the "perceived" flawless execution, has made this experience possible for me and so many others. And I say "perceived" because on the surface, the entire conference went smoothly, but as us admins know, the sausage making process is never that pretty! You wouldn't know it though, which is quite remarkable and a testament to the entire team... ? Delani Denton, my friend, who would have been my choice if I’d been passed the yarn. ? Ashley Kim who approached me for a testimonial, making me feel that my voice and experience truly mattered. To the #ConferenceCrew — seeing sheila raines, Denell Woller, and Gennessee Batac was a highlight. This fantastic crew (along with others from the OG Conference Crew) gave me the confidence, after meeting them at last year's conference, to walk into a room full of strangers and feel right at home. Paula Thibodeau, ACEA, CEAP-CBS, CWCA who indirectly taught me a valuable lesson... If you have the opportunity to introduce yourself to someone, take it! Because if you don't, you'll end up sending them a Linkedin message after the conference, stating I should have introduced myself to you! Yes, this is a true story! And finally, to my Carnegie Mellon University colleagues (Autumn Riddle, John Davis III, Elizabeth Roberts, Tonya Campbell, Shannon Murray) and my new connections who contributed to my personal and professional growth: Yuliya Lee, Chris Molony, Kristen S., — you’ve each impacted me more than you know. Remember, my door is always open, and I’m here to support you however I can. We are multi-dimensional, influential, and next year - DYNAMIC!!!

Executives, open communication, strategic empowerment, and a supportive work environment can elevate productivity and job satisfaction for your EA. Further, it will transform your executive-assistant partnership into a true powerhouse. From fostering open feedback loops to empowering your EA with key responsibilities, these essential strategies are designed to help you and your assistant work in sync, driving results that benefit the whole organization. Want the full breakdown? Read our latest blog to uncover actionable insights and take your leadership to the next level: https://bit.ly/4fEkCrL How else would you recommend to grow the executive/assistant relationship positively?