I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.

The role of the Executive Assistant (EA) has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to changes in technology, business practices, and organizational needs. The objective of this article is to ground ourselves on the journey so far and imagine how the future looks like and explore the potential learning interventions. Here's a brief overview of how the job has changed:

Early Roles and Responsibilities

Originally, the role of an EA was primarily clerical. EAs were expected to perform tasks such as typing, filing, and answering phones. Their responsibilities were largely reactive, providing direct support to executives by managing their schedules and handling correspondence.

Technological Advancements

The advent of personal computers and the internet brought significant changes to the role of EAs. By the late 20th century, EAs began to use word processing, spreadsheets, and email, which increased their productivity and expanded their roles. Technology relieved EAs from many routine tasks, allowing them to take on more complex and varied duties.

Shift Towards Strategic Partnership

As businesses recognized the potential of EAs to contribute beyond administrative support, the role evolved into more of a strategic partnership. Modern EAs often act as the right hand of the executives they support, involved in preparing reports, conducting research, and even participating in high-level meetings. They play a crucial role in decision-making processes by providing insights and managing information flow. (How many of you remember Harvey Specter, Donna Paulson and Gretchen Bodinski from 'Suits')

Today's EAs often manage more than just administrative tasks; they might oversee projects, manage other administrative staff, or coordinate public relations. These involve managing complex schedules, organizing large-scale events, or ensuring seamless communication between departments.

Globalization and the rise of remote work have also transformed the EA role. EAs may now support executives who are in different time zones, requiring them to work flexible hours and be adept at using digital communication tools. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, pushing EAs to become proficient in virtual collaboration platforms and remote office management.

AI assistants are automating routine tasks, improving communication without much effort, draft, sort, prioritize emails, breaking down language barriers through translations and making it easier to analyze and visualize data, simplifying research. This is expected to elevate the role of an EA further as a strategic partner of the executive.

Looking forward, AI is expected to integrate more deeply into the role of EAs, possibly taking over more complex tasks. This would enable EAs to assume even greater roles in strategic management. As AI continues to evolve, EAs will need to adapt by continuously upgrading their skills (Project Management, Data Analytics, strategic planning, AI based tools to improve productivity to name a few) and embracing new technologies to stay relevant and increase their value within organizations. Its time to take the change head-on.