Who Should Attend?

This course would ideally suit those currently working as a PA (Personal Assistant), or an executive secretary. It would also be beneficial for staff looking for promotion from an administrative role, to a more senior level.

About the Programme

For most organizations, the most valuable resource is executive performance. The PA takes responsibility for much of the organization and coordination of an office. It is a task which calls for excellent planning skills, the ability to solve problems, tact, discretion, and effective communication skills. The good PA makes an enormous contribution to executive effectiveness and requires numerous professional skills to be successful in this role.

Course Objectives

• To develop the skills and attributes of a highly effective PA
• To enhance the productivity of the manager / team and ensure the smooth running of the department
• To plan, organize, and manage time more effectively
• To communicate confidently and effectively with both colleagues and customers
• To deal with the additional pressures if you are working for more than one person
• To deal effectively with difficult people and situations
• To ensure the telephone is answered in a professional and confident manner

What You Will Gain

• An ability to organize yourself, your boss and your team
• A clear understanding of what it takes to be an effective PA
• How to plan and prioritise time and activities
• How to communicate successfully with colleagues and customers
• To understand the importance of being a proactive person
• Improved knowledge of working effectively with colleagues and your boss
• Practical skills which can easily be applied to the office environment
• A clear understanding of how to use the telephone correctly in your organization

Programme Contents

DAY ONE

• Roles & Responsibilities Of A PA
• Skills & Qualities Of An Effective PA
• Ensuring The Smooth Running Of The Office
  > Dealing With The In-Tray
  > Managing Your Filing
• Building Effective Relationships
• Managing Your Boss
• Stressful Or Conflict Situations At Work

DAY TWO

• Effective Planning
  > Some Helpful Tools
  > The 'Bring Forward' File
  > Analysing Your Priorities
  > An Efficient Daily To-Do List
  > Managing Interruptions
• Travel Arrangements
• Effective Communication
• Being Assertive
• An Introduction To Business Writing
  > Some Tips For Clear Writing
  > Beginnings & Endings For Business Correspondence
• Telephone Etiquette - The Basics

2 Days - Non-Residential

Delegate spaces available on the following course dates: