Supporting Senior Leadership: A Training Course in Advanced Secretarial Skills (Online / Remote)
1Summary
Working alongside senior leadership is a different job entirely from general office support — the margin for error shrinks, the confidentiality bar rises, and every interaction reflects on the executive being supported. This programme is designed specifically around that reality.
Rather than covering secretarial basics, it focuses on the advanced skill set senior-level support demands: airtight scheduling, discreet handling of sensitive information, polished written communication, and the judgement to manage a leader's day without constant supervision.
Participants leave equipped to operate as a genuine extension of the executives they support, not just an assistant carrying out tasks.
2Objectives and target group
Who Should Attend?
- Secretaries and administrative assistants working with senior leadership.
- Individuals aspiring to move into executive-level secretarial roles.
- Administrative staff seeking to develop skills in supporting senior leadership.
- Anyone building organisational and management skills for busy work environments.
- Executive managers wishing to train their staff in senior secretarial fundamentals.
Knowledge and Benefits
- Develop advanced organisational skills to manage leadership schedules and activities.
- Improve effective communication with senior leadership in the workplace.
- Apply professional administrative writing techniques, including reports and correspondence.
- Handle sensitive and confidential information with professional discretion.
- Use modern information technology to streamline administrative processes.
- Manage senior leadership's daily tasks efficiently without compromising priorities.
3Course Content
Module 1: Confidentiality and Trust at the Senior Level
- Maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive information
- Ethical principles for working with executive leaders
- Building the trust that senior-level support depends on
Module 2: The Secretary's Role in Supporting Leadership
- Understanding the secretary's core function alongside senior leadership
- Why continuous interaction with executives matters strategically
- The direct link between administrative work and organisational goals
Module 3: Managing Schedules and Daily Priorities
- Planning appointments and activities efficiently
- Using technology tools to organise leadership schedules
- Handling last-minute changes to meetings and appointments
Module 4: Time and Resource Management Under Pressure
- Prioritising tasks and allocating responsibility by importance
- Time management techniques for a high-demand role
- Strategies for staying composed in a fast-moving environment
Module 5: Coordination Across Departments
- Building effective communication channels between departments
- Coordinating tasks and activities among diverse teams
- Organising internal and external meetings for continuous coordination
Module 6: Administrative Writing and Official Correspondence
- Mastering formal and administrative writing styles
- Writing professional reports and memos
- Preparing emails and presentations for leadership review
Module 7: Documents, Calls and Meetings
- Organising and storing administrative documents securely
- Professional techniques for handling phone calls
- Managing meetings and documenting discussions effectively
Module 8: Communication with Colleagues and External Contacts
- Strengthening communication with colleagues across departments
- Representing leadership in contact with clients and suppliers
- Building professional relationships that support organisational goals
Module 9: Adapting and Growing in the Role
- Decision-making and problem-solving in daily senior-level work
- Adapting to organisational change and workplace pressure
- Setting personal and professional goals for continued growth