How to Be an Exceptional Executive Assistant - Part One

Many will agree that working as an Executive Assistant in not an easy job. It takes more than basic administrative skills and duties. An Executive Assistant is also a counselor, organizer, glue and the back-up brain to the executive. I have been an Executive Assistant for many years to a business owner who is anal, eccentric and mentally aggravating, but I have learned many valuable skills from him that contribute to my success today. In this 2 part article I will teach you the unspoken skills you need to acquire to master the role of Executive Assistant.

Monster.com describes the job title of Executive Assistant as follows:
"Relieves the executive of administrative type functions in order to increase the time an executive has available for executive level responsibilities. May handle a wide variety of situations and conflicts involving the clerical and administrative function of the office. Responsible for confidential and time sensitive material. Prepares routine and advanced correspondence including letters, memoranda, and reports. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Typically reports to an executive. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected."

Being a first-rate Executive Assistant requires a lot of focus, drive and skill. This is not just any simple administrative job. Many times people will go into the job thinking that it is easy and they mostly fail because they are not prepared for what the job entails. When thrust into the Executive Assistant position you need to realize that everything you do is for the benefit of the executive you are assisting. When you make him look good, you will look good.

Here are 5 keys to being an exceptional Executive Assistant:

Be Organized