The evolution of the executive support role
How has the EA role changed over time?
The roles of executive and personal assistants have changed dramatically over the years. In particular, the covid-19 pandemic has accelerated many of these changes. Professionals in executive support are now expected to be highly skilled with a wide range of knowledge and abilities. They are often required to have a college degree, and many have advanced degrees.
On the other hand, personal assistants are still primarily seen as support staff. They are usually responsible for everyday tasks, such as scheduling appointments and handling correspondence. However, as the demands of modern life have increased, the role of the personal assistant has become increasingly complex. Many personal assistants are now degree qualified.
Globalisation and the internet have forced new business models into existence and a more readily adaptable workforce. In the past, most businesses were based in physical locations. This made it necessary for employees to be near one another to get work done efficiently.
However, with the advent of technology, more and more businesses are being conducted remotely. This has led to a decrease in the need for executive assistants who are solely responsible for handling correspondence and scheduling meetings. Instead, executive assistants are now expected to be highly skilled professionals who can handle a wide range of tasks, including preparing reports, conducting research, and managing projects.
The changing nature of families is another factor that has contributed to the evolution of the roles of executive and personal assistants. In the past, it was common for families to have stay-at-home spouses who handled all of the household chores and child-rearing duties. However, as women have entered the workforce in more significant numbers, families have needed to find new ways to balance work and home life.
This has increased the demand for personal assistants who can handle household tasks such as laundry, cooking, and grocery shopping. In some cases, personal assistants may even be responsible for childcare duties such as picking up children from school or taking them to extracurricular activities.
This ever-changing landscape of work means that the roles and responsibilities of executive and personal assistants are also constantly in flux.
No other event in the last 20 or so years has significantly impacted the administrative support industry more than the pandemic of 2020. It has led to a transformation of the roles of executive and personal assistants and offered a dramatic shift in how assistants are expected to work. Here are just a few examples.
Technology: With the advent of new technologies, executives and business owners expect their assistants to be up-to-date on the latest tools and apps. Assistants need to be able to quickly adapt to new software platforms and find creative ways to use technology to streamline workflows.
Communication: In the past, assistants were primarily responsible for scheduling meetings and sending emails on behalf of their bosses. Today, however, they must manage complex communication strategies across multiple channels. This includes everything from developing social media content to handling customer inquiries.
Relationships: In addition to managing relationships with clients and customers, assistants are now responsible for maintaining positive relationships with vendors, suppliers, and other key stakeholders. This requires strong negotiation skills and the ability to build trust-based relationships.
Let’s not forget about Interpersonal Skills: Interpersonal skills are essential for success in any profession, but for executive support professionals, they are paramount. Executive assistants need to have excellent communication, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills to be successful in their roles. Their ability to effectively communicate and establish credibility with executives and stakeholders is crucial in helping the executives they support to operate at their highest potential. Additionally, building positive relationships with people inside and outside the organization allows them to accomplish their tasks more efficiently. By continually honing their interpersonal skills, executive support professionals can make significant contributions to the success of their organizations.
These are just a few examples of how the role of the assistant has changed in recent years. And while these challenges can be daunting, they also present opportunities for growth and career development and for those who are up for the challenge, there has never been a better time to be an assistant! And, if you want to be the very best, check out our global skills program, The Power EA International Masterclass.
Share your experience as an assistant in these fast-changing times in the comments below.