The Proactive Assistant: 2 Day Development Programme

The PA role is definitely no longer the reactive “tea and typing” of the old days. It has evolved over recent years and Assistants now need a wide range of skills and attributes.
Full day

Overview

The evolving role of the Assistant means that an EA/PA is an emotionally intelligent leader. They do the same job as their Executive and have the same objectives, they simply do different tasks to achieve those objectives.

They are no longer the typists sitting at their desk awaiting instructions as in the past. To excel in this role the proactive PA needs a wide range of skills and attributes. This highly interactive and discussion based two day course will prepare each PA to excel in their specific roles. They will leave with their own personal action plan to ensure their continuing development and the success of their organisation.

What you'll learn

Day One

  • Importance of the role
    • Define the importance of the PA role
  • Communications, confidence, assertiveness
    • Understand the importance of communication skills
    • Appreciate the barriers to confidence and learn methods to exude confidence
    • Prepare techniques to speak and react assertively at all levels
  • The impact and potential benefits of organisational change
    • Explain reasons organisations have to change
    • Understand the impact this change may have on colleagues and yourself
    • Learn how to adapt and be flexible
    • Benefit from change
  • Release yourself from limiting beliefs
    • Understand the causes of limiting beliefs
    • Turn those limiting beliefs into empowering beliefs
    • Set goals
  • Understand people's different behaviours and learn techniques to influence, negotiate and lead
    • Learn why people behave differently.. and not always predictably
    • Find out your working style
    • Understand how to influence others and negotiate
    • Become a leader
  • Action plan 1 - put together your personal action plan to implement on your return to work

Day two

  • Recap on day 1
  • Project management
    • Learn techniques to plan projects successfully
    • Plan a project
  • Chair meetings and create excellent minutes
    • Ensure meetings are chaired efficiently
    • Learn how to prepare to take minutes
    • Take effective notes
    • Create professional minutes
  • Successful presentations
    • Learn how to prepare a presentation - practical tips and techniques for delivering engaging presentations and overcoming nerves. Please note you won't be asked to deliver a presentation on the course.
  • Action plan 2 - put together your personal action plan to implement on your return to work

Who is it for?

This course is aimed at experienced PAs, EAs, senior secretaries and office managers who want to add to their existing portfolio of skills.

Your facilitator

Heather Baker
Heather Baker FInstAM

Following 22 years as a secretary and then PA, Heather started training in 2000 to inspire PAs, EAs and administrators to excel. She travels the world enabling Office Professionals to find ways to work efficiently and effectively leading to the success of their organisations. As well as PA/EA masterclasses, she offers Administrative Workshops, Minute Taking, Business Writing and Speedwriting training; groups or one to ones. All her session are offered online too.

She is the author of four Amazon top ten selling books, a certified NLP practitioner, winner of numerous local and national awards and the creator of the BakerWrite speedwriting system. Her training programmes are CPD certified and endorsed by the Institute of Administrative Management.

She is a proud supporter of Isipho Admin in South Africa, a Prince's Trust business mentor and a Fellow of the Institute of Administrative Management.

Feedback

I really enjoyed this course and found the information to be very relevant. The trainer's knowledge and experience really helped and encouraged interactive discussions. Thank you Heather and The Hub Events.
Really enjoyable
Excellent. Engaging and held my attention throughout. It encouraged me to self evaluate and feel empowered at what I can do. A must do course with lots of very helpful tips.
Department Secretarial Manager
Brilliant tutor, engaging, motivating and knowledgeable. This course restores belief of how important PA's are.
EA to Group HR Director
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London
Day 1
09/04/25 9:30 - 16:00
Day 2
10/04/25 9:30 - 16:00
£1,099.00 (ex VAT)
Book