This article is part of a series published on our LinkedIn account by guest writers. Today's article was written by Isabel Branco on 24th September
The role of a Management Assistant is demanding and multifaceted, requiring the ability to handle a wide range of tasks simultaneously. One of the biggest challenges I face every day as a Management Assistant is time management. Most of the time, I have to adjust my “To-Do list” because priorities are constantly shifting. Flexibility is essential, especially when supporting a team of 80 people across Portugal, Poland, and Romania.
Another major challenge is travel management, as I’m responsible for organizing all international team travel and accommodation. This can be a particularly stressful task. Additionally, a Management Assistant must juggle scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, and handling urgent tasks, all while maintaining efficiency.
Communication is another key challenge. As a primary point of contact, the Assistant must communicate effectively with people at all levels - from senior executives to clients - often acting as a gatekeeper or mediator. This is a daily challenge because everyone wants to be heard urgently. I’ve learned that I need to prioritize important issues over urgent ones.
Problem-solving is also a critical part of our daily routine. Management Assistants often encounter unexpected issues that require quick thinking and decisive action, all while remaining calm under pressure. Handling sensitive information is another significant responsibility, as confidentiality and discretion are crucial. Lastly, balancing multiple responsibilities without direct authority can be stressful, requiring strong organizational skills and adaptability to ensure that operations run smoothly despite external pressures. It’s important to maintain good internal communication with both the boss and the entire team.
For me, another key challenge is keeping the team in a positive mindset. I’m always available to listen, offer help, and provide positive feedback because I believe that when the team is happy, they perform better - and so do I.
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This article is penned by Isabel Branco, Management Assistant at SIBS INTERNATIONAL and member of IMA from Portugal.
The Guest Writer series features contributions from IMA members worldwide, showcasing the diverse experiences and expertise of management assistants within our network. Each piece offers unique perspectives, practical advice, and personal reflections from professionals in the field. The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.
