As the executive assistant role continues to evolve, technical capability and efficient delivery are no longer enough. Experienced EAs are increasingly expected to navigate complex relationships, connect people and priorities, anticipate emerging needs and influence outcomes without relying on formal authority.

This course is designed for experienced Executive Assistants who want to broaden their relationship, communication and influencing skills and make a stronger strategic contribution within their organisation.

It is ideal if you:

• support senior executives in complex or fast-moving environments
• want to strengthen your credibility and influence with senior stakeholders
• need to build productive relationships across teams, functions or organisations
• want to contribute more confidently to strategic conversations
• are looking to move beyond task delivery and become a trusted strategic partner
• want to communicate effectively with people who have different priorities, perspectives and working styles
• are considering how the EA role can continue to add distinctly human value in an increasingly AI-enabled workplace

AI can improve efficiency, organise information and automate routine tasks. However, it cannot replace the judgement, trust, emotional intelligence and organisational awareness that experienced EAs bring to their roles. This course will help you strengthen these human capabilities and apply them to influence people, decisions and outcomes.

You will explore how experienced executive assistants can use relationships, communication, credibility and organisational insight to influence without formal authority.

This practical program will help you understand the dynamics that shape workplace decisions, adapt your communication to different stakeholders and position your advice in ways that build trust and encourage action.

Across the program, you will develop the confidence and practical skills to move beyond responsive support, contribute to broader organisational priorities and operate as a trusted partner to your executive and stakeholders.

Key topics include:

• understanding influence and how it operates without formal authority
• recognising the evolving, increasingly strategic role of the Executive Assistant
• moving from responsive support to proactive, strategic contribution
• building trust, credibility and productive stakeholder relationships
• developing organisational awareness and understanding competing priorities
• identifying stakeholder needs, interests, motivations and communication preferences
• adapting your communication style to different personalities and situations
• framing messages and recommendations to strengthen their impact
• using questions, listening and consultation to shape conversations
• navigating resistance, competing views and challenging relationship dynamics
• knowing when and how to respectfully challenge, advise or redirect
• maintaining professional boundaries while building strong relationships
• applying judgement, emotional intelligence and human connection in an AI-enabled workplace
• creating an action plan to strengthen your influence in your current role

• Build trusted and productive relationships with executives and key stakeholders.
• Identify stakeholder priorities, motivations and communication preferences.
• Adapt your communication approach to different people, situations and organisational contexts.
• Build alignment with stakeholders, giving them greater confidence in your ability to offer meaningful help in an AI-enabled workplace.
• Frame information, advice and recommendations in ways that support engagement and action.
• Use strategic questions, active listening and consultation to influence conversations and outcomes.
• Navigate resistance and competing priorities with confidence and professionalism.
• Contribute more effectively to strategic discussions without relying on positional authority.
• Position yourself as a credible, trusted and strategically minded Executive Assistant.

This course is delivered as two half-day digital workshops via Microsoft Teams.

The course includes practical activities, workplace scenarios, stakeholder-mapping exercises, facilitated discussion and action planning. You will have opportunities to apply the concepts to the relationships, communication challenges, and influencing situations you encounter in your role, and receive a workshop booklet to record insights, workplace applications, and practical next steps.

Planning to book for a team? A bulk booking discount is available when you register three or more participants or bundle three or more courses.

Many of our courses can also be delivered exclusively for your organisation, either virtually or in person, and tailored to suit your team’s needs. Contact us to discuss your booking and available options.

If you would like to learn more about this course or our other offerings, please contact the IPAA ACT team on 02 6154 9800 or capability@act.ipaa.org.au.