By the end of this programme, participants will be able to:
- Enhance their decision-making skills to become more effective team contributors.
- Establish a successful working partnership with their manager by aligning on shared goals and strategies.
- Support organisational success through exceptional administrative and secretarial expertise.
- Develop greater self-confidence and foster a proactive, positive mindset.
- Strengthen communication skills to improve professional interactions and relationships
DAY 1
Introduction to the Executive PA Role
- Understanding your role as an Executive PA, Secretary, and Executive Secretary
- Key competencies for excellence and performance expectations
- Defining management and achieving results through collaboration
- Building a strong working relationship with your manager
- Communication Skills:
- Defining effective communication and understanding why it often fails
- The impact of verbal and non-verbal behavior
- Practical exercises and role-playing to improve communication skills
- Video: Communication in action
DAY 2
Enhancing Core Skills
- Conversation Skills:
- Active listening and questioning techniques for effective conversations
- Strategies for achieving win-win outcomes
- Time Management:
- Dispelling common myths and understanding the realities of time management
- Setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and meeting deadlines
- Sharing best practices for time management with colleagues
- Planning and Prioritizing:
- Implementing systems to strengthen credibility and build confidence
- Case study and hands-on exercises for practical learning
DAY 3
Building Strong Relationships and Problem-Solving
- Interpersonal Skills:
- Developing effective interpersonal relationships at work
- Motivating and influencing people to drive success
- The importance of self-motivation for personal and professional growth
- Key factors for high achievement in your role
- Problem-Solving:
- Approaching and solving problems in everyday work situations
- Projecting the Right Image:
- First impressions, appearance, attitude, and approach
- Establishing rapport with others to build strong connections
- Acting as the organization’s ambassador
- Case study and video: Real-world scenarios and tips
DAY 4
Mastering Meeting Skills
- Understanding the Purpose of Meetings:
- Setting clear objectives and defining expected outcomes
- Creating a “shipping list” to ensure all necessary topics are covered
- Effective communication and presenting your case
- The role of the facilitator in guiding productive meetings
- Understanding the difference between “Process” and “Content”
- Group dynamics and skills required for effective facilitation
- Advanced Meeting Skills:
- Staying neutral and handling difficult situations professionally
- Developing mental resilience and being firm without causing upset
- Understanding the emotional cycle of change and how to navigate it
- Catalytic skills for stimulating productive discussions and interventions
- Establishing ground rules and using problem-solving techniques
- The mastery ladder: Evolving from a participant to an expert facilitator
- Video: Effective meeting management in action
- Hands-on exercise to reinforce learning
DAY 5
Taking Responsibility and Working Together
- Accepting Responsibility:
- Identifying specific activities and setting clear objectives
- Recognizing and addressing specific training needs
- Managing deadlines and giving/receiving effective feedback
- Working Better Together:
- Encouraging teamwork and collaboration among colleagues
- Understanding diverse work styles and increasing emotional intelligence
- Self-Development:
- Challenges and opportunities for professional growth as a PA
- Preparing for performance appraisals and feedback sessions
- Creating an action plan for ongoing self-improvement
