5 Books for Executive Assistants
If you have been reading the Practically Perfect PA blog for a while, you will know that I often tell Assistants that they have to read EVERYTHING, which includes emails, reports, the intranet, the internet, business guides, your Executive’s magazines and newspapers.
Really anything else that you can get your hands on that will develop your career, business acumen, and overall skills and competencies.
It is sooooo important that Assistants continually develop and stay up to date with new methods and best practices. But, you should also ensure you have the basics covered, and there isn’t a better place to start than with a good old-fashioned book.
There are many great books for Assistants that focus solely on the role and our profession. Today, I thought I’d give you a few suggestions, these are 5 Books for Executive Assistants, and they all cover the fundamentals you will need to succeed as an EA.
Books for Assistant’s career development
Not “Just An Admin” by Peggy Vasquez
Published in 2014, this book is for any Assistant who has uttered the phrase ‘I’m just an Admin’. The book shows Assistants the power, value and respect that can be gained when you realise you are never just anything!
The Definitive Executive Assistant and Managerial Handbook was the first book I read when I started as an EA. It is packed with beneficial information and tips for getting the fundamentals and the practical aspects of the role right. It is still relevant, having been revised in 2015.
The New Executive Assistant: Exceptional executive office management by Jonathan McIlroy
The newest book on this list. The New Executive Assistant is for EAs and their Executive who want to create exceptional partnerships to drive their business forward. The book is full of practical advice that both Assistants and Executives can put into place to help create a successful working relationship.
I love Julie’s books; they are all essential reading for EAs. ‘Become A Procedures Pro’ helps Assistants navigate office systems and procedures. Regarding getting the basics right. This is a must-read because all Assistants have to create methods, work within complex office systems and often, we have to set up processes that will make our colleagues more efficient. This is the place to start to get to grips with all of that!
The Leader Assistant: Four Pillars of a Confident, Game-Changing Assistant by Jeremy Burrows
Jeremy is a leading voice in the Assistant Industry and an accomplished high-perfoming Assistant in his own right. The book outlines four pillars Assistants can incorprate into their role that will help them to be seen as leaders in their organisation.
In the world of Assistants, it is essential to keep up-to-date with the newest methods and practices. It’s also important to provide yourself with a strong foundational education in the fundamentals of being an Assistant. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you do so. The books suggested in this article are fantastic options for those who would like to hone their Assistant skills through reading.
However, if you want a deeper dive into learning new skills and concepts, our Unrivalled Assistant Online Course offers targeted lectures that relate directly to the Assistant profession. This unique course gives you information about organising workflows, enhancing executive presence, understanding tactical communications and more valuable topics for an Assistant’s development. The more comprehensive your knowledge base, the better prepared you will be for any challenge your job may bring.
