Leadership and Social Influence Skills

Steve George investigates how Assistants employ leadership and social influence abilities in their work.

Assistants are leaders, and they, like any other leader, need to learn and develop a variety of talents.

1. Trustworthiness and Reliability

For our executive(s), our colleagues, and the company, assistants must be dependable and trustworthy. Our personal beliefs and characteristics are resources that we use on a daily basis.

2. Organization and Management Skills

Complex projects are organized by assistants so that each colleague’s labor is integrated into the final product. Even in tough circumstances and during work-related disagreements, it is critical that we are adept at time management, prioritizing different duties, and understanding how to respect other people’s needs and perspectives.

3. Interpersonal and social skills

Assistants must detect the group’s social and interpersonal requirements, interact at many levels, and strive to comprehend and feel the underlying mood that is only shared in small groups. We must put others before ourselves in this job and strengthen our active listening abilities.

Influence

Although the aforementioned talents are complex and intertwined our most significant skill and obligation is our ability to influence people without official authority, by setting an example, directing and encouraging colleagues’ involvement with our support and expertise. In reality, the most important skill for Assistants to learn is cultivating a sense of interdependence and mutual support among coworkers at all levels of the business. Leadership for assistants is part of a social influence process, especially in this regard.

Assistants as leaders, both inside and outside the business they work for, guide and inspire in a variety of ways and on various levels.

On an individual basis

We inspire, assist, and coach our colleagues at this level, and we exchange best practices. We learn about our coworkers’ strengths and work with them to increase their favorable attributes. We make connections to help people live better lives. We listen and discover a better approach to manage challenging circumstances, which might range from a little disagreement to a technical issue that temporarily halts a colleague’s work.

Every day, our actions and attitudes impact our coworkers; we set an example simply by resolving situations without complaint or protest, by being engaged and cheerful. We cultivate genuine personal connections. We are prepared to look after others and make them feel better so they may have a better day at work. Empathy, understanding, and awareness of the feelings, ideas, and experiences of people who work with us are also developed by assistants, especially when those colleagues do not freely share their emotions.

At the Organizational Level

We aim to settle issues and build team spirit and cohesiveness at this level. We have the courage to speak truthfully while avoiding gossip. Assistants must lead by example, reducing the impact of negative sentiments and emotions and attempting to weaken them.

On a Corporate Level

We generate culture, change, and innovation at this level. Even when we are not at work, we are a representation of the company, representing the individuals who work there. We may see future strategies and methods for improving the organization’s mission while being prepared to handle challenges and criticism.

The Assistant to the Leader

The Leader Assistant is a person who exudes great energy and creates pleasant sentiments in others. We foster a healthy atmosphere in the workplace and with visitors, and we urge others to do the same and to respect compassion.

By sharing our knowledge, Assistants have an impact on the entire globe community of Assistants. We recognize the importance of networks in the development of personal strengths, innovation, and leadership. We assist younger colleagues who wish to develop by assisting them in determining the best technique for them, which may include training and mentorship. For the next generation, assistants are a symbol.

To be able to do all of these arduous responsibilities, we must be true to ourselves and our principles, enabling our voices to be heard and not being hesitant to express our sentiments in difficult situations at work.

It’s all about giving and sharing: when we believe in our own abilities, we make room for others to shine.

I can’t think of a more effective application of social influence and leadership!