Ten fatal mistakes Executive Assistants (still) make

Adam Fidler, founder of Adam Fidler Academy, draws attention to the top ten mistakes that
EAs need to avoid. Don’t feel offended as he urges you to use this as a development tool and
take a self-critical approach to your EA career.

LACK OF WRITING SKILLS

Developing the ability to write, and draft documents takes time, practice and confidence. The best Assistants I’ve seen are good writers; they not only format a document for their Executive, but write it.

MISUSE OF APOSTROPHES

Too many EAs can’t use an apostrophe correctly. Apostrophes are never used for plurals; only to show omission or belonging. That means when you write EAs, meaning more than one, we don’t type it as ‘EA’s’. Whether you’re writing about ten or twenty EAs, notice no apostrophe is needed.

UNABLE TO THINK STRATEGICALLY

EAs are naturally able to think operationally, and even tactically – but they also need to think strategically and see the bigger picture. Taking that helicopter view is also essential for supporting your Executive more broadly.

POOR SELF-PERCEPTION

The way we see ourselves has a direct correlation on how others see us. If you view yourself as a secretary or low-level admin, then that’s how others will see you and how they will behave towards you.

STAYING WITHIN THE EA BUBBLE

It’s amazing how many EAs are happy to stay within traditional expectations, and don’t want to look outside of their role. What else are you offering and doing, above and beyond admin?

BEING PASSIVE

Let’s not get this mixed up with being diplomatic or having a pleasing personality. Too much sitting on the fence, not saying boo to a goose, nor having an opinion, really steals your credibility.

HAVING A FIXED MINDSET

Being agile and adaptable are the hallmarks of a solid EA. Success is about being open-minded to try new things, and even if you fail, you bounce back and keep trying.

PLAYING THE GATEKEEPER (BECAUSE YOU THINK THAT’S HOW SENIOR EAS NEED TO BE)

If you aren’t approachable, or the answer is always ‘No’, how does that foster collaboration and team spirit? In the words of Peggy Grande, former EA to President Ronald Reagan, “I was never a gatekeeper, but a gateway”.

USING DEMEANING DESCRIPTORS TO DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE

If you describe yourself as a rockstar or super-hero, even in jest, why do you expect anyone to take you seriously? For a better definition, see my EA Manifesto: What I Am.

LACK OF PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

It’s a real shame so many EAs lack qualifications. Most EAs (in the UK) are qualified to Level 3 at best – but the industry is now asking for Level 4 qualifications as a minimum. A training course is great, but nothing beats getting a formal qualification under your belt.

You can see more from Adam Fidler Academy here.

Read also how to futureproof your EA/PA role with the help of Adam Fidler Academy.