27 Dec Skills of a Virtual Executive Assistant (VEA)
Skills of a Virtual Executive Assistant (VEA)
VEAs rarely have boring jobs. The duties extend far beyond answering phones or organizing files. In fact, VEAs cater to a wide range of needs and handle many different circumstances, many of them beyond the scope of normal job descriptions.
The most successful VEAs are jacks-of-all-trades, yet there are a core set of skills that help them excel in the role.
- Organizational SkillsOrganizational skills are one of the top Virtual Executive Assistant key strengths. High-level Executive Assistants juggle many tasks and large quantities of information. Without an orderly system, assistants can easily fall behind, miss deadlines, or lose track of important details. The organized VEA can find answers quickly and keeps operations flowing smoothly. These individuals are calmer, more efficient, and appear more competent.
- Multi-taskingRarely does an VEA have the liberty to move at a leisurely pace and focus on one mission at a time. Skilled assistants must be multi-taskers, ready to pivot at a moment’s notice when an urgent need arises. Then, they must resume the previous task when the crisis ends. Often, this shift occurs many times throughout the day. Problems present themselves and colleagues have questions. Phones ring, plans change. Savvy executive assistants must take interruptions in stride and learn how to prioritize effectively.
- Time ManagementTime management is one of the most important skills as VEA’s’ duties tend to be time-sensitive. Staying focused and completing tasks on time is crucial for job success. Not to mention, VEAs receive steady streams of work, and can easily fall behind if they do not stay on top of assignments. Good time management skills keep operations flowing smoothly, and reduce stress levels. Also, capable assistants know how to carve out efficient workflows and set boundaries.
- Communication SkillsCommunication skills are crucial for VEAs. They must know how to speak and write professionally to executives, business partners, and high-level clients. Grammar is crucial, as is tone. Savvy assistants know when to strike a more personal and friendly tone and which situations call for strict formality. Length and medium should be appropriate too. A passing mention or a memo may suffice for lesser news, while bigger announcements or issues merit a detailed email or formal report.
- Problem-SolvingVEAs are expert problem-solvers. Executives often enlist the help of their Executive Assistant to tackle challenges they don’t have the time or bandwidth to remedy. Often, assistants face multiple hurdles, or stare down strange problems, requiring outside the box thinking necessary to resolve these issues. The ability to propose alternative solutions and think on your feet is critical for VEAs who deal with daily curveballs.
- ComposureThe ability to stay calm in stressful situations is one of the most important VEA’s qualifications. Even mundane job situations can become stressful though. For instance, perhaps the boss misses his flight because of traffic, or delays creating a presentation until the last minute. No matter how stressful the situation, good VEAs do not panic. They stay calm and figure out a solution.
- Decision-MakingVEAs make dozens of decisions every day. Although they sometimes are given assistants tasks or assignments, there is often little oversight and direction. The role tends to be independent and self-guided. VEAs know what they need to do and must decide how best to accomplish tasks. The best VEAs understand the limits of their powers, and know when to make the call and sign off on a decision themselves, and when to track down the boss.
And the list goes on…. successful VEAs are technically savvy, discreet, pay attention to detail, adaptable, and exhibit humility. VEAs are like stage hands, running around backstage to make it possible for the star to shine on center stage. At AAC, it’s our goal to make you shine!