“Executive PA Skills Training for the Modern Workplace” 

Training Objectives:

This structured five-day training ensures Executive Administrative Assistants gain both technical and soft skills to thrive in the digital workplace while effectively managing different leadership styles. 

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Practice advanced administration techniques to effectively run the office of a senior manager
• Develop excellent relationships with the manager to maximize productivity
• Acquire modern communication concepts and strategies to facilitate work flow
• Apply professional business writing techniques in e-mails
• List the main causes of stress and prepare an action plan to keep them under control
• Prepare and organize a professional meeting, write its agenda and take minutes accurately
• Demonstrate professional skills in serving internal and external customers effectively
• Provide full support to stakeholders in order to enhance the success of the business
• Apply emotional intelligence to foster excellent business relationships both laterally and vertically
• Harness modern communication concepts and strategies to facilitate work flow
• Use the main functions of management to build and maintain different organizing systems that will lead to increased productivity
• Demonstrate professional skills in using creativity, servinginternal customers, and managing stress

  

Target Competencies

• Personal drive
• Building relationships
• Interpersonal communication
• Business writing
• Handling stress
• Organizing meetings
• Service orientation
• Forward thinking
• Emotional control
• Image building

Day 1: The Role of an Executive Administrative Assistant in the Digital Age 

 Morning Session: 

Introduction to the Evolving Role of an Executive Assistant 

  – Key responsibilities in a digital workplace 

  – The shift from traditional to tech-savvy administrative support 

Essential Digital Tools for Executive Assistants 

  – Overview of productivity software (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace) 

  – Cloud storage and file management (OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox) 

 Afternoon Session: 

– Effective Communication in a Hybrid Work Environment 

  – Professional email etiquette 

  – Virtual meeting best practices (Zoom, Microsoft Teams) 

– Understanding Different Types of Bosses *(Subtopic)* 

  – The micromanager vs. the hands-off leader 

  – How to adapt to different leadership styles 

  – Strategies for managing up effectively 

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Day 2: Mastering Productivity & Time Management Tools 

 Morning Session: 

– Advanced Calendar & Schedule Management 

  – Scheduling tools (Calendly, Microsoft Bookings) 

  – Handling multiple executive calendars 

-Task & Project Management Apps 

  – Trello, Asana, and Microsoft To-Do for workflow optimization 

 Afternoon Session: 

– Automation for Efficiency 

  – Introduction to AI-powered tools (ChatGPT, Zapier) 

  – Automating repetitive tasks (email filters, templates) 

Executive PA and his boss

– Handling Priorities & Deadlines 

  – Eisenhower Matrix for task prioritization 

Day 3: Digital Communication & Professional Branding 

 Morning Session: 

 Professional Online Presence 

  – LinkedIn optimization for Executive Assistants 

  – Building a personal brand in a corporate setting 

Virtual Collaboration Best Practices 

  – Managing remote teams and stakeholders

 Afternoon Session: 

Handling Difficult Conversations & Conflict Resolution

  – Diplomacy in digital communications 

  – Managing misunderstandings in emails and chats 

Working with Different Types of Bosses (Deep Dive) (Subtopic) 

  – The visionary vs. the detail-oriented executive 

  – How to anticipate needs based on leadership style 

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Day 4: Data Management & Cybersecurity Awareness 

 Morning Session: 

Handling Confidential Information Securely 

  – Best practices for data privacy (GDPR basics) 

  – Secure file-sharing methods 

Basic Cybersecurity for Executive Assistants 

  – Recognizing phishing scams 

  – Password management tools (LastPass, 1Password) 

 Afternoon Session: 

Introduction to Data Analytics for Decision Support 

  – Basic Excel/Google Sheets for reporting 

  – Visualizing data for executives (Power BI, Tableau basics) 

A male Exective PA at work at an office in Lagos

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 Day 5: Advanced Skills & Career Growth 

 Morning Session: 

Event & Travel Management in the Digital Age 

  – Tools for booking and itinerary management (TripIt, Expensify) 

  – Virtual event coordination (Webex, Hopin) 

Emotional Intelligence & Workplace Adaptability 

  – Managing stress in a fast-paced environment 

 Afternoon Session: 

Career Advancement for Executive Assistants 

  – Upskilling for leadership roles 

  – Networking and mentorship opportunities 

– Final Workshop: Handling Different Bosses with Confidence (Subtopic)

  – Role-playing scenarios with various executive styles 

  – Personalized action plans for success 

 Course Wrap-Up & Certification 

– Q&A Session 

– Feedback & Next Steps