Administrative Support Skills

2 Days

Introduction

Administrative assistants are a key part of most office environments. They work quietly in the background, ensuring that the business runs smoothly and efficiently. This workshop will give new administrative assistants tools that will make them that person that the office can’t live without. Experienced administrative assistants will learn new tools that will make them more efficient and valuable than ever.

In the Administrative Support course, participants will learn the core skills that will help them use their resources efficiently, manage your time wisely, communicate effectively, and collaborate with others skilfully. The practices presented in this course may take time to be a part of your daily work routine, however, making the commitment to consistently apply the concepts every day is the key to changing and adopting new behaviours in a short amount of time.

Programme Objectives:

• Getting Organised
• Manage their time more effectively
• Prioritise their time so they can get it all done.
• Complete Special Tasks
• Verbal Communication Skills
• Non-Verbal Communication Skills
• Empowering Yourself
• Deal better with their managers
• Taking Care of Yourself is a priority

Method and Approach

This programme will involve the use of slides, handout material, work manual with all instructor notes and slides, examples of best practice, appropriate videos and appropriate video material.

The use of flip-charts, syndicate workshops and reporting back sessions will encourage a fully participative and enjoyable event. Delegates will be encouraged to participate actively in relating previous work experiences.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for all staff members who wish to improve their general administration skills.

Course Content

This two-day course will cover the following subjects:

Getting Started

• Introduction to the course
• Workshop Objectives

Getting Organised, Part One

• Dealing with E-Mail
• Managing Electronic Files
• Keeping Track of the Paper Trail
• Making the Most of Voice Mail

Getting Organised, Part Two

• Keeping Your Workspace Organised
• Using a To-Do Book
• The Extra Mile: Adding Project Management Techniques to Your Toolbox

Managing Time

• Managing Your Time
• Keeping Others on Track
• Maintaining Schedules

Getting It All Done On Time

• Prioritising
• The Secret to Staying on Track
• Goal Setting

Special Tasks

• Planning Small Meetings
• Planning Large Meetings
• Organising Travel

Verbal Communication Skills

• Listening and Hearing: They Aren’t the Same Thing
• Asking Questions
• Communicating with Power

Non-Verbal Communication Skills

• Body Language
• The Signals You Send to Others
• It’s Not What You Say, It’s How You Say It

Empowering Yourself

• Being Assertive
• Resolving Conflict
• Building Consensus
• Making Decisions

The Team of Two

• Working with Your Manager
• Influencing Skills
• What to Do in Sticky Situations

Taking Care of Yourself

• Ergonomics
• Stress Management
• Dealing with a Heavy Workload

Wrapping Up

• Words from the Wise
• Lessons Learned
• Completion of Action Plans and Evaluations