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Stop Waiting for Permission to Be Strategic |
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It’s Time to Reclaim the Word ‘Strategic’
We talk about “being strategic” all the time, but it can feel a bit vague in the reality of back-to-back meetings and a ton of Slack messages to respond to. The truth is, for EAs, strategy shows up in small daily decisions. How you think, what you prioritize, and how you connect your work to the bigger picture. Here are a few simple but powerful ways to start thinking and working more strategically this week:
Learn the language of the business.
Know who your company’s clients are, what your Executive’s priorities are, and how success is measured. You can’t influence what you don’t understand.
Zoom out before you zoom in.
Before diving into the day-to-day, ask: How does this task connect to the bigger goal? That mindset shift changes everything.
Anticipate, don’t react.
Strategic Assistants don’t just handle what’s in front of them - they think ahead. Anticipate challenges, suggest solutions, and always look for the “what’s next.”
Speak up in the right rooms.
Being strategic means being visible. Share insights, ask smart questions, and don’t be afraid to highlight risks or opportunities others might miss.
Align with your Executive’s goals - and your own.
If your Executive isn’t interested in your growth or doesn’t see the value you bring, be strategic about your next move. You deserve to work for someone who does.
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For EAs, being strategic goes far beyond sitting in on high-level planning sessions (though that’s great when it happens). It means shaping the rhythm of work, deciding what deserves your Executive’s focus, what can wait, and what needs to change. It also involves noticing patterns, connecting dots, and helping your Executive make better decisions faster.
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To excel in this role, assistants must be tactical in their approach, understand the business and strategy, and implement effective tactics. In this article, we’ll explore how to start developing tactical skills and strategic insight to achieve career growth and maximize impact. Developing tactical skills and strategic insight in this context involves ensuring precision and thoroughness in every task, large or small.
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FOCUS Virtual Summit
Friday 14th November 2025, Live over 24 hours.
Unlock the full power of ChatGPT with prompts, protocols, and workflows designed specifically for Executive Assistants. In this exclusive ChatGPT for Executive Assistants Masterclass, you’ll discover how to use AI as a trusted productivity partner – enhancing efficiency, protecting sensitive information, and creating reliable outputs you can use with confidence.
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Google NotebookLM
NotebookLM is one of Google’s latest experiments in AI-powered productivity. Think of it as a personal research assistant and notetaking companion that lives inside your browser. You can upload your own documents, whether they’re Google Docs, PDFs, Slides, or even website links, and the tool creates a kind of “notebook” that becomes your private workspace. Then, using AI, it reads and understands your materials so you can ask it questions, generate summaries, or pull insights from the exact content you’ve added.
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Let’s put strategy into practice this week with one small, visible action that shows you’re thinking beyond the to-do list.
Choose one visible move that shows strategic thinking in action. For example:
- Ask a question in a meeting that links decisions back to business goals.
- Summarise a report into key risks and opportunities for your Executive.
- Automate a recurring task to free up time for higher-value work.
Small, deliberate actions like these build your strategic muscle. One week at a time.
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November 14th, 2025 @ Live over 24 hrs
Focus Virtual Summit
This Summit will provide Assistants with essential skills to boost efficiency and master time management. Learn how to prioritize tasks, streamline your workflow, and manage multiple responsibilities effectively. By optimizing your productivity, you’ll be able to meet deadlines, maintain balance, and thrive both at work and in your personal life. Book now>>>
November 28th, 2025 @ 10.00am ET | 3:00pm GMT
Assistant Tech & Tools Masterclass
In this masterclass, you’ll gain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to leverage the latest technology and AI solutions in your role. Our comprehensive, interactive training will empower you to harness the power of AI, including ChatGPT, to support your daily tasks with speed and precision. Book now>>>
December 12th, 2025 @ 10.00am ET | 3:00pm GMT
Copilot for EAs Masterclass
In this exclusive 3-hour live masterclass, you’ll discover how Copilot brings generative AI into Microsoft 365, giving Executive Assistants the ability to save hours, reduce admin, and deliver professional outputs with speed and confidence. Book now>>>
April 22nd-24th, 2026: London, UK
The EA Campus Conference
Over three unmissable days, you’ll dive into game-changing sessions on the future of the Assistant role, take part in hands-on workshops that deliver practical, real-world results, and explore the latest in AI tools, tech demos, and tactical support you can use immediately. Best of all, you’ll do it all surrounded by a room full of people who get what it means to do your job, and love it just as much as you do. Book now>>>
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