SMART Goals for Executive Assistants
If you’re looking for a list of Executive Assistant SMART goal examples, you’ve come to the right place. At Base, we believe that setting SMART goals as an Executive Assistant (EA) is imperative to your success and the success of the Executive you support.
With a seemingly endless number of tasks on your to-do list, it can feel like goal setting is out of reach. With SMART goals, you can quickly and easily set personalized objectives to chart your growth, measure success, and ultimately achieve more responsibility, recognition, and upward mobility for the remarkable work you do. Keep reading and learn how to set SMART goals and use them to further your career as an EA.
Getting SMART About your goals
Before we get into our list of SMART goals for administrative assistants, it’s important to first understand what this goal-setting method is all about. Developing a well-thought-out plan through the SMART method will ensure your objectives have the structure and trackability needed to support your success as an EA. The SMART acronym is broken down below and should align with your Executive Assistant OKRs (objectives and key results):
- Specific: Is the objective clear to both you and your executive? Is it concise?
- Measurable: Do your objectives have a clear path to success? How will you know when the goal has been completed?
- Achievable: Are the objectives you’re setting attainable? Do you have the personal or professional capabilities to complete these goals?
- Relevant: Do your objectives fit into the overall purpose of your EA role? Do they align with your organizations’ goals?
- Time-bound: When is the deadline? Have you given yourself enough time to succeed?
Watch this video for an introduction and overview of how to set realistic Executive Assistant SMART goals.
Executive Assistant SMART goal examples
Setting SMART goals as an EA will help you determine which objectives are worth advancing and which ones aren’t. When you plan out your goals, try to think about your personal interests and what activities could bring value to your organization. Here are some outcome-based Executive Assistant SMART goal examples that are both feasible and beneficial:
- If you are always designing invitations and publications, set a goal to learn Photoshop or Illustrator by the end of the year. Canva is also a great tool for quick and creative designs. See more digital tools here to help you grow!
- Eager to demonstrate more competence and set yourself up for higher pay in the future? Plan to get your PMP (Project Management Professional) certification by the end of the year.
- Improve your overall efficiency and organization by using a project management system. See how the Base platform helps assistants organize, communicate and take action – all from one go-to place.
- Take an Excel course by the end of the first quarter to make those weekly reports more efficient and easier to complete!
- Dedicate time each quarter to maintaining advanced knowledge on emerging tools and resources, such as Slack. Psst – find more resources for Executive Assistants on our site.
- Brainstorm new team-building ideas (one per quarter) to maintain morale and improve company culture and employee well-being.
- Read some helpful books to level-up, then share your new knowledge with the team at the beginning of next quarter. Here are several books we recommend for every EA.
- BONUS: Download our free guide: How to Set Goals that Impact the Business
Reaching your Executive Assistant goals
As an EA, you have a powerful and unique position within your organization. You can add value both practically and strategically to your business operations, and better yet, get your Executive in on your goals and begin thinking up business-related objectives together.
Setting Executive Assistant goals and OKRs is part of a much bigger picture. By setting and reaching your goals, you will facilitate growth in your career and develop a better understanding of where your growth can take you — giving you the confidence to excel both personally and professionally.
Base: The smart way to do Executive Assistant work
Base equips Executive Assistants with the tools, training, and support they need to be more efficient in their roles and lead impactful careers. If you want to work smart, try Base! Get a demo today to see how you can streamline your processes in one easy-to-use platform. And, don’t forget to attend one of our upcoming virtual events made for growth-minded assistants like you.
