j as you can and smoothing the way to free up their time to perform their role . You ’ re your own boss in a way !
“ I have fond memories of one-to-one time with my executive dictating to me as I used my shorthand or me typing up from his audio recordings . Messengers came to collect our letters and memos , while we got urgent items at the fax machine . And there were endless hours spent filing and at the photocopier !
“ In the past my focus would have been , out of necessity , to maintain and enhance my traditional office skills , such as shorthand , typing speed . However , today – out of want – my skills are keeping up with evolving technology and , at Barclays specifically , the sites we use to perform our HR , IT and travel tasks . After all , in today ’ s world EAs wear many hats . I also make time to attend meetings to keep abreast of what is happening in my executive ’ s area of the bank . It helps me understand the terminology and urgency of requests .
“ Technology has been a big driver of the evolution of our roles . But it ’ s also changed because of an evolving mindset regarding what the traditional role entailed and what it could entail to fully use our expertise . Now , the challenges comes when bosses don ’ t understand or value an EA ’ s diverse skills . When the partnership works , the outcome can be amazing .
“ I think EAs who came to the end of their working life 30 years ago would look at EAs now and be amazed at the use of technology in the role . But , perhaps more importantly , they ’ d be appreciative and thankful of the recognition . We ’ re now essential in every exec ’ s workplace – and we ’ re not limited to mundane administrative tasks .”
My essential EA kit
DEBBIE HALL
1989 – 2000
Telephone linked to my exec ’ s line to manage all calls for him / her A4 paper diary Sharp pencil with rubber at the end Typewriter ( that evolved into an electric typewriter then a PC ) Audio typing machine Shorthand notebook Fax machine Shared photocopier Many filing cabinets Refreshment tray with cups to make drinks for each meeting w
w w w
w w w w w w
2000 – 2022
w Mobile phone w Laptop and screen w Online diary synced to my boss ’ w Skype or Teams w Online filing system
Zoë Smith
EA to group executive , engineering systems , Australian Rail Track Corporation
With 30 years ’ experience as an EA to CEOs and executives in financial , engineering and transport institutions in the UK and Australia , Zoe has worked for diverse and complex companies that employ up to 85,000 people worldwide .
“ Changes in infrastructure and the global boom over the last 30 years have seen the EA role develop from simply administrative support to someone key to the wealth and success of any business . With large companies and small start-ups having to tackle things like innovation , strategic development and multi-channel avenues , plus ‘ middle managers ’ losing their place in the wake of business restructuring , EAs were first to step up to the plate , taking on crucial tasks which have a direct impact on the running of organisations .
“ My skills have dramatically expanded over my 30 years . I love streamlining processes and learning new technology . And the kit has changed hugely , too – I can ’ t remember the last time I filed papers in a lever arch folder in a filing cabinet !
“ In my first role , there were always set tasks that needed to be completed daily and you tended to stick to those tasks rather than want to get involved with anything else . Over the last ten years , no day has been the same in my role . EAs are now expected to take initiative , be proactive and anticipate improvements . The pace of our work is so much faster – as soon as we solve one issue , we ’ re straight onto the next !
“ I think the contemporary EA role would be incomprehensible to an EA from the 90s in terms of pace , complexity , autonomy and responsibility . Technology has moved so fast and higher demands are being placed on us to expand our skills and develop business acumen , leadership , executive presence , problem solving , and strategic planning .
“ And yet , despite these incredible changes , the core of the EA role ( to serve , support , facilitate and enable ) remains as important today as it ever has been . I love looking after
20 Executive PA | Autumn Issue 2022