How Executive Assistants Can Leverage AI To Up Their Game

Artificial Intelligence is not here to steal the job of EAs. Learn how to leverage AI to up your game and support your career growth.

You have read articles on how Artificial Intelligence will replace Executive Assistants, haven’t you? Everywhere you turn, there are whispers about it taking over our jobs. But is it really so? Are we all doomed to see our profession be extinct? Or can we leverage AI to take our career to the next level?

If you follow me on LinkedIn, you’ve probably noticed that I favor innovation and continuous learning. So why not giving GenAI a try to see it for yourself? If you’re still at the starting line with AI, you’re in for an exciting journey!

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Kickstarting Your AI Journey

Curiosity is your best friend here.

Start small. Platforms like ChatGPT or Bard are perfect for beginners. Just throw in simple questions and see how it works.

Don’t fret if you’re not a “tech-savvy;” these platforms are built for everyone. The trick? Engage, learn, and iterate. Don’t get disheartened by unexpected answers and ‘hallucinations’. Embrace them and move on.

Safety tip! Always be wary of sharing personal or sensitive information with AI platforms, especially the free ones. You don’t go out there sharing your passwords, do you? 

What Can AI Do For Us, EAs?

To help me help you, I posed ChatGPT the following question:

Hey ChatGPT, any pro-tips for us EAs to skyrocket our career growth, please?

Note that I didn’t ask about Artificial Intelligence itself. What I asked ChatGPT was ways we, Executive Assistants, could up our game to develop our career.

Here’s the list:

• Skill Boosters
• Networking
• Being Two Steps Ahead
• Never Stop Learning
• Staying Updated
• The ‘Human’ Touch

Skill Boosters

• Tech Mastery: Get acquainted with tools your organization uses. Dive into Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or even project management softwares like Asana.
• Time Management: Sharpen your time management skills. Tools like time-block calendars or the Eisenhower Box technique can be game-changers.
• Communication Skills: Words are powerful. Engage in courses or workshops that refine your written and spoken communication.

Go to list.

Networking

• Industry Events: Attend webinars, seminars, and conferences. Knowledge is power, after all.
• Peer Groups: Join professional groups or associations for EAs to meet peers and exchange tips and experiences.

Go to list.

Being Two Steps Ahead

• Anticipate Needs: Train yourself to anticipate your manager’s needs. This will set you apart as an indispensable asset. It’s like mind-reading, but cooler.
• Problem-Solving: When you encounter a problem, present it to your manager with a list of possible solutions. This demonstrates initiative and forethought.

Go to list.

Never Stop Learning

• Certification Programs: Invest in courses or certifications specific to Executive Assistants to boost your credentials.
• Online Courses: Look for courses not only on to become better in what you do but also on topics such as conflict resolution and driving culture.

Go to list.

Staying Updated

• Industry News: Keep abreast of trends in your industry and within the executive assistance field.
• Newsletters Gems: Find some relevant newsletters that can keep you updated on industry trends and tips for EAs.

Go to list.

The ‘Human’ Touch

• Emotional Intelligence: Cultivate the ability to read the room and adapt your behavior accordingly. Emotional intelligence is key to navigating complex office dynamics.
• Stress Management: Learn techniques to handle stress, as the role of an EA can be demanding. Practices like mindfulness can be very helpful.

Go to list.

Next steps

Based on the list above, you can put together your career development plan. Select one of two items to invest in first. Then, you can continue the conversation by asking for suggestions on the next steps.

If you use Bing, you can request recommendations and it will provide you with links, facilitating your research. Easy, isn’t it?

If you want to check some of my favorite AI tools, please read my blog post How To BUILD A Future-Proof Skill Set. And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me on LinkedIn. We can continue the conversation there.