Skills for the Administrative Assistant

Work is not the only thing that matters in life, but most of us want to take pride in what we do. While we don’t have to like the people we work with, or report to, at the very least we should be able to interact positively with them. The biggest influence on our job satisfaction is our relationship with others.

Our work should not be a burden to us and our offices shouldn’t be battlefields. We are human beings working with other human beings. This three-day workshop is about working to the best of your abilities, and encouraging the best in those who work with you, or for you.

• Understand the importance of professional presence on the job.
• How to self-manage to become more effective and efficient.
• Improved communications skills, including listening, questioning, and being more assertive.
• Increased effectiveness in recognizing and managing conflict, and dealing with difficult people.

We will spend the first part of the day getting to know other participants and discussing what will take place during the workshop. Students will also have an opportunity to identify their personal learning objectives.

To begin, participants will discuss what affects a first impression, and how they can improve their first impression.

One part of making a good impression is to become so comfortable with who you are that you can forget about you and concentrate on the other person. During this session, participants will explore ways to do this.

Participants will explore types of distorted thinking through a case study and large group discussion.

This session will give participants a three-step process to turn negative thinking and emotions around.

Next, participants will learn what a leader’s role is in a team, and how to lead them through a discussion to reach an agreement point.

Next, participants will explore how they can become more assertive in difficult situations.

In this session, participants will discuss different forms of communication and common barriers to understanding.

During this session, participants will learn about two key elements to verbal communication: asking questions and listening.

Next, participants will learn about various types of non-verbal communication and their possible interpretations.

This session will look at how to improve written communication, including using the four C’s, punctuating properly, editing, and proofreading.

Two main components of getting ahead in the workplace are identifying what you want, and helping others to get what they want. This session will look at both of those concepts.

This session will give participants some tools to help them improve themselves, including establishing rituals, time management, organization, and planning.

Next, participants will set some goals using the SPIRIT format.

Administrative assistants are often a key part of a workplace team. This session will explore some of the benefits and challenges of working as a team.

This session will give participants two tools to deal with difficult people: blending and redirecting.

Next, participants will learn about some formulas for saying no. They will then have an opportunity to practice these formulas in a role play and case study.

To conclude the workshop, participants will learn some easy relaxation techniques.

At the end of the course, students will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss key points learned.