long term professional goals for executive assistant essay

Executive Assistant Professional Goals

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Why Every Executive Assistant Should Have Goals

Different types of career goals for executive assistants, administrative excellence goals, interpersonal and communication goals, strategic partnership goals, professional development and advancement goals, technology and innovation goals, what makes a good career goal for a executive assistant , career goal criteria for executive assistants, mastery of organizational skills.

• Implement Advanced Filing Systems
• Refine Calendar Management
• Optimize Meeting Coordination

Advanced Communication Proficiency

• Master Executive Correspondence
• Refine Active Listening Skills
• Enhance Diplomatic Tactfulness

Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving

• Master Calendar Management
• Enhance Executive Communication
• Develop Proactive Mindset

Technological and Digital Proficiency

• Master Key Software Suites
• Adopt Efficient Communication Tools
• Leverage CRM and Project Management Platforms

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12 Professional Goal Examples for Executive Assistants

Enhance time management and organization skills, expand proficiency in advanced technology tools, cultivate executive-level communication, develop financial management competencies, strengthen leadership and decision-making abilities, achieve a professional certification, build a robust professional network, master the art of discretion and confidentiality, enhance event planning and coordination skills, improve problem-solving and critical thinking, pursue advanced education in a relevant field, advocate for administrative process improvements, career goals for executive assistants at difference levels, setting career goals as an entry-level executive assistant, setting career goals as a mid-level executive assistant, setting career goals as a senior-level executive assistant, leverage feedback to refine your professional goals, utilizing constructive criticism to sharpen administrative expertise, incorporating customer insights to elevate service excellence, leveraging performance reviews for strategic career planning, goal faqs for executive assistants, how frequently should executive assistants revisit and adjust their professional goals, can professional goals for executive assistants include soft skill development, how do executive assistants balance long-term career goals with immediate project deadlines, how can executive assistants ensure their goals align with their company's vision and objectives.

What is a Executive Assistant?

More Professional Goals for Related Roles

Driving office efficiency, ensuring smooth operations and supporting executive needs

Driving executive success through efficient organization and strategic administrative support

Supporting executive efficiency, managing schedules and facilitating smooth operations

Steering office operations, ensuring efficiency and productivity in a dynamic environment

Managing schedules and tasks, ensuring smooth operations for executives and teams

Empowering businesses remotely, managing tasks and streamlining operations efficiently

Career Goals for Executive Assistants

• Last Updated: September 25, 2023

As an Executive Assistant (EA), your role is dynamic and influential, providing vital support to top-level executives. While you’re busy managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling various tasks, it’s essential to remember that your career path can be just as fulfilling and purposeful. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the art of setting and achieving career goals for Executive Assistants, empowering you to take your professional journey to new heights.

Section 1: The Importance of Career Goals

Section 2: short-term vs. long-term goals, section 3: the smart goal framework, section 4: skill enhancement and professional development, section 5: advancing within the ea hierarchy, section 6: diversifying your career path, section 7: personal growth and work-life balance.

Framing Your Path

Setting career goals is like charting a course on a vast sea. Without a clear destination, you may find yourself drifting aimlessly. Career goals provide direction and purpose, allowing you to focus your efforts and energy on meaningful objectives.

For Executive Assistants, goals can be the compass that guides your professional development. They help you stay motivated, measure your progress, and define the milestones you aim to reach. Whether you’re just starting your career or seeking to advance, setting clear career goals is the first step to success.

Balancing the Present and the Future

When it comes to setting career goals, it’s crucial to distinguish between short-term and long-term objectives. Short-term goals are those you hope to achieve in the near future, often within a year or two. Long-term goals, on the other hand, are your aspirations for the more distant future, usually spanning several years.

For Executive Assistants, short-term goals might include mastering a new software tool, improving time management skills, or taking on additional responsibilities in your current role. Long-term goals could involve advancing to a higher-level EA position, pursuing leadership roles within the organization, or even transitioning to a specialized role like Chief of Staff. By balancing short-term achievements with long-term aspirations, you create a well-rounded career path.

Setting Goals with Precision

To maximize your chances of achieving your career goals, consider adopting the SMART goal framework. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When you apply these criteria to your goals, they become clearer and more actionable.

Specific goals are well-defined and leave no room for ambiguity. Measurable goals include clear criteria for success, allowing you to track your progress. Achievable goals are realistic and attainable within your current circumstances. Relevant goals align with your career aspirations and the needs of your organization. Time-bound goals have a set deadline, creating a sense of urgency and accountability.

For example, a SMART career goal for an Executive Assistant might be: “Within the next 12 months, I will complete a project management certification (specific and measurable) to enhance my ability to handle complex tasks (achievable and relevant) and increase my chances of securing a mid-level EA position (time-bound).”

The Continuous Learning Journey

In the rapidly evolving business world, staying competitive and effective as an EA requires ongoing skill enhancement and professional development. Consider setting career goals related to skill acquisition, such as learning new software programs, improving your financial acumen, or mastering data analysis.

Additionally, explore opportunities for certifications or courses that can enhance your expertise. Many organizations offer financial support or resources for professional development. By aligning your career goals with skill enhancement, you position yourself as a more valuable asset to your organization and open doors to new career opportunities.

Scaling New Heights

For many EAs, career progression involves moving up the EA hierarchy. If you’re currently in an entry-level or mid-level position, consider setting goals to advance to higher roles within your organization. This could include becoming a Senior Executive Assistant , managing a team of EAs, or even aiming for the coveted Chief of Staff position.

To achieve these goals, seek out mentorship, demonstrate leadership skills, and consistently deliver outstanding performance. Networking within your organization and industry can also help you identify opportunities for advancement and receive guidance from those who have successfully climbed the EA ladder.

Exploring New Horizons

Career goals for Executive Assistants don’t have to be limited to traditional EA roles. If you have a passion for a specific area, such as project management, event planning, or HR, consider setting goals to transition into specialized roles within your organization.

Diversifying your career path can provide fresh challenges and a unique perspective that can benefit your organization. It’s an opportunity to leverage your existing skills and knowledge in a different context. Setting goals for career diversification can reinvigorate your professional journey and open doors to exciting possibilities.

Balancing the Scales

While setting and achieving career goals is essential, it’s equally important to prioritize personal growth and work-life balance. Career success should align with your overall well-being and happiness. Consider setting goals related to self-care, stress management, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Personal growth goals can involve improving your communication skills, enhancing your emotional intelligence, or developing leadership qualities. Striking a balance between personal and professional aspirations ensures that you continue to thrive both in your career and in life outside of work.

As an Executive Assistant, your career journey is an ongoing adventure filled with opportunities for growth and fulfillment. By setting clear, SMART career goals, you can navigate your path with purpose and intention. Whether you aim to climb the EA hierarchy, diversify your career, or strike a balance between personal and professional growth, your goals will be the compass that guides you to success.

Remember that setting and achieving career goals is a dynamic process. As you progress, your goals may evolve, and that’s perfectly normal. Stay committed to your aspirations, adapt to changes in your environment, and embrace the journey of continuous growth and achievement.

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SMART Goals for Executive Assistants: Guide + Examples

• July 24, 2024

Think about how much smoother everything could be if you and your executive assistant were on the same page. You’d both know exactly what needs to be done, and your EA could prioritize tasks and anticipate your needs better. And it all starts with setting clear executive assistant goals. 

To help you with this, we’ll share 15 winning executive assistant goals you can set to boost their productivity. We’ll also discuss metrics you should track and how you can get started.

5 Must-Prio Executive Assistant Goals You Should Set

These 5 goals set a strong foundation, and prioritizing them will guarantee your EA performs at their best.

15 Most Important SMART Goals Every EA Should Set

Supercharge your executive assistant with these 15 vital SMART goals . Find out why they’re essential, how to get started, and the metrics that matter.

Skill Building

This focuses on improving your EA’s abilities. Developing these skills boosts their performance, effectiveness, and speed to get things done.

Getting Organized

1. organize and digitize all executive documents and files within the next 3 months.

When your EA organizes and digitizes all your documents, it improves your efficiency. Making every document just a click away saves up to 30% of the time typically spent searching for files. This reduces stress and increases productivity. 

In addition, digitizing files strengthens security since it guarantees better access control. Plus, this simplifies file sharing, allowing for faster decision-making. Overall, this is a game-changer for your workflow if your EA perfects this.

OKR/Metrics to Track

• Key Result 1 : Audit and categorize all existing documents and files within the first 2 weeks of taking on this goal.
• Key Result 2 : Digitize 50% of physical documents and files within the first 6 weeks.
• Key Result 3 : Implement a digital filing system with standardized naming conventions and folder structures within 2 months.
• Key Result 4 : Ensure 100% of documents and files are digitized, organized, and easily accessible by the end of 3 months.

How to Get Started

• Gather all physical and digital documents.
• Sort them into categories like financial, legal, operational, and personal.
• Create an inventory list to track the documents.
• Use a high-quality scanner to digitize physical documents.
• Scan documents in batches to guarantee clarity and readability.
• Save scanned documents in PDF format for easy access and searchability.
• Choose a reliable cloud storage solution (ex. Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).
• Set up a clear folder structure with consistent naming conventions (ex. financial, legal, operational).
• Establish a routine for regularly updating and maintaining digital files.
• Regularly back up digital files to prevent data loss.
• Set up access controls to make sure only authorized individuals can access sensitive documents.
• Schedule periodic reviews to keep the digital filing system organized and up-to-date.

2. Set up a new task management system to cut down executive task backlog by 30% in 6 months. 

A clear system prevents tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. With this, you and your EA can easily track progress, deadlines, and who the key players are per task. It also reduces the risk of tasks being overlooked.

Additionally, a task management system breaks down large projects into manageable steps. 

For example, launching a new product feature can be broken down into steps like:

• Key Result 1 : Research and select a task management system within 2 weeks.
• Key Result 2 : Identify and prioritize all pending tasks within 2 weeks of choosing a system.
• Key Result 3 : Migrate 100% of current tasks into the new system within the first 6 weeks.
• Key Result 4 : Reduce the task backlog by at least 5% monthly for 6 months.
• Identify the needs and goals for a task management system. For example, if you need a simple, mobile-friendly tool for smaller-scale tasks, use Todoist .
• Research popular systems and read reviews to create a shortlist.
• Schedule a demo, if available, for each product on the shortlist.
• Choose a system that fits your budget and requirements.
• List all pending tasks across projects.
• Categorize tasks by urgency and importance (ex. high-priority, medium-priority, or low-priority).
• Set deadlines and assign priorities.
• Enter all identified tasks into the new system and input deadlines.
• Organize tasks into appropriate categories and projects (ex. marketing, sales, operations, and admin).
• Set reminders and notifications for deadlines.
• Conduct weekly check-ins to review task status.
• Adjust priorities and deadlines as needed.
• Track progress towards reducing the task backlog by at least 5% monthly.

Communicating Better

3. complete a professional communication course and start using new techniques to improve meeting coordination and emails within 6 months..

Improved meeting coordination guarantees everyone is on the same page. Similarly, better email skills make messages clear and concise, reducing back-and-forth exchanges. This reduces misunderstandings and saves everyone time and effort. Investing in communications skills also builds your EA’s confidence and professionalism. 

• Key Result 1 : Research, select, and enroll in a professional communication course within 1 month.
• Key Result 2 : Complete the communication course within 3 to 4 months of starting.
• Key Result 3 : Implement new email techniques within one month of course completion.
• Key Result 4 : Improve meeting coordination using new strategies within 1 month of completing the course.
• Look for reputable online courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera .
• Review each module’s content or lesson to see what will be taught.
• Check reviews and ratings to guarantee quality.
• Determine how many hours per week the course will require until completion.
• Look into whether it’s free or paid. If it’s the latter, you or the company should pay for it. 
• Sign up and complete the registration process.
• Mark course dates on the calendar.
• Prepare any required materials in advance.
• Attend all sessions and engage in discussions.
• Take detailed notes on key techniques.
• Ask questions to clarify any doubts.
• Tell your EA to implement what they learn in daily tasks.
• Start applying techniques to emails, like adding bullet points for clarity.
• Gradually use new skills in meeting coordination.
• Track improvements in communication efficiency.
• Seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors.
• Adjust techniques as needed for better results.

4. Hold monthly feedback sessions with you, the executive, to enhance communication and fine-tune support strategies.

Regular feedback helps identify what’s working and what needs improvement. It lets your EA adjust their approach in real time. Plus, addressing issues promptly prevents them from becoming bigger problems. These sessions also create a safe space for the EA to voice concerns or suggestions.

Here are the do’s and don’t of feedback :

• Key Result 1 : Schedule and hold the first feedback session within the first 30 days.
• Key Result 2 : Document and review key points from all feedback sessions.
• Key Result 3 : Make at least one improvement based on feedback within 2 weeks after each session.
• Key Result 4 : Achieve a 20% improvement in communication efficiency within 3 months. Look at reduced email response times to measure this.
• Key Result 5 : Increase the executive’s overall satisfaction with support strategies by 25% within 3 months. Use satisfaction surveys to measure results.
• Choose a recurring date and time each month.
• Block the time on your calendars.
• Make sure there are no conflicting commitments during the chosen slot.
• Create an agenda with key discussion points.
• Encourage your EA to list topics they want to discuss.
• Talks about past feedback and progress before each meeting.
• Then, start with a new agenda or discussion.
• Encourage open and honest feedback from both sides.
• Take notes during the session to record key insights.
• Highlight actionable items and areas for improvement.
• Tell your EA to share the meeting notes with you afterward.
• Set deadlines for implementing the changes discussed.
• Monitor progress on agreed-upon actions. For this, use a shared Google Sheet to list actions and update progress before each feedback session.
• Review the outcomes in the next feedback session.

Tech Know-How

5. learn a new project management tool (like asana or trello) by taking an online course and use it daily within 3 months..

These platforms organize tasks, set priorities, and track progress to boost your EA’s productivity. They help reduce missed deadlines and streamline communication. For your EA, taking an online course ensures proper use to maximize their benefits.

• Key Result 1 : Research and select an online course for Asana or Trello in less than 1 week.
• Key Result 2 : Complete the selected online course within 1 to 3 weeks.
• Key Result 3 : Implement daily use for the chosen tool within 1 week after completing the course.
• Key Result 4 : Achieve a 30% increase in task completion rate within 3 months of using the tool daily.
• Pick a tool based on your needs. For instance, Asana is better for larger projects and teams. For simpler, cost-effective project management, choose Trello.
• Choose an online course with good feedback and relevant content. 
• Check the details like fees, certifications, and how long it lasts.
• Enroll in the selected course within 1 week.
• Dedicate time each day to complete the course.
• Aim to finish the course within 1 to 3 weeks.
• Take notes on key features and best practices.
• Set up your account and explore the interface.
• Create sample projects to practice.
• Begin using the tool daily within 1 week of completing the course.
• Monitor task completion rates and overall productivity.
• Hold weekly check-ins to review progress.
• Adjust usage strategies based on what works best. For example, if organizing tasks by project in Trello speeds up workflow, keep doing it. If not, try organizing by deadline instead.

6. Master advanced Excel functions to make reporting easier, reaching proficiency within 4 months.

Your EA can create detailed, insightful reports if they are good at using Excel. It also reduces time spent on manual calculations and improves reporting accuracy and efficiency. Advanced Excel functions also make data analysis faster. These all support better decision-making.

For instance, if your EA achieves this, they can create quarterly sales reports in 2 hours instead of the usual 4. This speeds up your review process and sales strategy adjustments. 

• Key Result 1 : Enroll in an advanced Excel course within 1 week.
• Key Result 2 : Complete the Excel course or tutorial within 1 month of starting.
• Key Result 3 : Apply advanced Excel functions to at least 3 reports each week.
• Key Result 4 : Reduce reporting time by 25% at the end of the 4-month timeline.
• Research advanced Excel courses online or find quality YouTube tutorials.
• Choose resources with good reviews and relevant content.
• Enroll in a course or start watching tutorials within the first week.
• Schedule regular study sessions each week.
• Follow the course syllabus or tutorial playlist and complete all exercises.
• Aim to finish the course or tutorials within two months.
• Apply new Excel functions to real work tasks.
• Focus on functions like VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and macros.
• Create sample reports to practice these functions.
• Use advanced Excel skills in all relevant reports.
• Track time spent on creating reports before and after the course.
• Note improvements in efficiency and accuracy.
• Collect feedback and refine techniques for continuous improvement.

Productivity & Efficiency

Explore these goals to implement to streamline tasks and achieve peak performance.

7. Use time-blocking techniques to finish 90% of daily tasks within set time slots to improve efficiency in 2 months.

Time-blocking techniques increase focus and reduce multitasking. Plus, it helps your EA prioritize critical tasks and avoid distractions. Overall, these techniques create a structured workflow for higher productivity.

• Key Result 1 : Identify and categorize all daily tasks within the 1st week.
• Key Result 2 : Implement time-blocking for critical tasks within the first 2 weeks.
• Key Result 3 : Achieve a 20% reduction in task-related distractions within the 1st month, monitored using productivity apps like WorkTime .
• Key Result 4 : Improve task efficiency by 25% within 2 months, measured by time spent on each task.
• Key Result 5 : Achieve at least 90% daily task completion within set time slots for 2 months and beyond.
• List all daily tasks for a typical week.
• Categorize tasks by priority and urgency. For instance, categorize preparing daily reports as high-priority and organizing digital files as medium-priority.
• Allocate specific time slots for high-priority tasks.
• Combine similar or quick tasks into single time blocks to save time.
• Use a calendar app to schedule your time blocks like TickTick and SkedPal . 
• Set reminders for each time block to stay on track.
• Track completed tasks daily and note any distractions.
• Use productivity apps to measure focus and efficiency.
• Review progress at the end of each week.
• Adjust time blocks based on what worked and what didn’t.

8. Cut email response time to under an hour during business hours by setting up an email management system within 3 months.

Quick responses show professionalism, reliability, and better organization. An efficient system also reduces email backlogs and prevents important messages from getting lost. Plus, your EA’s prompt responses improve your reputation as an executive, as they represent you directly.

• Key Result 1 : Audit and categorize all existing emails within the first 2 weeks.
• Key Result 2 : Set up an email management system within the 1st month.
• Key Result 3 : Achieve a 50% email backlog reduction by the 2nd month’s end.
• Key Result 4 : Cut average email response time to under 1 hour during business hours within 3 months.
• Gather all existing emails from the inbox and folders.
• Sort them into categories like urgent, important, and routine.
• Use a spreadsheet to track the categorized emails.
• Enter each email’s subject, sender, and category.
• Note the date received and any follow-up actions needed.
• Choose an email management tool or software that fits your needs (e.g., Gmail and Microsoft Outlook).
• Configure the tool to sort incoming emails automatically.
• Set rules for prioritizing emails based on categories.
• Allocate specific time slots each day for handling emails.
• Dedicate separate time blocks for urgent, important, and routine emails.
• Set reminders to check and respond to emails within these time slots.
• Track email response times daily to make sure they are under one hour.
• Adjust the time blocks and rules based on the effectiveness. For example, if morning email blocks are more productive, shift more email tasks to that time.
• Review the system weekly to ensure continuous improvement.

9. Create and stick to a priority matrix to tackle high-impact tasks first, enhancing support for the executive within 6 months.

A priority matrix helps your EA focus on what truly matters and achieve more important goals faster. Additionally, prioritizing tasks improves time management and productivity. In 6 months, this results in better decision-making and support for you.

• Key Result 1 : Develop and implement a priority matrix within the 1st month.
• Key Result 2 : Achieve 80% adherence to the priority matrix by the end of the 2nd month.
• Key Result 3 : Complete 90% of high-impact tasks within their deadlines by the 4th month.
• Key Result 4 : Increase overall productivity by 40% within 6 months, measured by task completion rates and your feedback.
• Compile all tasks and projects done during a typical week.
• Identify tasks with the most significant impact on goals.
• Use the Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent and Important, Important but Not Urgent, Urgent but Not Important, Not Urgent and Not Important).
• Create a simple grid to organize these tasks visually.

• Schedule time blocks for high-impact tasks first.
• Allocate specific time slots for each category daily. For instance, block 9-11 AM for Urgent and Important and 4-5 PM for Not Urgent and Not Important.
• Use a spreadsheet to record and track the tasks completed each week.
• Note any adjustments needed for the matrix. 

Work-Life Balance

With work-life balance goals, your executive assistant can manage their time effectively and maintain productivity without burning out. 

10. Build a daily routine that includes 30 minutes of exercise and 15 minutes of meditation to stay healthy, starting now.

Regular exercise boosts energy and reduces stress. On the other hand, meditation enhances focus and mental clarity. Together, they help guarantee that your EA stays healthy (mentally and physically) and performs their best.

• Key Result 1 : Complete 30-minute exercises at least 5 days a week starting this month.
• Key Result 2 : Start practicing 15 minutes of meditation daily within this week.
• Key Result 3 : Track exercise and meditation sessions every day in a journal.
• Key Result 4 : Report increased energy and reduced stress levels after one month through a self-assessment survey.
• Choose a consistent time each day for exercise and meditation.
• Block out 45 minutes in the calendar for both activities.
• Set reminders or alarms.
• Tell your EA to select exercises they enjoy, like yoga or sit-ups.
• Gather necessary equipment, including workout clothes, a mat, or weights.
• Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
• Choose a meditation method, like guided sessions or silent meditation.
• Use a journal to record daily exercise and meditation sessions.
• Remind your EA to note how they feel before and after each session.

11. Set clear boundaries to stop work-related tasks after 7 PM on weekdays, achieving better work-life balance within 1 month.

A clear boundary prevents burnout and guarantees your EA has time to recharge. This balance improves focus and productivity during work hours since they’re well-rested. Plus, this also promotes mental health. With this routine, your partnership with the EA becomes more sustainable.

• Key Result 1 : Set a 7 PM cutoff for work tasks in the next 2 days.
• Key Result 2 : Reduce after-hours work emails by 90% within 1 month.
• Key Result 3 : Achieve 80% adherence to the 7 PM cutoff, measured by daily self-reports.
• Key Result 4 : Report a 30% improvement in work-life balance and a 25% reduction in stress levels in a self-assessment survey after one month.
• Decide on a firm 7 PM cutoff for ALL work tasks.
• Inform the team and colleagues about this boundary.
• Prioritize and plan tasks to be completed before 7 PM.
• Use a calendar to block out time for high-priority tasks.
• Record any instances of work past 7 PM and why.
• Review your journal entries at the end of each week.
• Identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to your schedule.

12. Take one full day off every weekend to relax and spend time with loved ones, starting this month.

This goal aims to let your EA recharge mentally and physically after 5 working days. This prevents burnout and improves their long-term productivity. Additionally, spending time with loved ones gives them strong emotional support. Ultimately, making this a habit results in a healthier, happier lifestyle that can increase their work quality and job satisfaction.

• Key Result 1 : Take a full day off every weekend for 4 consecutive weeks.
• Key Result 2 : Report a 30% reduction in work-related stress levels in a self-assessment survey after 1 month.
• Key Result 3 : Achieve a 20% increase in overall job satisfaction after one month, measured by a self-assessment survey.
• Prioritize tasks to be completed before your day off.
• Tell the plan to the executive (you) and colleagues to set expectations.
• Turn off work-related notifications on all devices.
• Plan enjoyable activities with loved ones or solo relaxation time.
• Encourage your EA to journal their weekend activities and how they feel.
• Note any changes in stress levels and overall well-being.

Career Growth

These goals are all about helping your EA navigate their career path and reach new milestones through mentorship, continuous learning, and guidance. 

13. Attend 3 professional development workshops or conferences related to executive assistance within the next year to improve skills and network.

This goal provides your EA with fresh insights and enhances their skills, making them more productive and efficient in supporting you. Meanwhile, networking opens doors to valuable contacts and resources. Also, participating in these workshops balances professional growth with personal fulfillment as it ensures continuous learning and advancement in their role.

• Key Result 1 : Register for the first workshop within the first 3 months.
• Key Result 2 : Attend 3 workshops or conferences within the next year.
• Key Result 3 : Implement at least 2 new skills or best practices from each event within 1 month of attendance.
• Key Result 4 : Increase professional network contacts by 10% after each event.
• Research workshops and conferences related to executive assistance on sites like LinkedIn and Eventbrite.
• Choose 3 events that offer skill development and networking opportunities.
• Prioritize events based on their relevance and timing.
• Register for the first workshop within the next 3 months.
• Schedule time in your calendar for each event.
• Review the event agenda and identify key sessions to attend.
• Actively participate in all sessions and workshops.
• Network with other attendees during breaks and social events.
• Take detailed notes on new skills and best practices.
• Identify at least 2 new skills or practices from each event.
• Apply these new skills to your daily tasks within 1 month of attending.
• Monitor these changes’ impact on your productivity and efficiency.
• Collect contact information from at least 5 new professionals at each event.
• Follow up with these contacts after the event to build relationships.
• Track the growth of your professional network and seek collaborative opportunities.

14. Earn a certification in executive assistance (like CAP or PACE) within the next 12 months.

A certification increases your EA’s skills and credibility. It also demonstrates their commitment to excellence and professional development. Plus, it opens doors to new opportunities and increases their value to your organization.

• Key Result 1 : Register for the certification exam within the first 3 months.
• Key Result 2 : Complete 50% of the required study materials within the first 6 months.
• Key Result 3 : Achieve at least 80% on practice exams by the 9th month.
• Key Result 4 : Get a passing score on the certification exam within 12 months.
• Compare certifications like CAP and PACE. For example, review the CAP certification benefits, like industry recognition. Then, compare them with PACE to see which fits your career goals better.
• Remind your EA to choose the one that best aligns with their career goals.
• Break down study materials into weekly goals.
• Allocate specific times each week for study sessions.
• Complete the registration process within the first 3 months.
• Mark the exam date on your calendar and set a reminder.
• Obtain recommended books, online resources, and practice exams.
• Organize materials in a dedicated study space.
• Find or form a study group for support and motivation.
• Schedule regular meetings to review and discuss materials.
• Use a checklist to monitor completed study topics.
• Take practice exams regularly to gauge understanding.

15. Find a mentor who’s a senior executive assistant for career advice and guidance within 3 months.

A senior EA can offer valuable advice and guidance based on their lengthy experience. This mentor relationship helps your EA navigate challenges and develop skills. Additionally, this can provide them with ongoing support for professional development.

• Key Result 1 : Identify and reach out to at least 5 potential mentors within the 1st month.
• Key Result 2 : Secure a mentor relationship with at least 1 senior executive assistant within 3 months.
• Key Result 3 : Schedule and attend at least 1 mentoring session per month for the next six months.
• Key Result 4 : Implement at least 2 pieces of advice or strategies within 1 month after the first mentoring session.
• Research senior executive assistants in the same industry.
• Use LinkedIn, professional organizations, and company directories to find candidates. Your EA can also look for another EA internally. 
• Draft a concise, polite email expressing your interest in mentorship.
• Send the email to at least five potential mentors within the 1st month.
• Brief your EA to list specific areas where they seek advice and guidance.
• Prepare questions to discuss your career goals and challenges.
• Set up a recurring monthly meeting time.
• Ensure each session has a clear agenda.
• Take notes during each session.
• Implement at least 2 pieces of advice within 1 month after the first meeting.
• Track progress and adjust strategies based on feedback. For example, after implementing the mentor’s time management advice, review weekly productivity. If there are improvements, continue. If not, discuss adjustments with the mentor in the next session.
• Assess the impact of the mentorship after 3 months.
• Decide on the next steps, whether to continue with the same mentor or seek additional guidance.

What Makes A Strong & Actionable EA Goal?

Discover key elements of strong, actionable EA goals and find examples for inspiration on creating effective ones.

A. Specific

Clearly define what needs to be achieved. A specific goal removes ambiguity and sets clear expectations. It also gives your EA a clear target to help them focus and make it easier to track progress.

Example : Organize and digitize all executive documents and files within the next 3 months.

B. Measurable

Make sure the goal has measurable outcomes to track progress. With this, you and your EA can do regular check-ins and timely adjustments if needed. Plus, measurable goals guarantee accountability and help highlight achievements.

Example : Digitize 50% of physical documents and files within the first 6 weeks.

C. Achievable

Set realistic and attainable goals based on available resources and constraints. This guarantees your EA has the time, tools, and support needed to reach their goals successfully. Additionally, achievable targets encourage steady progress, build your EA’s confidence, and prevent frustration.

Example : Complete a professional communication course within 6 months.

D. Relevant

Align the goal with the executive’s needs and overall business objectives. Relevant goals guarantee your EA’s efforts contribute directly to the company’s success. For instance, implementing a task management system improves the team’s workflow efficiency and collaboration.

Example : Implement a new task management system to reduce the executive’s task backlog by 30% in 6 months.

E. Time-Bound

Set a clear deadline for achieving the goal to create a sense of urgency. Time-bound goals help your EA prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively. Clear timelines also drive accountability and highlight milestones, making it easier to measure success.

Example : Ensure 100% of documents and files are digitized, organized, and easily accessible by the end of 3 months.

F. Action-Oriented

Focus on actions that drive progress and improvement. This approach guarantees continuous movement toward the goals and maintains momentum to get tangible results. Additionally, clear actions help your EA understand what to do and when. 

Example : Use time-blocking techniques to finish 90% of daily tasks within set time slots, improving efficiency in 2 months.

G. Flexible

Allow for adjustments if needed because of changing circumstances or priorities. This flexibility and adaptability ensure that progress continues despite disruptions. 

Example : Hold monthly feedback sessions with the executive to enhance communication and fine-tune support strategies.

Make sure progress can be monitored and reported. This transparency keeps everyone informed and accountable. Plus, visible goals help guarantee that any issues are addressed promptly.

Example : Regularly back up digital files and set up access controls for sensitive documents.

8 Strategies to Develop Custom Goals That Fit Your EA’s Needs

Use these 8 strategies to make sure the goals align with your priorities and can enhance your EA’s performance. Keep an eye out for actionable tactics so you can get started.

I. Assess the Executive’s Priorities

Brief your EA to review your calendar and task list to identify recurring high-priority items. Then, discuss these tasks in regular check-ins to confirm their importance and align goals accordingly.

II. Evaluate Current Performance

Conduct performance reviews and tell your EA to get feedback from you and colleagues. This helps them identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Use this information to set specific, targeted goals that improve their overall performance. 

III. Set Incremental Milestones

Break down large goals into smaller, manageable milestones to maintain motivation and track progress easier. For example, aim to digitize a specific document category each week.

IV. Leverage Available Tools & Resources

Utilize productivity apps like Trello or Asana to track tasks and deadlines efficiently. Make it a requirement for your EA to incorporate these tools into their daily routine to streamline goal achievement.

V. Seek Continuous Feedback

Tell your EA to schedule bi-weekly meetings with you to discuss progress and adjust goals as necessary. Use this feedback to stay aligned with evolving priorities.

VI. Align Goals with Long-Term Objectives

Ensure short-term goals contribute to long-term career and business objectives. Focus on developing skills and knowledge relevant to future projects or roles within the company.

VII. Adapt to Changes Quickly

Be flexible and ready to revise goals as circumstances change. For instance, if a new project arises, reassess and adjust existing goals to align with new priorities.

VIII. Use Data to Drive Decisions

Base the SMART executive assistant goals on data and analytics to make sure they are grounded in reality and performance metrics. Also, analyze past performance data to set realistic and achievable targets for improvement.

Go over these SMART executive assistant goals with your EA and talk about the steps needed for each one. Make sure you both understand and agree on your plans. This way, you’ll set clear expectations and responsibilities for both sides.

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1. How can I involve my EA in goal-setting?

To involve your EA in goal-setting, discuss their career aspirations and align them with business objectives. In addition, encourage their input on what goals they believe will enhance their performance and satisfaction.

2. How can I celebrate the achievement of these goals with my EA?

To celebrate your EA’s achievement, acknowledge their accomplishments in team settings or through personalized notes. You can also offer a reward when they’ve achieved a specific milestone, like completing 30% of all goals.

3. What are some common challenges in setting SMART goals for EAs?

Common challenges in setting SMART goals include:

• Making sure goals are realistic and attainable within their workload.
• Aligning goals with the EA’s career development and the company’s objectives.
• Maintaining consistent tracking and adjustment due to changing priorities and unexpected tasks.

4. What resources can assist in setting and achieving these goals?

Resources that can assist in setting and achieving these goals include:

• Productivity apps
• Goal-tracking software
• Regular feedback sessions
• Professional development courses

Using these helps monitor progress, provide support, and ensure continuous improvement.

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Supercharge your success as an executive assistant by setting SMART goals. Unlock your full potential with our guide (+ free template).

We’ve all heard the term “wears many hats” when talking about a specific role at a company, but that cannot be more true for an executive assistant (EA). An EA is an administrative professional within a company that assists the executives or C-suite level employees with responsibilities and tasks daily. An EA may also be in charge of making sure office functions and specific operations run smoothly.

Essentially, an EA’s day-to-day role depends on their industry and the organization’s current state. Because of this, it’s crucial for executive assistants to have clear, concise, and meaningful SMART goals .

SMART goals are:

• Specific: Is the objective clear to both you and your executive? Is it concise?
• Measurable: Do your objectives have a clear path to success? How will you know when the goal has been completed? Does success look the same for both you and your executive?
• Achievable: Are the objectives you’re setting attainable? Do you have the personal and professional capabilities and the right software and tools to complete these goals?
• Relevant: Do your objectives fit into the overall purpose of your EA role? Do they align with your organization’s goals and help the company succeed?
• Time-bound: When is the deadline, and what milestones do you need to hit along the way? Have you given yourself enough time to succeed? 

When determining the best goals for an executive assistant, it’s essential to review each part of the SMART acronym. 

Importance of setting goals for executive assistants

As we mentioned, an executive or administrative assistant wears many hats, no matter how big or small the company may be. Promoting their career growth by having SMART goals set can help an EA track their progress and be intentional about improving their job satisfaction.

The right individual for this role wants to ensure they do the best job possible. Plus, having these professional goals in place makes it easier for the EA to:

• Help the company stay organized and on track toward specific success metrics
• Assist other staff members as needs arise
• Improve their skill set and make the most of the responsibilities and tasks they’re given 

Simplify goal-setting and tracking

Fellow seamlessly integrates goals and OKRs into everyone’s meetings so they’re always top of mind, trackable, and part of discussions and decisions.

7 steps to crafting effective SMART goals as an executive assistant

It’s not always easy to set goals for an executive assistant, but doing so is possible. Deciding on which goals to focus on can be the most challenging part of creating a growth plan for this type of role. Consider these seven steps as you develop actionable and personalized SMART goals for the best chance of success.

• Create themes for your goals
• Align your goals with the company mission
• Improve your qualifications
• Get outside feedback
• Keep your goals easily accessible
• Understand the ‘why’ behind goals
• Keep track of progress

1 Create themes for your goals

The first step in creating SMART goals for executive assistants is thinking of themes for these goals. To develop themes, start by pinpointing the general aspects of your day-to-day professional life, what is frequently on the list of things to do, and how you want to improve. 

As you go about goal-setting, identifying themes is a smart (no pun intended!) way to provide a clear starting point. For instance, you can choose themes like personal performance goals, improved productivity , better organization, leadership , or advanced event planning. 

Consider the areas where you think you need the most improvement and growth and what themes align with those areas.

2 Align your goals with the company mission

As an executive assistant, rather than a personal assistant, you need to set SMART goals for yourself that also positively impact the organization. To know the best ways to have this impact, read through the company’s mission statement and pinpoint the areas you can relate to or feel your job as an EA directly impacts. 

If you can align the SMART goals you set for yourself with the organization’s short- and long-term team goals , you can better identify the path you should take and the goals you need to set for yourself.

In addition to familiarizing yourself with the company’s mission statement, have a conversation with the executive you work with the most and understand their goals and how they align with the mission statement. This knowledge can point you in the right direction, too.

3 Improve your qualifications 

Next, revisit the EA qualifications you already have and which ones you’d like to improve. These skills can be anything from time management to organization or communication. If you’re unsure where to start, you can even research job descriptions for EA roles at different companies and see how your experience compares.

When you refine and improve the soft and hard skills that make an EA stand out and shine in the eyes of other employees, you’re setting yourself up for a better chance of earning a potential raise or promotion. Doing so also ensures you stay competitive should you seek a job elsewhere.

4 Get outside feedback

Sometimes, you never know what to work on or strive to improve unless you ask. When setting goals, getting outside feedback from your manager, supervisor, boss, or executive can be extremely helpful in pinpointing where you need to improve. 

You don’t need to wait for your next performance review. Ask these people what type of growth they’d like to see from you in the future and where they think your skillset needs work. Similarly, ask them which skills they admire most or where you excel. Having feedback that pertains to your strengths and weaknesses can show you areas where a SMART goal is warranted.

Fellow’s feedback feature makes asking for and tracking feedback about projects and performance easy, enabling you to incorporate them into your day-to-day experience seamlessly.

5 Keep your goals easily accessible 

A good way to hold yourself accountable to your goals is to keep them in an easily accessible place. Maybe you have a virtual post-it on your computer background where you can see the goals every day. Or, perhaps the goals are printed out and thumbtacked above your desk. Or, best of all, use the objectives feature in Fellow to always stay on track , especially if the deadline for one of the goals is fast approaching.

Having your SMART goals in a location where you see them regularly ensures they’re always top of mind so you can stay focused on the finish line.

6 Understand the ‘why’ behind goals

It’s key to know why you set each goal, understand why they’re important, and stay motivated to achieve them. If you have a long list of SMART goals but zero understanding of how they help others or assist the company in reaching a milestone goal, you’ll likely lose motivation along the way. 

7 Keep track of progress

Keeping track of your progress towards your goals, especially those with a hard-and-fast deadline, is a must. Whether you monitor progress on your own or discuss your goals in meetings with your boss, keep track of where you are and whether anything needs to be adjusted to ensure the goals are met on time.

Practical examples of SMART goals for executive assistants

Need some examples to get you started? Here are four SMART goal examples that can be applied to executive assistants.

• Business-related
• Skill-related
• Task-related

1 Business-related

A business-related SMART goal could be to improve the onboarding of new employees . This may look like:

• S: The objective of the onboarding process is clearly defined, and it has buy-in from the manager.
• M: The goal can be measured using feedback from new hires, a survey, or direct feedback. 
• A: This is an achievable goal.
• R: As hiring ramps up and the company aims for enhanced growth, ensuring new employees are onboarded correctly can set everyone up for success, improve employee morale , and reduce turnover.
• T: The goal is to overhaul and improve the onboarding process before hiring ramps up at the start of the next half.

2 Skill-related

If you have a skill-related SMART goal, like to improve your organization and scheduling skills, it may look like:

• S: The objective of improving organizational skills is clearly defined, and it has buy-in from the manager.
• M: The goal can be measured based on feedback from other employees and the manager on how work and small office tasks are handled.
• R: With so many moving parts to keep organized and things to schedule, ensuring the office runs smoothly and the CEO’s calendar is blocked and scheduled accordingly will help everyone’s workflow.
• T: The goal is to get specific feedback regarding your organization skills and whether they have improved by the end of this half.

3 Task-related

An EA may have a task-related goal, which could be something like throwing the end-of-year holiday party for the entire organization. This SMART goal may look like:

• S: The objective of throwing a holiday party is clearly defined.
• M: The goal is measured by whether the party was a success and whether employees bonded and felt appreciated for their hard work. A company survey could be sent to get specific results.
• R: This goal is relevant, especially as the company nears the end of the year and employees are wondering what the plan may be.
• T: This goal has a deadline of the end of the year, with various other deadlines as planning is underway.

Finally, a personal goal may be to read five business management books by popular and well-known CEOs. That may look like:

• S: The objective of reading five business management books is clearly defined.
• M: The goal is measured by whether or not something new is learned that can contribute to the organization’s success. 
• R: This goal is relevant, especially as the company looks to learn from other organizations and see what can be worked into its own process or initiatives.
• T: This goal has a deadline of the end of the fiscal year.

Unlock your goals with our free executive assistant SMART goals template

Achieve success with SMART goals and Fellow

The sky’s the limit for what can be achieved, especially with the right SMART goals. For executive assistants, it’s crucial to prioritize both your personal and professional growth, knowing that it directly contributes to the company’s success.

To support your goal setting and tracking, Fellow is here to help. As an all-in-one meeting management software, Fellow offers various features to assist you. From setting and tracking objectives and key results to taking meeting minutes during discussions (or automating them), Fellow streamlines the process. Additionally, it facilitates effortless reviewing and sharing of important insights, decisions, and action items after each meeting.

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Setting Executive Assistant Goals: How I Get the Best Out of My EA

A high-performing executive assistant is one of the most powerful tools any entrepreneur or business owner can use to dramatically increase their effectiveness at work. To get the most out of your executive assistant, though, it’s important to set goals that will help them improve, and align their performance with what you are trying to…

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A high-performing executive assistant is one of the most powerful tools any entrepreneur or business owner can use to dramatically increase their effectiveness at work.

To get the most out of your executive assistant, though, it’s important to set goals that will help them improve, and align their performance with what you are trying to achieve.

To do this, I like to set executive assistant goals using a “begin with the end in mind” approach. That system – at a very high level – looks something like this:

• I ask myself what I am trying to optimize for. What does the picture of success look like?
• I work back from that ideal situation to our current state. What is the difference between the two?
• Once I know the difference, I can start plotting a path of improvement to bridge the gap.

The goals I set for (and with) my executive assistant are the stepping stones that take me toward the “ideal state”.

In this article, I’ll help you:

• Think about your ideal state, and decide what you’re optimizing for.
• Set actual goals that will help you achieve that state
• Give you some examples of executive assistant goals that I’ve set myself
• Show you a measurement and tracking system you can use with your EA to track your goal progress.

Let’s jump in!

Defining Your Goals: Focus on What’s Important to You

The first step in any goal-setting process (in my opinion) should be deciding what your North Star is. What are you aiming for? What are you optimising towards?

Only once you know this, can you start to get clarity on what your goals should be.

So, let’s consider the question of what you might want to aim towards with regards to your executive assistant.

Here are some questions you might like to ask yourself, that will get your cogs turning:

• What did I get an executive assistant for in the first place?
• What work am I doing which is not contributing towards the growth of my business?
• What are the tasks that you absolutely hate doing?
• What are the tasks that you are not good at doing?
• What is going to keep your executive assistant around for a long time?
• What is important to them in terms of their own professional goals, professional development, career growth and skill development?
• What is important to them in terms of their job fulfilment, personal goals, and on-the-job happiness?

In considering the answers to these, you might come up with some things that you’d like to set goals for your executive assistant for.

Now it’s time to do that.

How to Decide on & Set Goals with Your Executive Assistant

So, you now know what you’re optimising towards – your North Star. Using this, we want to work backwards from there and set goals as intermediate steps towards achieving that North Star.

Another way to put it, I like to think of a system of Inputs and Outputs.

Your goals are inputs . They’re the things you want to check off day after day, week after week.

Your North Star is the output. So if you are setting the right goals for your executive assistant, and they’re achieving or exceeding all of those goals, then theoretically, the output should be achieved.

So let’s get into the weeds of actually setting goals for your executive assistant.

What Makes a Good Goal

You’ve probably heard the definition of SMART goals. Although I think it’s a helpful framework for beginner goal-setters, the system I outlined above which allows you to work backwards from your desired outcome has all the elements of SMART goal setting inherent in them.

Two elements I use from the SMART framework are time-bound and measurable goals. I focus on making sure every goal I set is:

• Has an explicitly defined deadline,
• Has a binary yes/no achievement metric.

See some executive assistant goal examples in the next section of this example.

Before we dive into the process, I wanted to give you some inspiration on some areas that you might want to consider setting goals in for your EA.

These are just to get your creative juices flowing. Remember to dial these in according to what your goals are.

Here are some example parts of your EA’s role that you might want them to improve on:

• Administrative Tasks
• Office Management
• Email Management
• Bookkeeping
• Skill Development
• Time Management
• Organizational Skills
• Job Satisfaction Score
• Hiring Skills
• Delegation Skills
• Professional Communication

Now, lets go through how to do through the goal-setting process with your EA:

The Goal-Setting Process

Here’s the step-by-step goal-setting process I work through with my executive assistant:

1: Decide on Cadence of Goals

First things first, we need to decide on the cadence of goal setting – basically – how often should you set and review new goals?

I like to do my goal-setting and review on a quarterly basis. So goals are set for 3-month blocks.

That also lends itself to a nice annual cycle where you can track quarterly goals towards a bigger annual goal (if you’re an expert-level goal-setter).

Having said that, not all goals will take 3-months. That’s fine too.

Once you know your cadence, you can move on to deciding on

2: Decide on Areas of Improvement

First, we outline 3-5 areas of improvement that we want to work on. These are made up of elements from the list above, but are defined by our North Star.

It may be tempting to go overbored with the number of areas to improve on. Try and stick to a maximum of 5. Too many areas results in too many goals for your executive assistant, and leads to burnout and reduces the likelihood of those goals actually being achieved.

Pro Tip : It helps to work on complimentary goals in the same time period. For example, if you wanted to improve professional communication and also delegation skills, they are complimentary and it would be beneficial for your EA to have them bundled into the same time period.

3: Identify 2-3 Goals in Those Areas

Once you’ve got your areas defined, its time to actually outline your goals.

It helps to work through an example process here. Let’s say we’re targeting Job Satisfaction as a goal example.

The goals we might aim for here are:

• Improved job satisfaction rating by 25% by end of Q1.
• Complete 3 x monthly job satisfaction review meetings in Q1.
• Identify 6 daily tasks that are detracting from my job satisfaction by the end of Q1.

Start with a list of as many as you feel are necessary to encompass what you want to achieve.

Now go through an editing process where you see what goals:

• Can be combined, or
• Can be removed, or
• Can be delayed, or
• Arent’ aligned to the goal area, or
• Aren’t aligned to the North Star.

Repeat the above process for each of your goal areas.

By the end you should have a list of 6 to 15 goals that your executive assistant will work on during that period of time. Nice work!

Struggling to come up with your goals? Coming up next are some executive assistant goal examples to help you out:

8 Executive Assistant Goals Examples

I often get asked the question “So what are some good goals for executive assistants?”. So I thought it might be helpful to put together a list of sample goals for executive assistants that you can draw inspiration from.

Here are 8 executive assistant goals examples:

• Complete a QuickBooks basics Udemy course by the end of Q1.
• Decrease email response time on emails that don’t require my input to 15 minutes by end of Q1.
• Increase the % of emails that you handle versus me to 80% by the end of Q1.
• Decrease my time spent on emails to 10 minutes per day by end of Q1.
• Do cold outreach to minimum 100 potential candidates for the role of “Director of HR” by the end of Q1.
• Reduce my in-meeting time to an average of 3 hours per week by the end of Q1.
• Ensure the new mobile app development project is on-budget and on-time for Q1 deliverables.
• Setup a new team reporting system that gets all department heads to report daily and weekly on progress.

Tracking & Measurement of Your EA’s Goals

You’ve probably heard the saying “What gets measured gets managed”. I’m a firm believer in the power of data to help you achieve your goals.

The trick I’ve found is to keep it simple enough that you don’t feel like its a big energy suck to track your goals (making it as automatic as possible is a big win), but robust enough that your data is showing you progress and keeping you motivated towards your ideal outcome.

Every situation is unique and you’ll have to work out a goal-setting measurement system that works for you and your EA, using tools that they are comfortable with.

Here’s a system I like to use.

Kanban Boards for Goal Tracking

I’m a big Kanban board fan. If you’re not sure what that is, here’s an example:

Kanban boards are fantastic for tracking things that go through multiple phases or stages (like goals do). That’s why I like them.

My preferred tool of choice here is Trello .

On the left, you can see I have my template cards for Goals:

The process is simple. Once we’ve decided our goals for the period (quarter), my EA puts them all into seperate Goal cards and then breaks those down for herself into actionable steps she can take either weekly or daily.

Those Goal cards move through the Kanban board as they are planned, being worked on, or completed. That way, we both have line-of-sight into her progress and how her goals are being achieved.

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• Find your Assistant

How to Set Goals For Your Executive Assistant

• September 24, 2018

There is no question that a great executive assistant can make all the difference to your success as an executive. Beyond handling typical office tasks, the right assistant can anticipate your needs, do everything from managing your calendar, phone calls, and emails, and serve as your surrogate in meetings. This post will focus on goals for your executive assistant and complement our blog around How to Hire an Executive Assistant .

Once the hiring process has ended, what should be your goals for an executive assistant? How do you make sure that both you and your assistant get the most from your relationship? Here are some tips.

Establish Ground Rules and Processes

You have an amazing assistant and shouldn’t have to micromanage. If you establish processes for more common, day-to-day tasks, you won’t need to waste your valuable time hashing out the same types of things over and over again.

Have regularly scheduled meetings and follow-up systems in place to keep things running smoothly. Make sure to come up with ground rules, and be willing to adjust those rules as time goes on and you learn more about what works best for the two of you.

If your assistant is shared by two or more managers, establish a chain of command. There should never be a question as to whose work or what type of work takes priority. Once they have been with you for a while, your assistant will learn to navigate the waters when it comes to what to do when, but make sure that you give them solid ground to start from. This will help you and the other managers set clear goals for your executive assistant that don’t conflict, and will also help him or her to meet those benchmarks.

First things first – your calendar, travel planning, business phone line, and email management should fall entirely under the purview of your assistant. Of course, right after hiring, it may take a short while to hand all of these things over, but make it a goal for your executive assistant to be managing these as soon as possible.

When it comes to other tasks you need to delegate, Carey-Ann Oestreicher, CEO of executive coaching and leadership development firm Potential Unlimited, recommends that you, “write down a list of the things you need to accomplish today. Now delegate 60 percent of that to your team members and Executive Assistant.” One of your goals for your executive assistant is that they should make your job easier, so it’s important that you delegate everything you can to them and the rest of your team.

Over time, many tasks will then automatically fall to your assistant.

One key goal for an executive assistant is that they be able to act as your surrogate when you’re not there. You can’t be everywhere at once, and your assistant should be familiar enough with everything you do and your opinions to not only sit in on meetings, but also make certain decisions in your absence. Make sure you make it clear what kind of decisions you are comfortable delegating in your absence.

Take the Time to Build a Personal Relationship

One goal for your executive assistant is that you and she/he establish a bond and learn to work very well together. As already established, your executive assistant will be acting on your behalf on a daily basis. You want them to be able to anticipate your needs, and a personal relationship will make this possible.

To help you both meet this goal, make sure to carve out time early on to really get to know your executive assistant. You should be familiar with one another on both a personal and professional level. The more your assistant knows about your life, the more they will be able to truly understand how to balance everything that is going on.

Oestreicher notes that, “of course you don’t need to fill your days listening to each other’s problems, but the more you know about each other, the more connected your relationship will become…It becomes a unique relationship filled with mutual respect.”

Communicate Consistently to Help Your Executive Assistant Achieve Their Goals

This might seem obvious, but sometimes both of your schedules will get so crazy that it’s easy to slack on communication. But how can your executive assistant fulfill his or her goals if you’re not giving them feedback and direction, and listening to their own feedback about the job?

When meeting, make sure to always provide the “why” behind the “what, where and when.” This will make meetings more productive and efficient and allow your assistant to be proactive.

As mentioned earlier, communicate both about your professional and personal life, so your assistant understands everything that is going on with you and can prioritize well.

In addition to communicating about what needs to be done, provide consistent feedback and encourage them to talk to you. If the way something is being done isn’t working for one or both of you, voice that as soon as possible. There is no reason to let problems fester. Open communication is the ONLY way this relationship will work.

Another great idea is to have quarterly strategic meetings so you can ensure you’re on the same page regarding completed, ongoing, and future projects; and re-establish priorities. These meetings are a good way to review your goals for your executive assistant together, and identify any sticking points and how they can be overcome. Segregate meetings regarding day-to-day tasks from more overarching meetings, so you make sure to cover both fully.

Treat Them As a Partner

Ana Dutro, CEO and President of The Executives’ Club of Chicago, and former CEO of Korn/Ferry Business Consulting, notes that “executives need to see them (executive assistants) not just as support, but as real business partners.”

Invite them to sit in and/or participate in high-level meetings. The more they know about what’s going on, the better they’re able to help you and prioritize what information ends up filtering to you.

Allow them to be a part of the management team up to whatever level you deem appropriate – good executive assistants often have insight into all levels of the company and can provide a unique perspective. You intentionally hired someone with a wide array of skills, and you should remember to allow them to use them. A relationship of mutual respect will benefit everyone involved.

Give Them the Resources They Need to Get the Job Done

As busy as you are, your executive assistant is right there with you. Provide whatever they need to do their job as efficiently as possible. You may need to hire additional staff, either to help them or to carry out other tasks. Sheila W. Wellington, clinical professor of management and organizations at New York University’s Stern School of Business, advises , “Anything that can be delegated so that the executive assistant can focus on the CEO’s needs saves the CEO time.”

Depending on the size of your firm and the number of responsibilities that fall to your assistant, it may make sense to hire additional administrative assistants to help with more secretarial tasks. Many CEOs have two executive assistants. Sometimes one is more of a personal assistant, sometimes one is more senior than the other and sometimes both are equal but provide coverage different hours of the day or in different time zones.

Keep your Executive Assistant’s Own Goals In Mind

Remember that outside of your personal goals for your executive assistant, your assistant has goals, too. Invest in continuing education courses when appropriate / desired. Support your assistant in becoming even better at their job, and growing in a multitude of ways.

Also, remember that your assistant does have a personal life. You may think about work 24/7, but it’s important to allow your assistant to have a life outside of work. The last thing you want is to train the perfect executive assistant, establish an amazing bond, and then lose them because you weren’t considerate of their need for work/life balance.

Appreciate One Another

Last but not least, you and your executive assistant will spend more time with one another, or at least dealing with one another, than you will with almost anyone in your life. Remember to not only communicate when something is going wrong, but also when things are going right. Appreciation and gratitude are key. Constructive feedback provided regularly is important.

Finding Your Perfect Executive Assistant

Finding the right assistant can make your life easier in a multitude of ways. It’s one of the most important hires you can make, and you should pay close attention to the hiring process, giving significant thought and an appropriate budget to allow you to hire the best person. If you want to bring in a professional staffing agency to help find the best talent, contact us and we’ll help you find the perfect executive assistant.

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Executive Assistants

How to Set Goals For Your Executive Assistant

Mar 8, 2024

As a startup executive, you’re used to setting goals for all your team members, but do you know the best approach to set goals for your remote executive assistant ? 

If you’re planning for them to order office supplies or choose the right cup of coffee on their first day, you’re thinking of the wrong kind of support. Modern executive assistants are strategic business partners, experts in reading their executive’s character so they can act, think, and behave like them at any given time. 

The reason an EA gets so ingrained in your work is that, no matter how many projects you throw their way, they have one clear mission, which does not change with time: their number one objective is to help you be more successful at what you do, whether that means help you be more productive, become a better leader for your team, or never drop the ball as you work to achieve key results. 

Your executive assistant’s goals should be similar to your own professional goals. Let’s say one of your main goals is to strengthen your relationship with stakeholders. The related goal for your executive assistant would be to immediately flag emails from stakeholders and ensure you answer them quickly.

If you’re overseeing the sales department as they close new deals, your EA will be the one who makes sure you maintain professional relationships, nudges you to meet with decision-makers for coffee, and pushes you toward the finish line. If you just hired a new executive assistant but don’t know how to set goals for them and evaluate their progress, this article might be just what you were looking for. 

Table of contents: 

• Types of goals for executive assistants
• Business-oriented goals 

Team-related goals

Skill development goals, professional growth goals, types of goals for executive assistants.

Before setting goals for your EA, think strategically about what you want them to achieve right now and what your expectations are for the long run. 

Setting short-term goals is important because if you just got an executive assistant, it’s safe to assume that you need urgent support, which means you need solutions now, not in a few months. 

Exceptional EAs are fast learners and are specially trained to deliver value in a very short amount of time. Viva EAs, for instance, can deliver value in less than 24 hours . That value comes in different ways and depends on the executive’s most pressing pain points. You can expect to reach inbox zero in less than a day or get a calendar rehaul to reduce meeting overload. It’s all about what you need to improve right now.

Long-term goals, on the other hand, involve a more strategic approach from both you and your executive assistant. By setting long-term goals, you can test a lot of your EA’s critical abilities, from how effectively they communicate important updates to how they carry out lengthy projects to deliver outstanding results. 

Setting weekly and monthly milestones is a good way to break the bigger projects into more manageable workflows. If you’re unsure about whether your new EA can handle a long-term project, set weekly milestones and establish clear communication channels, like 1:1s or async updates. That way, you get to track their progress, and they won’t feel overwhelmed.

What should you delegate to an EA? Take this quiz to find out!

Strategies for Effective Goal-setting

As we mentioned before, your executive assistant’s goals are, in some way, a partial version of your own goals and responsibilities. To set effective goals for your EA, you should have absolute certainty about your own priorities. If you don’t, ask yourself some discovery questions: What is my main priority? What is my most pressing pain point? What have I let slip through the cracks? Which key results are we behind on? All those answers should be your priorities, and some of your EA’s goals would be to get the ball rolling on all of them. 

Here are some category examples of four key goals you can set for your executive assistant right away:

Business-oriented goals

Startup executives are known for wearing too many hats, and when juggling so many responsibilities, it’s almost impossible to not have something fall through the cracks. There are a lot of things with a high level of importance, but there are only so many hours in the day so, understandably, you may not have dedicated as much time to one of them as you could have. 

Business-oriented goals are perfect to delegate to your executive assistant. Remember, they’re not here just to follow your lead, but also to act as your second brain and make executive-level decisions, just as you would make them.

What are some business-oriented goals you can delegate to your EA?

Let’s say that one of your responsibilities is to find new team players for one or several positions, but you just haven’t found the time to get the process started. Of course, you’ll be the one doing the final interview and signing the contract, but your EA can easily take on most of the recruiting process. By the time you jump in, all you have to do is read the briefing and get ready to make an offer.

• Your EA can write the job posting
• Collect resumes
• Perform the first round of interviews
• Send out and evaluate the assessments
• Put pre-meeting briefings together.

It was easy to know each one of your team members when it was just a couple dozen, but when your company starts growing rapidly, it’s hard to remain close to each member of the team. As a leader, you cannot afford to worry only about your own workflow and the grand scheme of things. You also have to be there for your team, offer them guidance, and make sure they’re delivering the work you expect them to. 

If team engagement is low, if there have been too many new hires, or if there’s a milestone to celebrate, you may be thinking of having a company or team-wide offsite. But planning an entire event can be incredibly time-consuming, so, why not delegate the most part to your executive assistant? 

What are some team-related goals you can delegate to your EA?

Viva EAs receive training in offsite planning and have lots of experience in putting together impactful events. All you would have to do is plan the agenda (which your EA can also help with) and enjoy the event.  This is what they can take care of:

• Booking hotels
• Researching coworking spaces
• Booking flights for dozens of people traveling from several locations
• Making dinner reservations
• Booking team-building activities

Most executive assistants who come from a vetted company are tech-savvy and proficient in the most common startup tech stack tools, from Google Workspace to Slack, HubSpot, or Superhuman. Nevertheless, if there’s software you use regularly and they’re not familiar with it, don’t hesitate to ask them to get training.

This is a great example of a short-term goal that will also serve another purpose: to show you how much of a fast learner your EA truly is. In many cases, EAs get so comfortable using the new tool, that they end up teaching their executive a trick or two about it. As a result, this is not only a skill development area for your EA, it might even be a learning moment for you. 

What are some skill-development goals you can delegate to your EA?

The skill-development goals you set for your EA have a clear focus on your business, not on their self-development just for the sake of it. That comes later. So, to set the most strategic skill-development goals, think about which tools from the ones you use at the company lack a power user, or which ones you want to add to your tech stack and haven’t had the time just yet. Some examples might be:

• Learning about data visualization by learning tools like Tableau, or Google Data Studio for creating interactive dashboards and reports.
• Becoming proficient in popular CMS platforms such as WordPress for updating and managing websites and web applications.
• Taking a course in CRM software such as Salesforce or HubSpot for managing customer interactions and relationships.
• Take a deep dive to master project management software such as Asana, Trello, or Jira for organizing tasks, tracking progress, and collaborating with team members.

Truly exceptional executive assistants are eager to learn and evolve. The moment you delegate one project, they become experts and are ready to take on the next big challenge. That’s why, as a leader, you should also be sure to set professional growth goals for your EA. 

Keeping A-players is only possible if you allow them to grow, so don’t be afraid of change. This might mean, for example, seeing your current EA as a potential chief of staff or project manager. This is where you should communicate on a more personal level with them. Ask them what’s their favorite part of the job, what their dream position would be, and what drives them. When you have the answer, propose a growth path. 

What are some professional growth goals you can delegate to your EA?

• If their favorite part of working with you is helping you strengthen your social media presence, have them sign up for an online course.
• Introduce them to your CMO
• Let them collaborate on projects they’re passionate about, even if that doesn’t fall directly under their job description.

If they see you care about their professional development and encourage them to grow, they will see their current position as a long-term job that will allow them to evolve and get to where they want. 

Remember, setting goals for your executive assistant will directly affect your own goals. Before you delegate irrelevant work to them, think about how could they help you move the needle forward. That’s where you should start. 

• If you need to attend board meetings, have them take a first stab at the meeting deck.
• If you need to hire for new roles, ask them to find and vet 5 – 10 candidates before you get involved.
• If you want to host a company event, delegate all the planning and logistics to them.
• If you need to meet with possible investors, have them prepare pre-meeting briefings so you enter every meeting with full context.
• If you are in charge of running several meetings, start delegating one of them to your EA. Once you see it working, delegate the rest when possible. 
• If you have too many direct reports, ask your EA to act as project manager, keep track of everyone’s progress and keep you posted

Now that you know all the things an executive assistant can do for you, are you ready to onboard your own EA? If you want to know your options, chat with our team , they would love to guide you through the process.

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• Mar 16, 2019

Writing Professional Development Goals for Executive Assistants

Updated: Feb 5, 2023

Join me for Part 1 of my virtual coffee chat series, where I sit down with the incredible Michelle Parise. Michelle is a former EA to the CEO of Pinterest and the founder of With Purpose Coaching. In this episode, we delve into the world of administrative professionals and explore various topics such as taking feedback from performance reviews to set achievable goals, quantifying goals, avoiding common mistakes in goal setting, setting goals while supporting multiple executives, and providing and receiving effective feedback.

Don't miss out on parts 2 & 3 of this series... Subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Watch the video below and join the conversation!

In this series, we discussed some of these topics...

🎯 How to take feedback from a performance review to create goals

🎯 Tips on how to quantify goals as an Executive Assistant

🎯 Mistakes administrative professionals make when writing goals

🎯 How to set goals when supporting multiple executives

🎯 How to receive and provide feedback

• Executive Assistant

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Smart Goals for Executive Assistants: Time Management & More

In the constantly evolving corporate landscape, the executive assistant role has emerged as a cornerstone for businesses across the spectrum. Whether in legal, accounting, HR, or finance, executive assistants operate as the backbone of organizations, ensuring seamless processes, effective communication, and fostering a cohesive company culture.

However, defining this role isn’t as straightforward as referencing a job description. The modern-day executive assistant juggles a variety of tasks, from calendar management to event planning. They often act as the bridge between the executive team and other employees, demonstrating expertise in office management and business related objectives. Such a dynamic and demanding position necessitates advanced knowledge and an inherent capability to adapt to the current business climate.

Yet, amid these multifaceted responsibilities, how can executive assistants carve a path of professional growth and ensure job satisfaction ? The answer lies in the power of goal setting . By setting and tracking progress towards smart goals, executive assistants not only bolster their professional capabilities but also align their objectives with the organization’s goals. This alignment, in turn, aids in achieving both personal and career development milestones.

For those aiming to excel in this role, the emphasis on crafting precise and achievable goals cannot be overstated. Nuooly underscores the significance of goal setting for executive assistants. Through this, they can harness the potential of personal development , set their own professional goals, and ultimately, contribute substantially to the organization’s success.

Navigating the intricate pathways of the corporate realm requires strategy, dedication, and a commitment to continuous learning. For executive assistants, the journey towards excellence starts with setting the right goals.

Time Management Smart Goal Examples for Executive Assistants

Time is an executive assistant’s most invaluable asset. In a world that never stops, mastering time management becomes crucial for these administrative professionals, especially when handling multifaceted responsibilities in industries like legal, accounting, HR, and finance.

Unpacking the concept: What are smart goals?

Before diving into time management strategies, let’s clarify a foundational concept: smart goals . SMART is an acronym representing Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. The core idea? Convert vague aspirations like “improve time management” into specific objectives like “reduce email response time to under 2 hours by the end of the quarter.” This approach helps executive assistants track progress, attain measurable objectives, and ensure alignment with the organization’s success.

The power of the 4 Quadrant Priority Matrix and time management

Efficiency is born from prioritizing. The 4 Quadrant Priority Matrix elegantly splits tasks into four categories:

• Urgent and Important
• Not Urgent but Important
• Urgent but Not Important
• Neither Urgent nor Important

By categorizing tasks in this manner, executive assistants can effectively address immediate needs while not losing sight of long-term objectives. It’s not just about staying busy; it’s about staying productive and ensuring alignment with both personal development goals and the executive team’s expectations.

How the Pomodoro Technique boosts efficiency for executive assistants

Another transformative approach is the Pomodoro Technique . Originated in the late 1980s, this method breaks work into intervals (traditionally 25 minutes), separated by short breaks. These intervals are called “pomodoros,” the plural of the Italian word for tomato. This technique is not just about managing time but energy and focus as well.

For executive assistants, a day can comprise myriad tasks ranging from calendar management to event planning. The Pomodoro Technique empowers them to handle these with an energized mind and a clear focus, turning potential overwhelm into manageable chunks. It’s more than a time management tool—it’s a structure that fosters consistency, commitment, and commendable outcomes.

In essence, time is not just to be managed but to be mastered. And for executive assistants, mastering time through smart goals and proven techniques is the key to professional growth, job satisfaction, and exceptional contribution to their organizations.

The Broad Scope of Executive Assistants in Business

In today’s dynamic business climate, the role of the executive assistant extends far beyond mere administrative duties. They are not just the backbone but often the invisible hands that shape the trajectory of a business, ensuring everything runs seamlessly. From harmonizing intricate relationships to embodying the company’s ethos, executive assistants are integral to an organization’s fabric.

Navigating relationships: Executive assistants and the executive team

Building and navigating relationships are at the heart of an executive assistant’s duties. With the executive team , this relationship becomes particularly vital. Executive assistants act as a bridge, facilitating communication, anticipating needs, and often acting as a trusted confidant. They become the linchpin in the executive’s daily operations, ensuring a smooth flow of information and ensuring that leaders are primed to make informed decisions.

But it’s more than just about tasks; it’s about understanding personalities, preferences, and even moods. Executive assistants often find themselves in a unique position, offering both administrative support and valuable insights derived from their interactions across the organization. Through a balance of professionalism, empathy, and discretion, they contribute to fostering a harmonious executive environment, essential for the organization’s success.

Aligning executive assistant goals with the company’s mission and vision

An executive assistant’s goals are not isolated; they intertwine with the broader objectives of the company. This alignment ensures that they not only serve the executives they work with but also contribute holistically to the company’s aspirations.

At the heart of this alignment lies understanding and internalizing the company’s mission and vision . By anchoring their daily tasks and long-term objectives to the company’s overarching goals, executive assistants ensure consistency, focus, and relevance in their efforts. This alignment transforms their role from being task-centric to strategy-centric, making them critical players in driving the company’s direction.

For instance, if a company’s vision revolves around innovation, an executive assistant might prioritize setting up brainstorming sessions, researching qualifications of potential hires, or even suggesting new team building ideas that foster creativity. Their goals, thus, not just align but actively propel the company’s mission forward.

Personal and Professional Growth for Executive Assistants

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of the executive assistant has expanded beyond traditional administrative responsibilities. Today’s executive assistants are strategic partners, adding value through their expertise, adaptability, and relentless drive for growth. Whether in legal, HR, accounting, or finance sectors, professional development and personal growth are indispensable for executive assistants aiming to elevate their contributions and secure their career trajectory.

The Significance of Personal Development in Fostering Job Satisfaction

At the heart of an executive assistant’s journey lies the essence of personal development . Embracing continuous learning and staying attuned to the current business climate not only positions them as valuable assets but also fosters profound job satisfaction . By pursuing avenues like online courses, business management books, and attending networking events, executive assistants maintain advanced knowledge. This commitment to self-growth goes hand-in-hand with enhancing office efficiency, managing intricate calendar schedules, and even optimizing purchasing supply costs.

Personal development, thus, isn’t just about acquiring skills; it’s about achieving a work-life balance, ensuring a harmonious company culture, and contributing significantly to the entire organization’s success.

Collaborative Leadership: A Must-Have Skill for Executive Assistants

In the past, leadership might have been perceived as the sole domain of the C-suite. Yet, in today’s collaborative workplaces, executive assistants are emerging as pivotal leaders in their own right. Collaborative leadership is a game-changer. As liaisons between executives, other employees, and sometimes even external partners, executive assistants wield influence and offer valuable insights. Their role demands diplomacy, assertiveness, and the ability to navigate diverse personalities. By honing these skills, they not only facilitate smooth office operations but also boost employee morale and company’s goals alignment.

Setting Smart Goals for Career and Professional Development

Goal setting is the compass guiding professional growth. For executive assistants, creating smart goals — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound — is fundamental. These goals might encompass enhancing administrative capabilities, streamlining office processes, or even introducing new team building ideas. Aligning their smart goals with both their own professional goals and the organization’s objectives ensures clarity of purpose and measurable outcomes.

For instance, if an executive assistant in the finance sector aims for career growth, their smart goals might involve mastering advanced bookkeeping tasks, researching qualifications to bolster their professional capabilities, or taking the lead in organizing company events to showcase leadership.

Efficient Office and Event Management

The role of an executive assistant often extends well beyond the desk, envelopes, and boardrooms. In the pulsating heartbeat of the corporate environment, executive assistants are the orchestrators—ensuring office operations run seamlessly and events leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s meticulously organizing files or planning an impactful corporate event, the ability to manage time, resources, and people is paramount. In the realm of office and event management, setting and achieving goals, powered by unrivaled time management skills, sets the stage for unparalleled success.

Creating Smart Goals for Effective Office Operations

Office operations are the gears that keep a company moving. An organized office is a productive one. For executive assistants, laying out smart goals for office management ensures operations flow smoothly. These could range from redesigning office processes to ensure tasks are completed in a timely manner, to implementing systems that reduce purchasing supply costs. By setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals, executive assistants can track progress and offer measurable objectives to the organization.

Best Practices in Event Planning for Optimal Outcomes

Organizing an event isn’t just about sending out invitations or booking a venue. It’s about creating moments that align with a company’s mission and culture. Best practices in event planning involve meticulous attention to detail, from understanding the company’s goals to ensuring every attendee feels valued. Executive assistants, with their knack for coordination and understanding of company ethos, are often at the forefront of these endeavors. Crafting relevant goals, staying focused on the desired outcome, and ensuring every facet of the event is optimized can make the difference between a forgettable meeting and a memorable gathering.

Time Management Skills: A Critical Success Factor

In both office management and event planning, time management is the thread that weaves together every successful outcome. From calendar management to prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance, mastering time is a non-negotiable skill. As highlighted in this comprehensive guide , time management isn’t just about clock-watching. It’s about maximizing productivity, ensuring work-life balance, and achieving goals in an efficient manner. For executive assistants, this skill is the keystone in their professional arch.

Goal Setting and Advanced Career Tasks for Executive Assistants

In today’s dynamic business climate, the role of an executive assistant transcends the conventional boundaries of scheduling and administrative tasks. To truly flourish in their roles and contribute effectively to their organization’s success, executive assistants are increasingly tapping into advanced career tasks that leverage their unique position at the nexus of corporate communication, strategy, and logistics. In this relentless pursuit of excellence, they employ astute goal setting, rigorous research, and the tenacity to network beyond the four walls of their organization.

Emphasizing the Importance of Networking Events and Researching Qualifications

Networking isn’t merely a buzzword—it’s an essential tool in the modern executive assistant’s toolkit. Attending networking events not only broadens their horizons but also provides valuable insights that can influence corporate decision-making. Every conversation can unveil new team building ideas, leading practices, or even prospective business collaborations. Additionally, the continuous quest for personal and professional development pushes executive assistants to diligently research qualifications that not only bolster their own professional goals but also contribute significantly to the company’s broader objectives. Whether it’s a course on advanced office efficiency or a seminar on innovative bookkeeping tasks, the commitment to continuous learning remains unwavering.

Implementing Strategies to Reduce Purchasing Supply Costs

Advanced knowledge and a deep understanding of office operations equip executive assistants with the capability to strategize and optimize. One significant area where their expertise can make a notable difference is in devising methods to reduce purchasing supply costs . By analyzing existing office processes, identifying inefficiencies, and leveraging strategic vendor relationships, executive assistants can effect substantial cost savings. These aren’t just numbers on a balance sheet, but a tangible contribution to the organization’s bottom line.

Collaborative Strategies for Independent Professionals

The corporate landscape is evolving, with an increasing number of professionals choosing the independent route. This shift demands fresh strategies for collaboration. As emphasized in this insightful article , teamwork and collaboration are crucial for independent professionals. For executive assistants, this underscores the importance of understanding and facilitating effective collaboration, even when conventional team dynamics are absent. By creating smart goals centered on collaborative strategies, executive assistants can ensure that both they and the other employees they coordinate with remain synchronized, productive, and efficient.

The Pivotal Role of Smart Goals in an Executive Assistant’s Career

The role of an executive assistant in today’s corporate landscape is multidimensional, playing a pivotal role in bridging communication, executing tasks efficiently, and driving the mission of organizations forward. Central to this evolution and sustained success is the adoption of smart goals . Goal setting isn’t a mere formality—it’s the compass that ensures every action taken aligns with the broader organizational vision and personal growth aspirations.

While smart goals offer clarity, structure, and a means to measure progress, there are other methodologies executive assistants can explore to fine-tune their priority setting. One such approach is the Moscow Method , which focuses on segregating tasks based on their necessity, allowing for more effective project management. This method, like smart goals, empowers executive assistants to streamline tasks, emphasizing what’s most crucial and deferring what can wait.

To sum it up, the journey of an executive assistant is one marked by constant learning, adaptability, and a proactive approach. Smart goal setting, intertwined with tools like the Moscow Method, not only propels executive assistants towards achieving their professional goals but also reinforces their invaluable contribution to the entire organization. Theirs is a role not just of support, but of strategic significance, driving both personal and organizational success.

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Smart Goals for Executive Assistant: Supercharge Your Career Growth

Posted on March 19, 2023 |

Setting career goals is an essential tool for monitoring your progress and achieving success in your professional journey. As an executive assistant, you can greatly enhance your professional growth by incorporating a diverse range of career goals into your work. If you’re aiming to advance as an executive assistant, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the significance of career goals. This article will guide you through understanding the role of an executive assistant, highlighting the importance of setting smart goals for executive assistant, outlining various objectives you can strive for, and providing valuable tips to ensure your success.

What is an executive assistant?

As an executive assistant, you play a vital role as an administrative professional, supporting the executives of a company with a wide range of tasks and responsibilities. Your contributions extend beyond mere assistance, as you actively contribute to the overall functioning of the workplace, ensuring its seamless operation.

Career goals for an executive assistant

As an executive assistant, you have the opportunity to set and pursue diverse goals to achieve personal and professional growth. These goals are tailored to your specific work environment, taking into account the unique demands of your role. However, there are several career goals that are widely applicable to executive assistants. Let’s explore some of these executive assistant goals that can help propel your career forward:

Skills-based goals

These executive assistant performance goals are designed to empower you with the necessary abilities to excel in your role. Consider the following skills-based goals that can propel your professional growth:

• Enhance your proficiency with office computer systems, ensuring you are adept at utilizing various software and tools effectively.
• Broaden your business knowledge by actively engaging in reading articles and books that cover relevant industry topics, enabling you to stay updated and informed.
• Cultivate a robust capacity for delegating tasks, allowing you to effectively distribute workload and maximize productivity within your team.
• Master the art of prioritization, acquiring the skills to effectively manage new assignments while efficiently handling existing tasks.
• Allocate at least one hour per week dedicated to researching new resources and tools that can enhance your efficiency and effectiveness in your role.

Long-term goals

You have the potential to set long-term goals that align with your career aspirations and pave the way for professional advancement. Consider incorporating the following objectives into your journey:

• Continuously enhance your expertise in computer systems by enrolling in an annual course to stay updated with the latest advancements and best practices.
• Develop proactive skills to effectively adapt and navigate schedule changes, ensuring optimal productivity and efficiency in your role.
• Aspire to be promoted to the esteemed position of chief of staff or office manager, demonstrating your leadership abilities and contributing to the strategic decision-making process.
• Aim to secure a 10% raise within the next year, reflecting your exceptional performance, dedication, and value as an executive assistant.
• Successfully complete a comprehensive business management course, equipping yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in higher-level roles.

Interpersonal goals

As an executive assistant, you have the opportunity to set goals that focus on interpersonal growth and fostering a positive office culture . Given your close interaction with fellow employees, consider incorporating the following goals to strengthen relationships and create a thriving work environment:

• Innovate and introduce new, unique team-building ideas that promote collaboration, camaraderie, and synergy among the office staff.
• Work towards creating an established company culture that aligns with the corporation’s values, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose among employees.
• Foster strong collaboration with executive staff, enabling you to contribute to strategic decision-making processes and provide valuable insights based on your expertise.
• Dedicate time each week to schedule meetings with new employees, aiming to get to know the entire staff personally and build meaningful connections.

Tips for setting career goals

Here are a few tips for setting career goals as an executive assistant:

Organize your goals

To enhance your effectiveness in achieving your goals, consider organizing them based on themes, timelines, or levels of difficulty. By creating a well-structured approach, you can increase your chances of success. For instance, you may choose to combine short and long-term goals and create a timeline that outlines specific due dates for short-term goals and highlights significant milestones for long-term goals.

Review the company standards

As you embark on setting goals for yourself, it’s advantageous to take a moment to review the company standards and your job description. As an executive assistant, your organization may have specific expectations and objectives they want you to fulfill. By aligning your goals with these company standards, you can ensure that you not only meet but exceed the benchmarks set for your position. Incorporating these specific goals into your overall goal framework will demonstrate your commitment to excellence and help you thrive in your role.

Research qualifications

These credentials can be obtained through various means, such as online courses or in-person professional development activities. Taking the time to research and explore these qualifications can significantly enhance your ability to set meaningful goals for yourself. By having a tangible objective to accomplish, you can align your goals with the acquisition of these qualifications, ultimately advancing your skills and expertise in your role as an executive assistant.

Follow Your Goals to Advance Your Career

In conclusion, setting career goals as an executive assistant is paramount to your professional growth and success. By understanding the role of an executive assistant and recognizing the significance of setting smart goals, you can propel your career forward. Whether it’s focusing on skills-based goals to enhance your proficiency, setting long-term objectives for professional advancement, or prioritizing interpersonal growth, there are various avenues to explore. Remember to organize your goals effectively, align them with company standards, and research qualifications that can further elevate your expertise. With a well-structured approach and a commitment to excellence, you can navigate your professional journey with confidence and achieve remarkable outcomes as an executive assistant.

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What are executive assistant goals examples? How can the SMART goals method help EAs and other team members redefine goal setting and improve results? Read on to learn more!

Understanding SMART Goals for Executive Assistants

Today, SMART goals are so well-known in the corporate world. This system changed the way that companies fundamentally set and track goals. George Doran and a couple others in the 80s created the SMART goal framework . They built it as a better way for people to formulate their goals in a much more concrete way. 

SMART is an acronym that stands for the five key components of good goals, according to the system. These components are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (or Time-based). 

Specific 

A goal must be simple, straightforward, and to the point. It also must be something comprehensible and tangible. Set too broad of a goal and you and your team might feel overwhelmed. By focusing on a particular area, you also allow yourself to aim for a particular outcome. 

Measurable 

You need to have a way to track the progress of your goal. It’s hard to know how close you are to the finish line if you can’t quantify the growth. You can do this by setting KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and milestones. You can also set up a point of comparison, like statistics from a previous year or data from competition. 

Achievable 

SMART goal setting is all about acting on information to increase your chances of success. In other words, creating a reasonable goal is about data-driven decision making. 

When creating your goals, assess the resources you have at your disposal. Do you have the time, money, and manpower to make this work? It’s also important to think about how many steps there are to the process. It’s okay to give yourself a challenge. Ambitious goals can certainly increase individual and team motivation. However, by leveraging data, you can make practical decisions and set yourself up for success. 

Relevant 

The smaller goals you set must directly contribute to a personal overall goal or company mission. They need to align with not only your personal values but also the mission, vision, and core values of the business. Consider both the short-term and long-term benefits of undertaking certain tasks. 

Time-bound / Time-based 

Not everyone likes deadlines, but they are necessary when setting goals. If you set a deadline too far into the future, you run the risk of going off track or getting complacent. If you set too short of a deadline, you may not finish anything substantial. It’s important to set both short-term deadlines that measure progress. You should also have an expectation of a final date for the overall results. Be realistic about your timetables. Remember, you want to create pressure, not anxiety. Give yourself room for learning curves and errors.

Importance of SMART Goals for EAs

Setting vague goals can be a bane to actual progress. Say you’re an entrepreneur and made it your mission to “make the workplace a safe space”. It’s a great goal, but where do you go from there? How will you go about it? In what way does what you do contribute to that goal? What’s the timeline? 

If you don’t have answers to these questions, it becomes less of a goal and closer to wishful thinking. 

Being SMART is about breaking the big dream up into manageable pieces. Think of it like breaking down a dish into a recipe. Only looking at the completed dish can’t tell you enough to recreate it. For that, you need the exact ingredients, portions, and how to combine them. You won’t be able to tell cooking temperatures or cooking time, either. If you only focus on the finished product, you might still end up with something that looks similar. You will have something that is potentially entirely different in substance, though. 

The SMART method helps you break things down into processes, components and the order of operation. Not only that, but it also helps you understand the tools, skills, and time needed to complete a task. 

Let’s look at some common EA goals and later, how we can use the SMART method to break them down into something more attainable. 

Executive Assistant Goals, Examples, and Key Areas

Administrative efficiency.

Admin and back-office tasks are some of the most outsourced. A primary reason for this has to do with the amount of time it takes to finish these tasks. These tasks can often be tedious, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t vital to business operations. The more efficiently EAs do these tasks, the quicker they can move on to other tasks on their daily checklist . 

These tasks include things like email management, call screening, file organization, and other office operations. An EA must also know how to leverage AI and other software to improve productivity. 

Scheduling Proficiency

Scheduling involves several skills, including time management, communication, planning, and organization. Expertise in this area comes with a lot of experience coordinating with people and arranging meetings and events. 

The ability to self-manage is also crucial. It becomes easier to know how to handle another person’s calendar if you are a master of your own time. 

Bookkeeping and Budget Management

Sometimes EAs will have to handle some financial management tasks. The level of expertise that an EA has in these areas varies. If you want someone with more in-depth skill and specialization, you need to specify this in the job description. 

Executives will often ask their EAs to go on errands and spend for a variety of different things. For business transactions, this puts them in a unique position to observe the amount of money they spend. This proximity allows them to help suggest alternative ways to spend money more efficiently and reduce costs. Some bookkeeping tasks include:

• Compiling receipts (physical and digital)
• Recording payments and creating journal entries
• Managing accounts payable and receivable
• Creating expense reports 

Travel and Accommodations Planning

An EA must know how to arrange for an executive’s business and personal trips. This type of planning has a lot of moving parts. With each part, the EA must keep cost-effectiveness in mind as well as comfort and safety in mind.

First, an EA must think about logistics. They need to book tickets and research prices to find the best deals. Transport between locations is also important. Do they need to rent a car during their stay or will they go for other methods like taxi, Uber, or Lift? Another thing is food and accommodation. An EA must familiarize themselves with the hotels, restaurants, and cafes in the area and what they offer. They also need to discern if they should make reservations far ahead of time.

Examples of SMART Goals for Executive Assistants

Let’s go over some executive assistant goals examples and apply the SMART method. 

General Goal: Enhance Meeting Efficiency

• Specific – Keep meetings to 30 minutes at the maximum and satisfy all important topics.
• Measurable – Meet the requirements of topics needing resolution, progress updates, and new actions.
• Achievable – We can prepare better each time and learn more precise communication to reduce meeting times by 10 minutes until they meet the goal.
• Relevant – This will improve productivity and work satisfaction, which contributes to our core value of work-life balance.
• Time-bound – We will achieve this goal within 2 months or after 5 meetings, whichever comes first.

General Goal: Improve Technical Skills

• Specific – Reach 2 levels higher on skills assessment tests for administrative tasks.
• Measurable – Use the skills assessment tests provided alongside the training materials to determine skill levels.
• Achievable – We can enroll in courses to train up in specific skills. 
• Relevant – This will help us align with the vision of the agency to provide the best virtual administrative support in the country. 
• Time-bound – We will achieve this goal within 6 months; the exact time it takes to complete the courses and assessments. 

Strategies for Successful Goal Setting and Achievement

If the SMART method doesn’t work for you, don’t worry. There are multiple other goal-setting methods and alternatives you can try. And yes, taking the time to figure out which method helps you produce the best results is a worthwhile investment. (Or should we say a “relevant” investment?)

Regardless of what method you choose there are some universal things to consider when creating goals. 

Communication 

As an EA, you are a bridge between executives, managers, and workers. Improved communication starts with observation and feedback. Let executives know that you care about improving processes and elevating business operations. Bring up areas that can be improved and make suggestions. It’s also important to open up dialogue with other assistants and team members and get their input. 

Flexibility in Goal-making 

Sometimes, there are circumstances that call for a change or modification of plans. This can be like a shift in business priority where the budget gets allocated somewhere else. Flexible goal setting is knowing there are multiple ways to reach a desired outcome and finding them. It’s about maintaining the objective but reaching it via other means.   

Reviewing Performance 

Whatever the project, you should always have a performance assessment to determine the effectiveness of methods used. This allows you to recalibrate goals as needed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can eas balance personal and professional development goals.

An effective way to do this is by prioritizing executive assistant goals examples that will help you in both personal and professional settings. Find overlaps and improve your efficiency in those areas. By focusing on efficiency, you get stuff done faster, giving yourself time to focus on achieving other goals.

How can EAs track and measure the success of their goals?

Setting milestones, determining KPIs, and following a timeline are all great ways to make goals measurable. It’s also important to set expectations based on whether a goal is short-term or long-term.

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SMART goal setting provides a framework and foundation for tackling larger tasks. By breaking large goals down into smaller manageable milestones, teams and individuals have a place to start building. Simplify complex executive assistant goals examples by working SMARTer, not harder.

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50 Inspiring Examples of Career Goal Statements

By Status.net Editorial Team on February 7, 2024 — 12 minutes to read

A career goal statement is a clear and concise description of your professional aspirations: it outlines what you aim to achieve in your career path, providing direction and serving as a guide for your professional decisions. Crafting this statement requires self-reflection to identify what truly matters to you in your career.

Think of your career goal statement as a compass. It helps you navigate through opportunities and choices, aligning them with your long-term objectives. A well-defined goal statement includes specific job titles or roles, industry preferences, skills you want to acquire or use, and the values that matter to you in a work environment.

For example, your statement might be, “I aim to become a Senior Software Developer at a tech company that values innovation, in the next five years.” This statement is direct, time-bound, and reflects personal and professional values.

When writing your own career goal statement, start by asking yourself some questions:

• What am I passionate about?
• Where do I see myself in five, ten, or fifteen years?
• What skills do I need to develop to reach my goals?

Your statement can evolve as your career advances and your goals change. Remember, it’s a living document meant to grow along with you. Keep it precise, make it inspiring for yourself, and let it reflect who you are and who you want to become professionally. By doing so, you’ll create a powerful tool to steer your career decisions and help achieve your ambitions.

Components of a Strong Career Goal Statement

A strong career goal statement effectively communicates where you see yourself in the future and how you plan to get there. The keys to crafting this include clarity in your aspirations and how your current path aligns with your long-term objectives.

Clarity and Specificity

Your career goal statement should clearly articulate the position you’re aiming for and the steps you plan to take to achieve it. For example, instead of saying “I want to grow in the tech industry,” specify “My goal is to become a Senior Software Engineer at a renowned tech firm within the next five years by honing my skills in mobile applications development and leadership.”

Alignment with Career Objectives

Ensure that your statement aligns with your broader career objectives. For instance, if you’re determined to enter the field of environmental sustainability, your goal statement could specify, “I will secure a role as a Sustainability Project Manager by gaining expertise in renewable energy solutions and contributing to conservation projects.”

Brevity and Conciseness

Keep your statement concise; it shouldn’t be longer than a short paragraph. A crisp, well-worded statement would look like, “Within three years, I aim to advance to a Lead Graphic Designer position by consistently delivering innovative designs and taking on more strategic projects.”

Personal Motivation

Include a sentence about what drives you towards this goal, which gives a personal touch to your career goal statement. You might say, “I am committed to becoming an industry-recognized financial analyst by developing cutting-edge quantitative models, fueled by my passion for data-driven decision making.”

The Purpose of Career Goal Statements

A career goal statement helps you and others understand where you’re aiming in your professional life. It serves as both a guide and a benchmark for your career progression.

Professional Development

Your career goal statement is a powerful tool for professional development. It’s a declaration of your ambitions, which often falls into specific categories like acquiring new skills, achieving certifications, or reaching a new position. For example, you might aim to become a certified project manager within the next two years, highlighting the steps and skills you’ll need to get there.

Job Search Focus

When you’re on the job hunt, having a career goal statement gives you a lens to evaluate potential job opportunities. Imagine you’re an engineer seeking roles in renewable energy projects; your career goal statement would specify this preference, allowing you to target your job search and tailor your applications to match your aspirations.

Performance Management

During performance evaluations, your career goal statement offers a clear outline of what success looks like for you. It can act as a communication tool between you and your supervisor, ensuring that you’re both aligned on your targets. If your goal is to lead a team, your performance metrics might include leadership training and successful project outcomes.

Personal Reflection and Growth

Your career statement doubles as a checkpoint for personal reflection and growth. By setting specific goals like enhancing your public speaking skills or learning a new programming language, you create a framework for personal progress, tying these improvements back to your broader career objectives.

Writing Your Career Goal Statement

A career goal statement is a clear and concise description of your professional aspirations. It’s important to chart a course for your career by setting strategic goals and outlining the steps you plan to take to achieve them.

Self-Assessment

Start by evaluating your interests, strengths, weaknesses, and values. This step helps you align your career trajectory with your personal attributes and ambitions.

• If you enjoy creative problem-solving, you might aim for a role in strategic development.
• Someone with a natural talent for communication might target a career in public relations.

Research and Exploration

Learn about the industries and positions that align with your interests and skills. Find out what qualifications you may need and what career advancement may look like in those roles.

• Researching the field of data science might show you the importance of skills like programming and data analysis.
• Exploring the healthcare industry could lead you to consider roles ranging from a health administrator to a nurse practitioner.

Articulating Your Goals

Clearly state your short-term and long-term career objectives. Make them specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).

• Short-term goal: Completing a professional certification in digital marketing within the next year.
• Long-term goal: Becoming a chief marketing officer at a technology company within the next ten years.

Revising and Refining

Your career goals are not set in stone. Periodically review and adjust them to reflect your growing skills, changes in the industry, and personal life changes.

• Revising your goal to include leadership skills if you’re aiming for management positions.
• Refining your goals to focus more on work-life balance if personal circumstances change.

Examples of Career Goal Statements

When crafting your career goal statement, be specific and align your goals with your desired career path. This section will provide examples for different career stages to guide you.

For Recent Graduates

As a recent graduate, your goal statement should reflect your eagerness to apply your education in a practical setting and grow professionally. For example:

• “My goal is to secure a role as a software developer at a forward-thinking tech company where I can contribute to innovative projects and hone my coding skills in real-world applications.”

For Mid-Career Professionals

For you in mid-career, a statement should focus on advancing your current skills and taking on larger responsibilities. For instance:

• “I aim to elevate my expertise in digital marketing to become a marketing manager, where I can lead strategic campaigns and impact the company’s growth directly.”

For Career Changers

As someone looking to change careers, your statement needs to leverage your transferable skills and express your commitment to the new field. Consider this example:

• “I intend to transition into the field of data analysis, leveraging my extensive background in market research to deliver actionable insights and drive decision-making processes.”

For Executive-Level Positions

Your executive career goal statement needs to showcase your vision for leadership and your ability to steer the company to new heights. An example could be:

• “I am determined to apply my 15 years of managerial experience to a Chief Operations Officer role, focusing on optimizing company-wide operations to boost profitability and efficiency.”

50 Examples of Career Goal Statements

• 1. “To secure a challenging position in a reputable organization to expand my learnings, knowledge, and skills.”
• 2. “Seeking a role at (…) Company where I can contribute to the team’s success while developing my skills as an accountant.”
• 3. “To achieve a lead position in software development that allows me to design innovative solutions and manage a dynamic team.”
• 4. “To become a primary school teacher that inspires young minds and fosters a love of learning.”
• 5. “Aiming to leverage my experience in customer service to become a leading sales representative within the next five years.”
• 6. “To grow into a senior role within the marketing department, contributing to the company’s strategic goals and brand development.”
• 7. “Seeking a position as a clinical practice assistant for a health organization that focuses on the development of innovative medical treatments.”
• 8. “To secure a position as a human resources manager and contribute to an organization’s employee engagement and professional development strategies.”
• 9. “My goal is to become a project manager within a progressive tech company, leading innovative projects to successful completion.”
• 10. “Aspiring to be a top journalist within a major media outlet, reporting on significant global events that shape our world.”
• 11. “To develop a career in finance, eventually becoming a chief financial officer for a well-established corporation.”
• 12. “To obtain a managerial position in the hospitality industry, providing exceptional guest experiences and leading a successful team.”
• 13. “Looking to apply my graphic design skills in a dynamic advertising agency, producing high-quality work for a variety of clients.”
• 14. “To establish myself as a leading real estate agent within the community, known for diligently serving clients and achieving their property dreams.”
• 15. “To become a senior software engineer, specializing in machine learning and artificial intelligence, contributing to cutting-edge technology advancements.”
• 16. “Aspire to join an international non-profit organization, focusing on human rights advocacy and contributing to meaningful change.”
• 17. “To earn a position as a lead researcher in a top-tier biotech firm, focusing on the development of life-saving pharmaceuticals.”
• 18. “To be recognized as an expert in environmental law, working to protect natural resources and promote sustainability.”
• 19. “To secure a role as an art director within a prestigious agency, driving creative strategy and inspiring a team of designers.”
• 20. “Aiming to become a chief operations officer, optimizing organizational processes and enhancing overall efficiency.”
• 21. “To advance my career in the field of education technology, developing innovative tools that facilitate learning and growth.”
• 22. “Seeking to become a master electrician, overseeing complex projects and mentoring apprentices in the trade.”
• 23. “To climb the ranks to a senior data analyst role, transforming data into actionable insights that drive business strategy.”
• 24. “To become a leading figure in digital marketing, known for crafting high-impact strategies that generate measurable results.”
• 25. “Aspiring to be an executive chef in a Michelin-starred restaurant, creating world-class cuisine and leading a top-tier culinary team.”
• 26. “To secure a position as a cybersecurity expert, protecting sensitive information from threats and vulnerabilities.”
• 27. “Aiming to be a respected leader in the field of public health, influencing policy and improving community health outcomes.”
• 28. “To establish a career as a professional musician, performing internationally and sharing my passion for music with diverse audiences.”
• 29. “Seeking a role as an aerospace engineer with a focus on sustainable design and innovation in air travel.”
• 30. “To become a leading architect, known for designing eco-friendly and innovative structures that enhance the urban landscape.”
• 31. “To grow into a senior role in supply chain management, optimizing logistics and contributing to the company’s profitability.”
• 32. “Aspiring to become a senior content creator, producing engaging and informative content that resonates with a wide audience.”
• 33. “To secure a position as a labor and delivery nurse, providing compassionate care and supporting families during a pivotal life event.”
• 34. “To become a principal consultant, offering expert advice and solutions to businesses in my area of expertise.”
• 35. “Aiming to be a top sales manager, driving team performance and exceeding company sales targets consistently.”
• 36. “To secure a leadership position within the field of environmental science, contributing to research and advocacy for climate change mitigation.”
• 37. “To become a recognized expert in user experience design, creating intuitive and user-friendly digital products.”
• 38. “Seeking a role as a professional event planner, executing unforgettable events that exceed client expectations.”
• 39. “To advance to a senior technical writer position, producing clear and concise documentation that supports product development.”
• 40. “Aspiring to be a chief diversity officer, fostering an inclusive workplace culture where all employees can thrive.”
• 41. “To become a lead mechanical engineer in the automotive industry, contributing to the development of innovative and efficient vehicles.”
• 42. “To secure a position as a business analyst, helping organizations to improve processes and systems for better performance.”
• 43. “Aiming to become a senior environmental consultant, providing actionable strategies for sustainable business practices.”
• 44. “To establish myself as a professional photographer, capturing moments and stories through my lens for global publications.”
• 45. “Seeking a role as an investment banker, helping companies to grow and investors to achieve their financial goals.”
• 46. “To become a thought leader in digital transformation, guiding enterprises through the integration of new technologies.”
• 47. “Aspiring to be a senior policy advisor, influencing legislation and policy decisions that impact the public sector.”
• 48. “To secure a position as a professional interpreter, facilitating communication in multiple languages for international organizations.”
• 49. “Aiming to become a leading expert in nutritional science, contributing to healthier lifestyles and dietary choices.”
• 50. “To establish a career as a professional speaker and author, sharing my expertise and inspiring others in my field.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How can you write an effective career goal statement for your resume.

When you write a career goal statement for your resume, start by reflecting on your strengths, skills, and experiences. Then, identify the kind of position you’re aiming for and how your career path aligns with the goals of the company. Use action words and quantify achievements where possible.

What are some examples of short-term career goals in professional development?

Short-term career goals might include obtaining a professional certification, improving specific job-related skills such as public speaking or technical proficiency, or networking to connect with industry leaders. These goals are typically achievable within a few months to two years.

What should be included in a personal career goal statement?

Your personal career goal statement should include your career interests, the competencies you wish to utilize, the type of environment you thrive in, and how you see your career progressing. It gives employers a glimpse into your aspirations and professional philosophy.

Can you give examples of comprehensive goal statements for students?

An example for a student might be: “Graduate with a degree in Environmental Science and secure an internship with a leading sustainability organization, to contribute to effective climate change solutions.” This states the education aim and the practical, immediate objective after graduation.

How do you frame a career goal statement for entry into graduate school?

A career goal statement for graduate school should express your academic interests, how the program aligns with your career plans, and what you intend to accomplish professionally with the advanced degree. This could be working towards a specific research field or role in academia.

What elements make up a compelling and succinct one-sentence career goal?

A compelling one-sentence career goal is specific, mentioning the desired industry or role, is realistic, and includes a timeframe. For example, “To become a certified project manager within the next year and lead technology-related projects in a Fortune 500 company.”

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More From Forbes

10 goals effective ceos deliver to drive long-term value.

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Balancing short term and long term goals

The CEO job is tough. And it’s getting tougher as modern business gets more complex. The role of the CEO is different from any other in the organization. The CEO must see the entire context within which the organization is operating, understand myriad forces at play, set a broad vision, and be the final voice on difficult decisions.

In working with CEOs over the past twenty years, I’ve developed a list of ten goals that drive long-term value. The first six have to do with people. The last four are what great people deliver working together.

The value of this list isn’t its novelty. Rather it’s in capturing the breadth and complexity of the CEO role in a short, digestible, and demystified form. The list should provoke questions: How important is this goal? Why is it important? Are we delivering it? And how are we measuring success? It should provide a roadmap for assessment, dialogue, and prioritization of efforts.

Each goal is stated as an outcome rather than an action so as not to be prescriptive: There are many intelligent ways to approach these goals depending on context. The work of a CEO and executive team is to figure out the best path forward given their specific industry and situation. Under each goal is a brief description and key questions for consideration.

Ten goals that effective CEOs and their senior teams deliver:

1. Strong RELATIONSHIPS with all stakeholders

Best travel insurance companies, best covid-19 travel insurance plans.

Customers, employees, suppliers, communities, board members, and shareholders are all critical to an organization’s success. When things turn bad for an organization it’s usually because one or more of these stakeholder groups have been neglected for too long. — Key questions for consideration: How regularly and robustly are we engaging stakeholder groups? How open is the dialogue? How clear are we about what’s on their minds?

2. Talented, diverse, and motivated PEOPLE

The right people in the right roles are pivotal to creating long-term value. It takes significant investment to build a winning talent engine from attraction and recruitment through development and retention. Efforts invested here become a competitive advantage that’s tough to replicate. — Key questions for consideration: Where is our talent engine strong and where is it weak? Have we raised talent to the right strategic level? If we haven’t, what will it take to do so?

3. Distributed and adaptive LEADERSHIP

No organization today can be successful in the long-term without distributed and adaptive leadership; business is too complicated, and changes come too fast. If leaders throughout the organization don’t have the judgment, skills, or authority to make quick calls it creates problematic bottlenecks. — Key questions for consideration: Where are we not pushing down leadership far enough into the organization? What’s holding us back?

4. Continuous LEARNING at the core of everything

To be in business today is to be somewhat paranoid. As technology upends industry after industry with increasing speed, an organization’s ability to learn and adapt quickly is essential to staying relevant. Moreover, continual learning and growth helps retain talent. — Key questions for consideration: How are we building learning into everything we do? How serious are senior executives about their own learning and development?

5. Clear VALUES alive in the organization

Organizational theorist Chris Argyris made the case that there are two sets of values in every organization: espoused values and values-in-use. When the two sets are far apart, values are empty words on a page. When they’re closer together, values provide meaningful power and focus. — Key questions for consideration: What are our espoused values? Are they the right values? Are we living them? If no, why not?

6. Collaborative, trust-based, and risk-tolerant CULTURE

The most significant driver of culture in an organization is senior leader behavior. Behavioral role-modeling cascades through an organization faster than any corporate initiative or change plan. — Key questions for consideration: How are senior leaders behaving? Are they role-modeling high trust, collaborative, and smart risk-taking behaviors? If not, what’s being role-modeled? And what’s the impact?

7. Shared and compelling VISION

A vision is a descriptive picture of the future. It’s effective when it provides broad clarity and inspiration regarding an organization’s direction. It fails when it’s not shared, compelling, or credible. — Key questions for consideration: How clear, compelling, credible and shared is our vision? Where and how do we regularly bring our vision to life?   

8. Distinct and well-understood STRATEGY    

In its simplest form, strategy is the allocation of limited resources in pursuit of a vision. It should play to strengths and create an advantage. Furthermore, it should provide guardrails and direction for making tradeoff decisions. — Key questions for consideration: Is our strategy clearly articulated and well understood? Does it provide appropriate direction for what we will and won’t do in pursuit of our vision?

9. Disciplined and dynamic EXECUTION

Strategy’s clean and elegant logic gets dirty in the real world. Successful execution requires disciplined processes that dynamically shift as needed. The faster business get, the more dynamic execution needs to become to keep pace. — Key questions for consideration: Do we have the right balance of discipline and dynamism in our execution? If not, where do we struggle?

10. Strong and sustainable PERFORMANCE

Organizations manage what they measure. Accordingly, a CEO must ensure the right things are being measured. Stakeholders should have a hand in helping to define appropriate metrics. — Key questions for consideration: What metrics matter most to our long-term health? How do we effectively measure them?

These ten goals are aspirational. No one nails all of them all the time. It’s best to use them to honestly self-assess where things are working and where they’re not. Where things aren’t working, the goals should tee-up productive exploration and discussion.

The list is also a reminder of just how challenging the CEO role is in our modern world. Where a CEO used to hold a vast majority of the knowledge needed to drive success in their industry, they now hold a fraction of that knowledge. Where they used to direct organizational activities, now they must facilitate them. Where they used to provide answers, now they must intelligently create the environment in which new answers can be collaboratively born and collectively pursued.

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13 SMART Goals Examples for Virtual Assistants

Virtual Assistants (VAs) provide remote administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients from a home office. With the rise of remote work and the gig economy, VAs have become integral to those seeking flexible support in their daily tasks.

However, the flexibility of being a VA also brings the challenge of staying focused and accountable. Hence, setting SMART goals becomes crucial for virtual assistants to ensure they deliver quality services to their clients.

In this article, we’ll explore 13 SMART goal examples for virtual assistants to reach their full potential. But before we dive into the examples, let’s first understand what SMART goals are.

Table of Contents

What is a SMART Goal?

The SMART ( Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based ) framework empowers virtual assistants to formulate actionable goals.

To gain more insight, let’s delve deeper into SMART:

Being specific in setting goals as a virtual assistant will greatly boost your likelihood of success. Aim for clarity and precision, including all necessary details; this could give you a decisive advantage over others in this field.

As a virtual assistant, it’s crucial to have quantifiable goals. That makes it easier to track your progress and ensures that your tasks stay organized and focused. Without measurable goals, your work can become chaotic and unstructured.

Developing unrealistic goals could lead to frustration. Conversely, if your goals are too easy, they may not provide enough challenge to engage you. Striking a balance between ambition and realism is key to long-term excellence.

Creating goals that align with your values keeps you energized, even in challenging times. Therefore, reflect on what matters most to you personally and professionally, and ensure these values are mirrored in your goals.

A timeline helps you stay committed to your goals. Success doesn’t happen immediately; it requires consistent effort and patience. Establishing time-bound goals lets you maintain momentum and move in the right direction.

1. Increase Your Productivity

“Within three months, I will increase my productivity by setting a daily schedule and sticking to it. I’ll also use time management techniques such as the Pomodoro technique to break down tasks into manageable chunks and ensure maximum efficiency throughout the day.”

Specific: The goal clearly states what action will be taken: setting a schedule and using time management techniques.

Measurable: Productivity can be measured by the work completed within a certain period.

Attainable: The goal is feasible as it only requires implementing simple but effective techniques.

Relevant: Being productive is essential for virtual assistants to meet clients’ demands and maintain a successful workday.

Time-based: This SMART goal is expected to be achieved within three months.

2. Respond to Emails Within 24 Hours

“Starting next week, I want to respond to all emails within 24 hours of receiving them. This will ensure timely communication with my clients and colleagues.”

Specific: The goal clearly states what action will be taken (responding to emails) and within what time frame (24 hours).

Measurable: You could track the number of emails responded to within 24 hours.

Attainable: This statement is achievable with proper time management and prioritization.

Relevant: Responding promptly to emails shows professionalism and good communication skills, essential for a virtual assistant.

Time-based: The goal starts next week and will be an ongoing commitment.

3. Expand Knowledge and Skills

“I will enroll in an online course to improve my marketing skills in 6 months. I’ll also attend two webinars and read three books on digital marketing. By doing so, I can offer more services to my clients and expand my virtual assistant services.”

Specific: The individual aims to improve their marketing skills through enrollment in an online course, webinars, and reading books.

Measurable: Enrollment in an online course, attendance of two webinars, and reading three books on digital marketing.

Attainable: It’s achievable because the person has set a reasonable timeline and identified specific actions to reach the target.

Relevant: This is relevant as it expands their skill set, making them more marketable to potential clients.

Time-based: You have a deadline of 6 months, making it time-bound.

4. Achieve Work-Life Balance

“Over the following 5 months, I want to establish a work-life balance by setting specific working hours and scheduling time for personal activities. I will also delegate tasks to other virtual assistants to reduce my workload.”

Specific: This goal focuses on establishing a work-life balance , defined as equal division between one’s professional and personal life.

Measurable: Monitor your working hours and personal time, as well as note the tasks you’ve delegated.

Attainable: Work-life balance is achievable with proper time management techniques and delegating tasks to other VAs.

Relevant: Virtual assistants may struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance due to the flexibility of their jobs.

Time-based: The SMART statement will ideally be met within 5 months.

5. Enhance Time Management

“I’ll implement a time management system that helps me prioritize tasks and reduce distractions during work hours by the end of the year. That way, I can complete my tasks efficiently and have time for personal growth.”

Specific: This details a particular action (implementing a time management system) and how it will help the VA (prioritize tasks and reduce distractions).

Measurable: The VA can measure the effectiveness of the time spent on tasks before and after implementing the system.

Attainable: Many time management techniques and tools are available, so it is possible to find one that works for the VA.

Relevant: Time management directly impacts productivity and personal growth, making this goal appropriate.

Time-based: Goal completion should be anticipated by the end of the year.

6. Grow Social Media Presence

“I’ll increase my social media presence by posting three times a week on all platforms and engaging with at least 5 new followers daily over the 7 months ahead. I also plan to track my growth through analytics and strive to increase engagement rates by 10%.”

Specific: This goal is explicit as it outlines the actions of increasing social media posts and engaging with new followers daily.

Measurable: Progress can be evaluated through tracking analytics and engagement rates, making this goal quantifiable.

Attainable: With a manageable timeline and action steps, it’s feasible for virtual assistants to increase their presence on social media.

Relevant: In today’s digital age, having a robust social media presence is essential for networking and gaining new clients.

Time-based: The statement is expected to be completed after 7 months.

7. Enhance Communication With Clients

“By the end of this quarter, I will set up regular check-ins to discuss project progress. That should also include actively listening to their needs and providing clear task updates.”

Specific: You know how to enhance client communication: schedule check-ins and active listening.

Measurable: You can track the frequency of check-ins with clients regularly.

Attainable: With proper time management, you can definitely schedule regular check-ins.

Relevant: Effective communication is essential for maintaining client satisfaction and retaining them.

Time-based: Success should be reached within the time frame of one quarter.

8. Develop a Specialized Niche

“I will research and develop a specialized niche within my VA services for 5 months. This will involve identifying potential clients, creating marketing materials, and attending networking events to promote my expertise.”

Specific: The VA will identify a specific niche they want to specialize in and their actions to achieve it.

Measurable: Track the number of networking events attended and potential clients identified.

Attainable: Not only is it possible to develop a niche within their services, but four months also provides enough time to execute the necessary tasks.

Relevant: Developing a niche allows VAs to stand out and offer unique services to potential clients.

Time-based: There is a timeline of four months to accomplish this statement.

9. Improve Client Satisfaction

“I understand the importance of keeping clients satisfied, so I aim to increase client satisfaction by 20% within 6 months. I’ll achieve this by implementing a feedback system, responding promptly to client requests, and delivering high-quality work on time.”

Specific: The specific statement outlines the objective of increasing client satisfaction by 20%, how it will be achieved, and the timeline.

Measurable: Using a feedback system and tracking client satisfaction rates will allow you to measure the progress toward success.

Attainable: Following the outlined actions can surely increase client satisfaction within 6 months.

Relevant: As a virtual assistant, satisfying clients is crucial for maintaining long-term working relationships and securing new clients.

Time-based: Six months is the required deadline to meet the SMART goal.

10. Meet or Exceed Project Deadlines

“I will aim to meet or exceed all project deadlines given by my clients for the next three months. I’ll prioritize tasks, set realistic timelines, and use productivity tools to ensure timely completion of projects.”

Specific: This goal is well-defined, focusing on meeting or exceeding project deadlines for the three months ahead.

Measurable: The virtual assistant could count the projects completed within the set deadlines.

Attainable: With efficient productivity tools, meeting or exceeding project deadlines is a realistic goal.

Relevant: Meeting project deadlines is crucial for maintaining client satisfaction and building a good reputation as a reliable VA.

Time-based: The statement covers a specific timeline of three entire months.

11. Proofread and Edit All Work

“I’ll proofread and edit all work before submitting it to the client within two weeks. I want to use grammar and spelling check tools to ensure accuracy.”

Specific: This specifies that the virtual assistant will proofread and edit all work before submitting it to the client.

Measurable: Using grammar and spelling check tools, the VA can measure their level of accuracy in their work.

Attainable: A VA must have strong attention to detail and utilize available resources to succeed.

Relevant: Proofreading and editing are crucial for maintaining a professional image and delivering quality client work.

Time-based: Goal attainment should be met by the end of two weeks.

12. Take Breaks to Avoid Burnout

“Throughout the workday, I plan to take two 10-minute and one-hour lunch breaks to step away from my desk, stretch, and recharge my mind. This will help me avoid burnout and increase my productivity throughout the day.”

Specific: The individual has identified clear breaks throughout the workday.

Measurable: You have outlined the length of each break, and it should be easy to track time.

Attainable: This goal is feasible as it only requires the person to take designated daily breaks.

Relevant: Resting and recharging help prevent burnout, making this suitable for virtual assistants.

Time-based: The goal is ongoing, so practice it throughout your workday.

13. Stay Up to Date With Industry Trends

“I will subscribe to at least three industry newsletters and read them daily by the end of this quarter. Doing so will let me stay informed about emerging trends and offer my clients relevant solutions.”

Specific: The aim is defined as subscribing to and reading industry newsletters daily.

Measurable: You can track the number of newsletters subscribed and regular reading.

Attainable: Anyone can subscribe to newsletters; reading them each day is doable with good time management.

Relevant: Staying current with industry trends is crucial for VAs to offer valuable services to their clients.

Time-based: One quarter (three months) is the time frame for excellence.

Final Thoughts

These examples of SMART goals for virtual assistants can serve as a guide to help you create your own. You can use them as is or modify them to fit your specific needs and circumstances.

Regularly review and update your goals to ensure they align with your overall objectives as a virtual assistant. By setting SMART goals, you can gauge progress and ultimately succeed in your career.

Keep striving for excellence, and never stop learning and improving as a virtual assistant. Your hard work will surely pay off in the long run.