The Senior Secretary Advancement Program

Introduction:

Being a senior secretary is crucial, serving as a vital link and fostering strong relationships with top management. This role requires a deep understanding of executive responsibilities while maintaining harmony with the executive team.

This Senior Secretary Advancement Program course aims to strengthen that connection, significantly enhancing performance and earning the respect of superiors and managers. The program is designed to refine and upgrade your skills, ensuring you continue to excel in this influential role given your current capabilities.

Objectives:

• Develop effective self-management of yourself, subordinates, colleagues, and superiors
• Enhance key competencies and managerial aspects of your role
• Build trust in your abilities through assertiveness and effective communication
• Apply time management tools with precision
• Increase memory retention abilities
• Foster self-motivation and team motivation
• Promote continual development through performance assessment

Training Methodology:

• Interactive Workshops
• Case Studies
• Role-Playing Exercises
• Group Discussions
• Skill-Based Simulations
• Self-Assessment Tools
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Peer Feedback Sessions
• Reflective Journals

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Defining and Developing the Role

• The executive PA’s partnership with management
• Differentiating roles, responsibilities, authority, and busting stereotypes
• Expanding your role to take on more responsibilities
• Enhancing job scope and managerial skills
• Overcoming barriers to success
• Understanding personalities and related behavior issues

Unit 2: Effective Communication

• Networking and relating to others effectively
• Making Your Presence Felt
• Building Relations with Your Boss/Supervisor
• Improving Communication Skills
• Negotiating, influencing, persuading, and delegating (Consensus exercise: individual/team/group)

Unit 3: Developing Confidence

• Showing initiative and good judgment
• Constructive ways to say ‘no’ to requests
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Understanding team dynamics and improving interpersonal interactions
• Presentation competencies related to video
• Exploring various team-building exercises

Unit 4: Developing and Improving Key Skills

• Growing self-confidence in assertive communication
• Applying time management principles in practice
• Focusing, thinking, and making decisions under stress
• Managing conflicts and improving focus under pressure
• Enhancing memory retention
• Exploring video examples of conflict management

Unit 5: Getting Results

• Leveraging motivation strategies for success
• Self-directedness for yourself, juniors, and superiors
• Achieving results through others
• Managing stress and change effectively
• Measuring performance against objectives, standards, and responsibilities
• Detailing pre-planned development
• Understanding and creating an action plan