The role of an executive assistant has evolved dramatically over time, starting as a simpler administrative function to now being deeply involved in high level business tasks and strategic decisions. The invention of AI and the advancement of technology has further shaped the role into what we see it as today. To thrive in the current, dynamic, and ever-changing environment we must keep up to date, build a strong personal brand and manage our own reputations.
Your personal brand represents who you are, how you work and what you bring to your team and the wider organisation. Support roles are more visible in organisations now, so it is important to craft a brand that highlights your professionalism, expertise and most importantly what makes you unique.
There are 5 key steps to consider:
1. Build you brand
2. Advocate for yourself and your role
3. Position yourself as indispensable
4. Manage your reputation
5. Grow your credibility and influence
Building your brand doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time, effort and consistency. Start by understanding what sets you apart and play to your strengths. Be consistent in everything you do, from the way you dress, to the actions you perform. It takes all the pieces of the puzzle to make the full picture. To be successful in your role you must leverage your networks, build relationships, connect with colleagues and showcase your skills and expertise.
Advocating for yourself isn’t always easy. Track your success, so when asked you can clearly and eloquently explain with tangible examples. Seek growth opportunities, the more you can develop and demonstrate your expertise the faster you can position yourself as a proactive team member who is invested in the wider companies’ success. Speak up for yourself when you have ideas or solutions, vocalise them, be confident in your abilities!
One way to really enhance your personal brand is by making yourself an indispensable team member. Be the one that anticipates people’s needs, stays two steps ahead and always manages conflicting priorities with ease. Problem solving is our bread and butter…. the better you get at fixing issues, managing a crisis and resolving the dreaded diary clash, the more respect you will get from colleagues and external stakeholders. Our roles cannot be done on a solo basis, we need to leverage our networks, lean on colleagues and know who to turn to for that out of the box request! If you build strong relationships, you will be able to perform better, then by default your personal brand benefits too!
As an Assistant our reputation is closely tied to the success of the executives we support. Our roles are becoming more visible, and so it is imperative we stay professional under pressure. Whatever stresses you are feeling internally must outwardly be visible as calm and collected……we like to call it the swan like approach in the EST10 office! Be reliable and consistent . If you always deliver and follow through on commitments, you will quickly become trusted and relied upon. Maintaining integrity and holding yourself to high standards will form the foundations of your reputation.
To solidify your reputation, look to take on leadership responsibilities. Our roles are often not leadership roles, but that doesn’t stop us leading a project, mentoring someone more junior or taking charge in a crisis! On the same note, be visible. Attend those non-compulsory meetings, volunteer for projects, put your hand up. The more you do this the more opportunities you have to showcase your expertise and make meaningful contributions. Finally, seek feedback. This is important for so many reasons. Without feedback (and actioning it of course!) we can easily stagnate and not push ourselves to improve further.
An executive assistant’s role is dynamic and highly visible. By positioning yourself as an essential contributor, managing your reputation carefully, and building influence, you can not only succeed in your role but also create opportunities for growth and advancement.
