Musings of a High-Level Executive Assistant

JANUARY 8, 2013

This company is so ginormous I am having a dizzy time of trying to wrap my brain around what all they do – various forms of power, civil engineering, and then the IT services side of it. I am learning time zones and currencies and every day I am shaking in my boots that it might be too much but I want it so dang bad!

Attire 40

Attire Etiquette Clothes Time Zones 40

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 16, 2010

Do you ever get a meeting request and an agenda has not been provided, or if it is a teleconference the call-in details have not been given or the boardroom hasnt been booked for an internal meeting? Whose responsibility is it anyway? When booking meetings ownership of the meeting has to be established. 23, 1 p.m. (for

Agenda 100

Agenda Time Zones International IAAP 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 15, 2009

Other times we will be talking and I notice his eyes moving to his BlackBerry and I will see he is no longer paying attention to me, but reading emails instead. Here is some common-sense etiquette: Screen your calls: Subscribe to call display. However, I think our etiquette hasnt caught up with the technology.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Etiquette Phones 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 1, 2010

One person can be great at software programs and know all sorts of tricks to get things done quickly and another might be excellent at organizing and managing their email account. .© Copyright Patricia Robb 2010 2 July, 2010 We dont know what we dont know We really dont know what we dont know do we? 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 13, 2010

I had no idea this could be done, but I was thrilled when I got her email, but it just proved to me once again that we are all holding on to things we take for granted that others know about. The tip she sent me was how to edit an email that you have received. Close out of the email and you will be asked to Save the changes.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP PowerPoint Email 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

APRIL 5, 2010

Internal meetings can usually be changed more easily so start there. If you have to reschedule, send an email apologizing, but advise that your bosss schedule has changed. (for Assess which meetings can be adjusted without too much disruption. If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MARCH 20, 2010

You hear something while walking down the hall or are copied on an email and know something about the purpose of a meeting coming up. Many times I am so thankful I had that quick chat or read that email that I was copied on as that was the exact information I needed when they were away. (for 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 19, 2009

What is the proper etiquette when addressing or writing to a President? Here is a video link on the proper etiquette to address a President. Everyone up here calls him Obama and our Prime Minister is called Harper. Why do we not use their full name? Or it is that we just dont know how to address them so revert to last names?

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Etiquette 2009 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 28, 2010

We list country codes, city codes, international and national dialing codes, and other relevant country information. Hello Patricia, You have some great resources at [link] Given your interest in country codes, I wanted to make you aware of my site, [link] for possible inclusion as well. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 22, 2009

Posted by Patricia Robb at 6:13 PM Labels: Administrative Assistant , etiquette for addressing officials , professional assistant Reactions: 2comments: Carol Bory said. Another helpful site I refer to for protocol on addressing officials is www.formsofaddress.info. (for 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 12, 2010

Lynn has organized strategic events such as the companys internal trade show, all-hands meetings, the annual awards banquet, internal events and leadership off-site meetings. Holgate is the Executive Assistant to the President, she also reports to the Director of Human Resources and manages a staff of four. 411 Look Up 411.ca

2010 100

2010 Interviewing Time Zones IAAP 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 9, 2010

I breathe a sigh of relief when I get someones assistant on the phone or receive an email from them. It is important to build relationships with those we work with, but what about assistants we dont work with? If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

NOVEMBER 8, 2009

What dates and times does he or she have available (keeping in mind time zones for away meetings)? Secure the date and time in his or her calendar, taking into consideration travel time if outside the office. If it is an internal meeting, has a meeting space been booked? Where is the meeting being held?

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Calendars 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 10, 2010

I could see him looking after himself, trying to organise his diary and all his emails etc, and he wasn't sure what to give me. We have these now and he's reliant on me to take these off of him to give him more time to focus on his job. (for It took me only a couple of days to go into his office and say, ok, ground rules!!

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

AUGUST 1, 2010

There are just too many passwords to remember, and that doesnt include my bosss passwords that I also need to know because I have to check his emails as well as my own. Some sites use your email address as the log in, while others require you to create your own. But things like email etc, are all logged up in the noggin.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones 2010 IAAP Filing 100

Professional Assistant Blog

JULY 7, 2010

How to Organize Tasks Effectively How to Deal with Inconsiderate Co-Workers Resizing Pictures in Microsoft Word 4 Ways to Cope with Difficult Colleagues Administrative Procedures Manual - Does Your Department Need One?

Microsoft Excel 100

Microsoft Excel 2008 Google Docs Cubicle 100

Professional Assistant Blog

NOVEMBER 18, 2009

How to Organize Tasks Effectively How to Deal with Inconsiderate Co-Workers Resizing Pictures in Microsoft Word 4 Ways to Cope with Difficult Colleagues Administrative Procedures Manual - Does Your Department Need One?

Microsoft Excel 100

Microsoft Excel 2007 Google Docs Cubicle 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 10, 2010

If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 28, 2009

If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Gifts Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 14, 2009

I have become familiar with time zones, airport codes and international holidays to avoid. I am sure I could have done well as I have learned nearly everything there is to know about getting someone from point A to point B. If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Holidays International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

DECEMBER 19, 2009

If the meeting is internal, I send a meeting request, but for external meetings I tend to just confirm with them the meeting details by phone or e-mail. As I hear from the different parties I can put a check mark or an X whether they are available or not. If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

APRIL 10, 2009

For instance, I have folders for the Board of Directors, International, Personal and one for Work Information. I get internal newsletters and other information-type e-mails so I have a folder called News and dump everything like that in there until I have a chance to go back and read it or delete it. (for Makes my life simpler.

Time Zones 100

Time Zones Administrative Professionals IAAP International 100

Professional Assistant Blog

JULY 16, 2009

How to Organize Tasks Effectively How to Deal with Inconsiderate Co-Workers Resizing Pictures in Microsoft Word 4 Ways to Cope with Difficult Colleagues Administrative Procedures Manual - Does Your Department Need One?

Google Docs 100

Google Docs Cubicle 2008 2007 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

OCTOBER 4, 2009

Once you have completed a task, send your boss a quick e-mail to let them know you have done it or cc them on your email. It saves your boss asking if you got it done and in time they will not ask because they will just know you have handled it. (for If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list.

Management 100

Management Time Zones IAAP International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

SEPTEMBER 17, 2010

There is value in getting to know people, even if it is just over email or the phone. Important relationship building In all these cases I had much better results because I had established a relationship with the venue contact. Once they start to have a relationship with you they are much more open to trying to help you. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Negotiating International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 27, 2010

If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

PowerPoint 100

PowerPoint Time Zones IAAP 2010 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 13, 2010

If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

FEBRUARY 7, 2010

If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP 2010 Meeting Minutes 100

Professional Assistant Blog

JUNE 8, 2010

How to Organize Tasks Effectively How to Deal with Inconsiderate Co-Workers Resizing Pictures in Microsoft Word 4 Ways to Cope with Difficult Colleagues Administrative Procedures Manual - Does Your Department Need One?

Microsoft Outlook 100

Microsoft Outlook Calendars 2007 2008 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JANUARY 23, 2010

If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP AT&T Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 20, 2009

My email is danielle.mcgaw (at) robertsoncollege (dot) net if you ever plan on being out this way! I've added your blog to the Helpful Links section and I've even got a quote from your blog on the front page! Keep up the good work! July 23, 2009 Patricia Robb said. Thank you Danielle, I have only driven through Winnipeg. (for

Time Zones 100

Time Zones 2009 IAAP Administrative Professionals 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

MAY 31, 2009

If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 5, 2009

The worst time to write an email is when you are angry. This happens with e-mail as well. My boss calls these types of e-mails "crankograms." I am sure you know what I mean and have received them yourself and felt the sting of it. I wrote about it in an article called I got an e-slap on the wrist. (for 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP International Meeting Minutes 100

Professional Assistant Blog

OCTOBER 6, 2009

How to Organize Tasks Effectively How to Deal with Inconsiderate Co-Workers Resizing Pictures in Microsoft Word 4 Ways to Cope with Difficult Colleagues Administrative Procedures Manual - Does Your Department Need One?

Travel 100

Travel 2008 Google Docs Cubicle 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 11, 2009

Below are some things that I have found helpful to build my network: Join a professional association such as the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP). I can tell you my friends and colleagues got a lot of phone calls in those early days and it was a wonderful resource and help to me. 411 Look Up 411.ca

IAAP 100

IAAP Time Zones Administrative Professionals International 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

APRIL 22, 2009

If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Administrative Professionals 100

Administrative Professionals Time Zones IAAP Meeting Minutes 100

Laughing all the Way to Work

JULY 9, 2010

If you find some are outdated please let me know so I can remove them from this list. 411 Look Up 411.ca

Time Zones 100

Time Zones IAAP Holidays International 100