MASTERING SKILLS REQUIRED FOR A SUCCESSFUL PA’s AND EXECUTIVE SECRETARIES

9^th-11^th March, 2026                                                                                                                        10^th– 12^th June, 2026

26^th-28^th August, 2026                                                                                                                     14^th– 16^th October, 2026

Introduction

A “personal assistant” typically manages personal tasks and errands for an individual, like scheduling appointments, travel arrangements, and household management, while an “executive secretary” (often referred to as an “executive assistant”) supports a high-level executive with more complex business-related tasks, including managing calendars, coordinating meetings, handling confidential information, and sometimes even strategic planning, usually at a higher level of responsibility within a company; essentially, an executive secretary handles more professional and business-oriented tasks compared to a personal assistant who might manage more personal errands. 

The role of an Executive Assistant is more strategic than a Personal Assistant. An EA plays a crucial role in supporting their employer’s goals and objectives. They are involved in making important decisions and providing valuable insights. A Personal Assistant focuses on managing day-to-day tasks.

Course Contents 

Module One: The Personal Assistant and Executive Secretaries

·       Roles of Personal Assistants and Executive secretaries

·       Responsibilities of PAs and Executive secretaries

·       Expectations of the Superior from PAs and Executive secretaries

Module Two:  Effective Time Management

• Understanding the importance of time management
• Controlling, prioritizing and organizing your work
• Coping with large tasks
• Ensuring the safety and efficiency of your work environment
• Basic project management
• Taking control

Module Three: Improving Communication Skills

• Why are communication skills so important?
• Understanding the different means of communication in business
• Using vocabulary that works
• Writing effectively
• Improving listening skills
• Being aware of the barriers to good communication

Module Four: Assertiveness Skills

·         

• What is assertiveness and why is it important?
• Developing confidence in order to use assertiveness skills
• Understanding gender differences
• Practical advice to using assertiveness skills in your work environment
• Coping with stress

Module Five: Successfully Working with Managers and Colleagues

• Why is this important?
• Learning ways to manage your manager
• Coping with different personalities and working styles
• Understanding your own strengths and areas for improvement
• Learning to delegate effectively

Module Six: Organizing and Planning for Superior Performance

• Setting challenging performance goals
• Putting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to work
• Utilising planning strategies and forward thinking
• Prioritizing objectives
• Personal action planning

Duration: Three (3) days                                                                                                              Fee: N250,000

For Whom:

Senior Secretaries, Personal Assistants and Administrative Officers of various cadres in both Public and Private Sectors