Resources
Here are links to the resources we think you’ll find useful before embarking on a course at Adam Fidler Academy. All resources are created by us and are based on our years of experience and knowledge.
The (real) Role of the Executive Assistant
There is still too much debate, and confusion, on what the role of the Executive Assistant really is.
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The EA is not a Secretary, PA, Executive PA or Administrator with a new title.
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The EA is not someone who purely carries out administrative work, such as travel bookings, raising purchase orders, taking minutes, and other ‘processing’ tasks.
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The EA is not someone who focuses solely – and I might say, obsessively – on diary management and scheduling.
Why you don’t need to be a Chief of Staff
Just a damned good Executive Assistant. I am not entirely sure what people think Executive Assistants do.
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Show leaders, and those in the PA and EA role, an aspiration beyond Assistants carrying out purely administrative tasks.
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I predicted the onset of technology and automation (AI and ChatGPT were not talked about then) would free up the Assistant’s time for them to carry out more value-adding work such as project management, and supporting strategic initiatives.
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Future skill-set of a superb EA would not be simply around their level of technical skill (eg using Word and Excel) but more akin to management skill in regard to conceptional thinking, problem-solving and strategic insight.
Every EA needs a Managerial Mindset
An essential lesson We strive to ensure that EAs think of themselves as managers too.
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If you’re thinking, “I am just the assistant”, then you will be treated accordingly. Your belief, or lack of belief, in the value you bring to your employer will be your outward manifestation, resulting in your behaviour.
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Your behaviour reinforces the perception people have of you, and they respond accordingly. That’s why it’s so important that EAs change their minds about who, and what they are, and exhibit self-belief in all they do. I call this, the managerial mindset.
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Your mindset and beliefs drive everything. If you come to work expecting the perfect boss (they don’t exist, by the way!), pondering on all your boss’ shortcomings then you are filling your mind with thoughts of precisely what you don’t want to see or experience.