Let’s be honest — when most people hear “executive assistant” or “secretary,” what comes to mind?
Someone who answers calls, types letters, and runs errands for the boss, right?
But that’s old school thinking.
Today, the top executive assistants are not just helpers — they’re powerhouses.
They manage the boss, organize chaos, solve problems, and sometimes, they even make better decisions than the boss himself (yes, I said it).
If you’ve ever worked with a great assistant, you already know they’re worth more than gold. And if you are an assistant or secretary, let’s talk about the secret skills that can make you stand out so much that your boss would rather lose a client than lose you.
1. They Think Like Strategists, Not Errand Runners
The best assistants don’t wait for instructions — they anticipate them.
They think ahead. They understand what their boss needs before he even says it.
For example, if your boss says, “I have a meeting next week,” an average assistant will just book the venue.
But a top-tier one will ask:
Who’s attending?
What’s the goal of the meeting?
Do we need materials prepared?
Should we send reminders or set an agenda?
See the difference? One is reactive. The other is strategic.
2. Communication That Commands Respect
Your words can either build your reputation or destroy it.
Top assistants know how to communicate — with confidence, clarity, and class.
Whether it’s replying to a high-level client or sending a WhatsApp reminder to the driver, they know how to use the right tone for the right audience.
And trust me, your communication style can make your boss look good or bad. So when you write, speak, or email — do it like a professional who understands the brand you represent.
3. Emotional Intelligence Is Their Superpower
You see, being an executive assistant is not just about skills — it’s about people.
You’ll deal with your boss on a bad day, demanding clients, and sometimes rude colleagues.
If you don’t have emotional intelligence, you’ll take things personal, get stressed, and lose your cool.
But the best assistants? They stay calm under pressure. They know how to read people’s moods and respond wisely. They don’t fight fire with fire — they stay composed, no matter the chaos.
4. They’re Tech-Savvy (and Proud of It)
Let me say this clearly:
If you’re still struggling with Excel or you don’t know how to schedule meetings online, you’re already behind.
The world has moved on.
Top executive assistants are using tools like Trello, Notion, Slack, Google Workspace, and even AI apps to save time and boost productivity.
Don’t wait for your boss to tell you to learn them — take initiative. Learn them on YouTube. Watch tutorials. Improve yourself daily.
Remember: every time you upgrade your skill, you upgrade your value.
5. They Understand the Power of Discretion
This one is huge.
As an assistant, you’ll have access to confidential information — salary slips, business deals, even your boss’s personal life.
Top assistants know when to talk and when to stay silent.
They protect the boss’s trust like their life depends on it.
If your boss knows you can keep secrets, they’ll trust you with bigger responsibilities — and that’s how you grow.
6. Time and Project Management Like a Pro
Some people are busy all day but achieve nothing.
Top assistants? They make every minute count.
They plan, prioritize, and execute efficiently. They know how to say “no” politely when something doesn’t align with priorities.
They don’t wait for reminders — they are the reminder.
7. They Never Stop Learning
One thing I admire about top-performing assistants is that they’re always improving.
They read books, take online courses, and learn from every challenge.
They don’t say, “That’s not my job.”
They say, “Let me figure it out.”
And that’s the mindset that turns assistants into future managers, directors, and even CEOs. (Don’t laugh — it happens.)
Final Thoughts
If you’re an executive assistant, secretary, or personal assistant, don’t let anyone downplay your role.
You’re not “just an assistant.”
You’re the right hand that keeps everything running.
Start building these secret skills — strategy, communication, emotional intelligence, tech mastery, discretion, time management, and a hunger for growth.
Because when you do, you won’t just be supporting success — you’ll become part of it.
