Is your self-worth as an Executive Assistant driven by activity or output?
An output is something you do. An outcome is something that happens as a consequence of something that you do.
This episode came about because so many EAs I have been training and coaching are struggling with the feeling that because they're not 'seen' working remotely they are not feeling as sure about the value they're delivering.
EAs may not generate outcomes as a general rule but their output does. Getting clear on the connection between outputs and the outcome they're tied to is a valuable way of building confidence and self-worth but also articulating your value to your manager.
Get the download for the episode at https://bit.ly/outputsnotactivity
Secure your invitation to join the Empowered Assistant Collective when the doors open in early September by registering at bit.ly/empoweredea
In this interview with Mike Van Vliet we discussed the important terminology that EAs need to understand and the various sources of information that provide insight into how projects are travelling.
We also discussed the different project management methodologies that EAs may come across and how they differ.
Finally we talked through ways that EAs can support their manager and influence the project management process.
In this week's episode Liz shares a couple of bits of news and also an article that might resonate with you exploring the topic of burnout.
You can find the blog post by Bonnie Low-Kramen here or cut and paste the URL:
http://www.bonnielowkramen.com/2020/07/20/burning-out-from-wfm-and-what-do-you-do-about-it-now/
Join the list to hear when the Empowered Assistant Collective doors will open at:
You can listen to my fun episode featuring my daughter Kate here:
https://beingindispensable.libsyn.com/podbombing-during-covid-19-a-bit-of-fun-with-kate-vv
A solo episode ruminating on a blog post that I wrote about EAs adopting what I call a Slinky Mindset.
Read the blog post here
I've written another post about the way Slinky's can also get tangled up. For Executive Assistants it happens when they're trying to manage unrealistic expectations!
Read the blog post here
In this episode Liz is sharing the projects she's working on including a new membership for EAs called The Empowered Assistant Academy.
Register your details so you can be the first to know when the doors open.
Find out more about the coaching, training and speaking we offer at My EA Career.
Mentoring is one of the most valuable things you can undertake. In this episode Liz shares her advice for finding a mentor and the key elements that need to exist for it to be a worthwhile experience for both mentor and mentee.
I prescribe to the view that respect cannot be demanded, it must be earned. Thinking that you "deserve" respect is a path to unhappiness and frustration. Instead, I recommend taking a proactive approach to earning respect that is based on the elements of my Knowing Assistant Framework:
- Knowing yourself
- Knowing your Power Skills
- Knowing your job
- Knowing your boss
- Knowing your organisation
You can read more about the Knowing Assistant Framework on my website myeacareer.com
In this episode I share 3 strategies for building respect that I've read about in a brilliant book by Peggy Vasquez "Not Just An Admin". I can highly recommend picking up a copy of this excellent personal development resource.
I also mention Lois P. Frankel's book "Nice Girls Still Don't Get The Corner Office".
Executive Assistants that I coach and mentor struggle with the feeling of not being in control. What I find is that it's not just a case of 'too much work' or 'not enough support'. When we feel overwhelmed or frazzled there are both internal and external factors at work.
So I've created a workbook that steps you through identifying the inner and outer elements that are in play when you feel like you're really kicking goals (and when you're not).
You can download it at bit.ly/fromfrazzledtoflow
As you support your managers and colleagues, families and friends during Covid-19 it's important to support yourself. In particular, your immune system.
Ange Sinclair, otherwise known as the Digestive Detective is a qualified naturopath and specialises in helping people improve their gut health which leads to improvements in other areas of wellbeing.
Ange left the corporate world and pursued study to gain qualifications in Western Herbal Medicine, Nutritional Medicine, Naturopathy and Aromatherapy and runs a thriving health practice in Sydney, Australia.
She understands the pain and discomfort that poor digestion can cause and in this episode she shares her top tips for the small things you can do that will support and supercharge your immune system.
Ange has also provided a brilliant download that can be accessed here:
https://mailchi.mp/digestivedetective.com.au/g6pjo6kfo0
Find out more about Ange at www.digestivedetective.com.au
I loved speaking to Ange and found her advice practical and realistic. I hope you enjoy our chat.
As I celebrate the milestone of making it to 100 episodes I am looking back at my most downloaded episodes and re-releasing them for those of you who are new to the podcast and haven't scrolled all the way back through the previous episodes available in your podcast listening app of choice.
Episode 5 was all about the results of a LinkedIn survey I ran asking EAs what was the ONE word they wanted to show up as in their role/workplace....spoiler alert, indispensable was the top word! Listen in to hear what the other words were.
I also share in this episode the research and thinking of Amy Cuddy who has written a book on the topic of Presence, called...you guessed it, Presence.
You can find Amy Cuddy's TED talk here if you're interested in learning more about her story.
A solo episode celebrating 100 episodes of the podcast. Celebrating you, the lovely listener. Celebrating me for sticking with this project and celebrating serendipity for the turn of events that guided me to the role of Executive Assistant and in turn inspired me to start a podcast in the first place.
Thank you for listening and for all of your support for what I do.
If you're interested in my book you can find details at www.lizvanvliet.com
Orders within Australia can be made via the website and via Amazon for outside Australia.
Linda Emslie escaped the corporate rat-race and embraced a new career as a Transformation and Wellbeing specialist running her business Lovlali and using Reiki and massage to help her clients manage high stress loads, chronic pain or illness and multiple responsibilities.
In this episode Linda shares some simple practises that will help you manage the stress and anxiety of the Covid-19 lockdown and virtual work environment and ensure that you are supporting your nervous system and doing the things that will help you stay well.
Connect with Linda via her website www.lovlali.com
In this solo episode I share with you the reasons behind my announcement that I am rebranding the business side of Being Indispensable under the banner My EA Career.
Learn more about my approach to Executive Assistant training and development at myeacareer.com
Throughout her career, Michelle Broadbent has been the eyes and ears for intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs across an array of industries. She has helped business owners build and diversify, increase their profits and transform their lives. In other words she has been a Linchpin assistant delivering tangible business results.
Her clients describe her as "calm, centred and utterly unflappable" and say she is "the engine room" in their business. Wow! She is absolutely the person people love having in their corner and whether you are working with an intrapreneur (ie someone inside a large organisation) or see yourself building your own Virtual Assistant business in the future support solopreneurs and entrepreneurs, you can learn something from listening to Michelle talk about what she does and how she does it.
To find out more about Michelle, go to her website https://www.michellebroadbent.com.au/
Connect with Michelle on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/michbroadbent/
Connect with Michelle on LinkedIn at
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-broadbent-39b763122/
Learn more about Liz at
A bit of fun with my daughter who is self-isolating at home during her first year at university.
She is sharing a home office with me and so has been listening to me conduct interviews and decided she needed to have her moment in the podcast limelight (it's been a long time coming).
We hope you enjoy it x
For many of us the Covid-19 pandemic will mean the first time we're working from home. Presenting your best self online in whatever virtual setting you find yourself is important to managing the perception of your boss and co workers as well as other key stakeholders.
This weeks episode is an interview with Kaye Ure from Styling Individuals. We cover Kaye's tops for setting up a physical environment to ensure you look professional on screen and she also shares tips for how to adjust your clothing and makeup for a virtual context.
Kaye has an offer at the moment for individuals that want to work with her 1:1 to set themselves up for success. Contact her at kaye@stylingindivuals.com for more information.
Connect with Kaye on Instagram as well to see how she works with clients and ensures they look great and feel confident.
In these times of volatility and uncertainty it can feel like we can't control anything. In this short episode I just wanted to encourage you that your mindset matters SO much right now. We can't control what is happening but we can control how we react to it.
Remember, you are the boss of your own mind and looking after your own mental and physical health is something you can and should do.
Sending you love and support during these trying times.
A solo episode where I share three techniques/tips that I find invaluable. I've chosen these three specifically because
Find out more about my coaching and training at my website www.beingindispensable.com
Follow me on social at Lizveevee and Being Indispensable
Welcome to 2020. In this road rambling* episode Liz explores how social media can leave us feeling overwhelmed amidst the onslaught of posts telling us that we need to have big plans and big ideas and if not, there's courses we can sign up for and people to show us how to get ourselves sorted.....but we don't need to jump on this bandwagon.
Instead, we can set realistic expectations for how we might proceed in 2020 without setting ourselves up for any FOMO or letting comparison be the thief of joy.
The reality is that for many Executive Assistants the pressures that were there when we logged out on Christmas Eve are still there and even worse when we come back after New Year and learning how to navigate this is more valuable to you. So, here's to 2020 and me helping you feel more effective and able to expand your circle of influence.
Oh and there's some rambling about where I'm at and what my priorities are right now and for 2020 (the word family gets mentioned quite a bit).
*Road Rambling refers to the way this episode is recorded in the car, on the go so excuse the background engine noise!!!
Wishing all my listeners a safe and happy Christmas. This episode is a wrap up of my year. I hope you enjoy listening to it and look forward to bringing you more episodes of Being Indispensable in 2020.
Today's episode is all about why it’s essential to understand your manager’s preferred communication style. How to think about and evaluate this and some tools and resources to help you explore this area of knowledge for yourself.
Resources discussed in this episode:
Being Indispensable Ep 32: Building A strategic partnership with your exec
Being Indispensable Ep 48: How to interview your boss to clarify expectations
Being Indispensable Ep 57: Five tips to help EA’s manage up
Being Indispensable Ep 64: Indispensable Skills: Managing your manager
HBR Article "Figure Out Your Manager's Communication Style"
Office Dynamics Communications Style Quiz
Fast Company article "These are 4 styles of communication that you need to know"
Find out more about how I can tailor a training workshop for your company's needs at www.beingindispensable.com
The sixth in a series on POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants. These are often called 'soft' skills but they are anything but soft.
I believe that you can be functionally competent and you can even be strategically competent and know who’s who in the zoo and understand the intangible power dynamics that operate in all organisations (both competencies are essential in my experience to being truly on your way to being perceived as indispensable). But if you soft skills are lacking or you're simply not investing in constantly developing them then you are missing the vital element that’s going to really allow you step into the space of being a truly indispensable assistant.
Resources discussed in this show:
https://hbr.org/2015/12/assessment-whats-your-curiosity-profile
https://hbr.org/2018/09/curiosity#the-business-case-for-curiosity
The fifth episode in a series about the essential POWER skills for Indispensable Assistants.
Recorded from my hotel room in Freemantle Western Australia where I've been presenting and sponsoring the 2019 Australian Institute of Office Professionals Conference.
Resources discussed today:
Jonas Altman https://qz.com/work/1270483/management-today-requires-these-four-types-of-leadership/
Adam Grant TED talk: Are You A Giver Or A Taker
https://www.tonyrobbins.com/career-business/are-you-a-leader-at-work/
AIOP 2019 National Conference - Liz has two tickets to giveaway. If you have the ability to get yourself to Freemantle, Western Australia then email liz@beingindispensable.com. Giveaway is for conference and workshop entry only it doesn't include travel and accomodation!
Resources mentioned in this episode:
http://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/first-look-oprah-and-dr-edith-eva-eger
https://www.bustle.com/p/how-to-be-more-assertive-at-work-in-3-days-according-to-experts-18755104
Welcome to the third episode in my mini-series focused on POWER skills for indispensable assistants. This week the topic is Influencing Skills.
Being able to get things done needs cannot be reliant on de facto positional authority that comes via who you support. Instead I coach and train EA's and Office Professionals to build their personal and professional reputation capital and develop strategies that allow them to effectively influence.
Resources discussed in this episode:
https://www.inc.com/molly-reynolds/how-to-spot-visual-auditory-and-kinesthetic-learni.html
https://www.drloisfrankel.com/