NEW: The Elite Prelude to Office Dynamics Annual Conference
Elite Assistant Certification™
A One-Day In-Person Immersive Masterclass
October 8, 2024 | Red Rock Resort | Las Vegas, NV
SOLD OUT!
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Elite Assistant Certification for Executive Assistants
Embark on a transformative journey of professional excellence with the Elite Assistant Certification™—a premier, one-day, immersive training designed exclusively for ambitious executive and administrative assistants eager to elevate their capabilities.
This certification is not just a workshop; it’s a crucible of growth, meticulously curated to challenge and expand your skill set. Spearheaded by two luminary trainers boasting over 40 years of trailblazing experience, the program represents the fusion of expertise, where seasoned knowledge meets practical application, empowering you to excel in your role as an elite assistant.
As you step into the serene sanctuary of our training venue, you’ll be enveloped by the inspiring embrace of a round room, with majestic windows that stretch from floor to ceiling, ushering in the dance of daylight and the serene mountain scape beyond. In this intimate environment, you’ll connect with peers and mentors alike, cultivating a network of professionals who are as dedicated as you are to mastering their craft.
The Elite Assistant Certification™ is crafted to be a hands-on, “roll-up-your-sleeves” experience. You’ll dive deep into advanced administrative strategies and innovative methodologies that are reshaping the industry. At the heart of the Elite Assistant Certification lies a core focus on cultivating power skills that will distinguish you as an irreplaceable asset.
Delve into advanced strategic thinking and problem-solving techniques that will empower you to anticipate needs, craft innovative solutions, and drive key business initiatives with visionary foresight. This is where the essence of your role evolves—from an assistant to a strategic partner.
Maximize your conference experience in Las Vegas by adding the Elite Assistant Certification™ to your itinerary. Seize this unique opportunity to get certified and elevate your professional skills with our one-day, expert-led course, held the day before the conference begins.
download the brochure
Our comprehensive brochure provides an inside look into the course structure, curriculum, benefits, and the instructors of the program.
Meet Your Trainers
Lisa Olsen
Office Dynamics Certified Trainer | Professional Development Specialist | Speaker
Peggy Vasquez
International Speaker | Empowerment Coach | Best Selling Author
Interactive Learning
This fast-paced masterclass defies the traditional sit-and-listen seminar model, inviting you instead to engage actively with the content and your peers. Through a series of thought-provoking exercises, collaborative discussions, and real-world scenario analyses, you will be an integral part of a vigorous educational experience. Prepare to be immersed in a vibrant atmosphere where every moment is an opportunity for growth and every interaction is a step towards your transformation into an elite assistant.
Course Materials
Participants will be equipped with an extensive, meticulously curated handout that serves as a tangible guide to the wealth of knowledge shared during the session. This indispensable compendium is packed with insights, frameworks, and actionable strategies, ensuring that the value of the masterclass extends far beyond the confines of a single day.
It’s not just a document; it’s a roadmap to excellence, a rich resource to continually reference as you apply and expand upon your newly honed power skills.
Course Curriculum and Learning Outcomes
Developing the Leadership Mindset
Morning Session, Taught by Lisa Olsen
The day will kick off with Peggy and Lisa explaining the theme for this certification—developing a leadership mindset. We will explore the following three questions throughout the course material, setting up the tone of the event:
What does a “leadership mindset” look like?
What are the EA characteristics of a leadership mindset?
What habits do EAs need to develop to build their leadership mindset?
Strategic communication is crucial for credibility, influence, and professional distinction. In this part of the course, Lisa will teach the key points of strategic communication:
- The benefits of strategic communication.
- Understanding the factors related to a strategic executive voice.
- How effective communication is a critical element of professionalism.
Overview of the communication process, focusing on the value and impact of words and actions. Communication is more than just “telling.” We will also explore three key questions in this section:
- Are my words/actions adding value?
- Are people showing interest?
- Is there a 2-way exchange?
Evaluate and discuss the primary characteristics of strategic communication, including verbal, vocal, and visual aspects, and the importance of body language.
There are nine detrimental communication habits to avoid, as they can impede influence and effectiveness in your role. Examples include avoiding difficult conversations, reacting instead of responding, assuming you are understood, and lack of attention to tone.
Brevity in communication should be emphasized for clarity and impact. Through a dedicated quiz, course participants are guided on how to be concise and improve the quality of their communication.
Learning the art of giving and receiving constructive feedback is essential for assistants. This module will be supported by practical case studies and reviewed in depth to assess the application of insights for each participant.
- Recognize the Value of Communicating Strategically: Attendees will gain a practical understanding of high-level strategic communication and identify areas in their own communication that might need refinement and development.
- Dynamics of Strategic Communication: Attendees will gain tools to improve their communication through self-awareness, active listening, and the elements of the primary communication characteristics.
- Communication Pitfalls: The session will include nine specific habits that inhibit effective communication and influence potential. Attendees will be able to do a self-assessment to determine what areas they need to refine.
- Clarity and Conciseness: Attendees will learn the tools for practicing brevity and more “elegant” communication. This essential skill elevates professionalism and credibility.
- Leadership Potential: Attendees will understand the connection between strategic communication, executive presence, and leadership potential.
Introduction to Critical Thinking and Strategy
Afternoon Session, Taught by Peggy Vasquez
This section explores critical thinking, focusing on defining, questioning, and evaluating information. Through means such as analysis and interpretation, participants will assess their ability to foresee potential outcomes and plan for them. This module includes:
Key Strategies and Steps:
Peggy breaks down the key strategies for critical thinking: analysis, interpretation, inference, explanation, and evaluation, as well as the steps involved in strategic thinking: setting goals, analyzing options, and decision-making.
Critical Questioning Brain Teasers:
Engaging brain teasers designed to challenge critical thinking skills, paired with group discussions.
Problem Solving and Strategic Support:
Techniques for effective problem-solving brainstorming to understand how to provide strategic support to executives and teams.
Adding diverse value in meetings, relationship management, and emotional intelligence is vital for strategic partnerships. This module incorporates group activities, role-playing exercises, and an emotional intelligence exercise to explore the following topics:
- Diverse Value Addition in Meetings
- Relationship Management and Emotional Intelligence
- Building Trust and Collaboration
Self-leadership is the practice of intentionally influencing your thinking, behavior, and actions towards your objectives. It is underpinned by self-awareness, self-regulation, and motivation, enabling an individual to conduct self-assessments through tools like personality tests and strength identification. This section emphasizes the importance of understanding self-leadership, which involves self-awareness and self-regulation and is supported by self-assessment tools.
- Heightened Critical Thinking Skills: Participants will effectively apply critical questioning and strategic thinking techniques, analyzing situations to make informed decisions and solve problems with heightened clarity and depth.
- Confident Executive Communication: Attendees will demonstrate enhanced executive presence through confident verbal and non-verbal communication, effectively utilizing body language, tone, and concise messaging both in-person and virtually.
- Increased Value in Professional Settings: Participants will acquire diversified skills beyond traditional assistant roles, adding value in meetings through insightful contributions, relationship management, emotional intelligence, and fostering collaboration within teams.
- Empowered Self-Leadership: Attendees will cultivate self-leadership practices, embracing failure as a learning opportunity and leveraging self-influence to drive personal growth and positively impact team dynamics.
Agenda
Check in for Registered Attendees
8:00 – 8:30 am
Welcome and Opening Activity with Lisa & Peggy
8:30 – 9:00 am
Session facilitated by Lisa Olsen
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Lunch (on your own)
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Session facilitated by Peggy Vasquez
1:00 – 4:00 pm
Wrap Up and Certificate Presentation
4:00 – 4:30 pm
There will be a 10-minute break in the morning and a 10-minute break in the afternoon. Feel free to grab a Starbucks (in the hotel) to bring to class. The meeting room will have water stations set up.
SOLD OUT!
Certification Benefits
Unlock a World of Professional Opportunities with
Elite Assistant Certification™
Embarking on the Elite Assistant Certification™ journey offers a multitude of benefits, each designed to propel your career to new heights and solidify your standing as a top-tier administrative professional. Here’s how this certification can be a game-changer for your career:
Career Advancement:
The Elite Assistant Certification™ serves as a powerful catalyst for career growth. By mastering advanced administrative strategies and innovative methodologies, you position yourself as a prime candidate for promotions and more prestigious roles. This certification is a testament to your commitment and expertise, making you a standout in the competitive job market.
Skill Recognition:
Upon completion, you’ll receive a certification that’s not just a piece of paper but a symbol of excellence in the administrative field. This recognition validates your skills and knowledge, setting you apart from your peers. It’s a tangible proof of your dedication to continuous learning and professional development.
Enhanced Credibility:
Holding this certification enhances your professional credibility, showcasing your expertise to employers, colleagues, and clients. It reflects your ability to keep pace with the evolving demands of the executive support role, ensuring that you’re not just meeting but exceeding industry standards.
Networking and Collaboration:
Participants of this program join an elite network of professionals, fostering opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth. This network becomes a valuable resource, offering support and opportunities long after the certification program concludes.
Strategic Partner Transformation:
This certification elevates your role from an assistant to a strategic partner. You’ll learn to anticipate needs, provide innovative solutions, and contribute to key business initiatives. This shift in role and perspective is essential for thriving in today’s dynamic business environment.
Personal Brand Enhancement:
Holding the Elite Assistant Certification™ adds a prestigious edge to your personal brand. It communicates a message of excellence, commitment, and professional integrity, making you a sought-after asset in any administrative or executive support role.
By investing in the Elite Assistant Certification™, you’re not just enhancing your resume; you’re opening doors to new possibilities and setting the stage for a future rich with opportunities and achievements.
FAQs
This fast-paced masterclass defies the traditional sit-and-listen seminar model, inviting you instead to engage actively with the content and your peers. Through a series of thought-provoking exercises, collaborative discussions, and real-world scenario analyses, you will be an integral part of a vigorous educational experience. Prepare to be immersed in a vibrant atmosphere where every moment is an opportunity for growth and every interaction is a step towards your transformation into an elite assistant.
No. You may sign up and attend the Elite Assistant Certification Course without attending the conference.
Executive Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Chief of Staff, Executive Secretary, or any administrative or strategic support individual who is aspiring to perform at the top of their game.
One-Day Certification: Rather than studying books and watching videos for months, an individual can achieve this certification in one day of intensive, hands-on training.
Created By Administrative Training Pioneer: This certification is the brainchild of Joan Burge, an administrative training and education pioneer since 1990.
Created From 40+ Years Of Experience: The content has been developed and will be taught by two exceptional facilitators, Lisa Olsen, and Peggy Vasquez, with more than 40 years of combined experience in the executive and administrative assistant arena, who bring a wealth of knowledge and practical skills to the program.
Tailored To The Modern Professional: Our course is tailored to the modern professional, blending proven techniques with contemporary concepts. We aim to elevate participants to an elite status in their field, equipping them with cutting-edge knowledge and techniques.
Hosted By The Industry Leader: This course is being hosted by Office Dynamics International, the leader in the development and creation of sophisticated training programs for administrative professionals around the world.
An Energizing, Hands-On Experience: The course has been crafted to keep you engaged and filled with interactive activities so you can put into practice all you are learning. Plus, you will have lots of fun!
Interactive Learning: This fast-paced masterclass defies the traditional sit-and-listen seminar model, inviting you instead to engage actively with the content and your peers. Through a series of thought-provoking exercises, collaborative discussions, and real-world scenario analyses, you will be an integral part of a vigorous educational experience. Prepare to be immersed in a vibrant atmosphere where every moment is an opportunity for growth and every interaction is a step towards your transformation into an elite assistant.
Each attendee will receive a course workbook. You may want to bring a writing pad or journal to take your own notes. Laptops are not permitted as they can be distracting to other attendees and the facilitators.
Individuals who complete the entire day course will receive .6 CEUs.
The course fee includes an array of valuable resources and benefits:
- A contemporary, expertly crafted course workbook, designed to enhance your learning experience.
- A Certificate of Completion, acknowledging your participation and achievement.
- A one-hour lunch break for attendees. While lunch is not provided, you will have the opportunity to explore and enjoy a variety of dining options, ranging from fast food to full-service restaurants, located within the Red Rock Resort.
- Training led by world-renowned experts in the field, offering a unique opportunity to learn from the best and gain insights from their extensive knowledge and experience. This is a chance to absorb wisdom from top authorities, ensuring a rich and invaluable educational experience.
Should you be unable to attend the Elite Assistant Certification Course for any reason, a full refund, less a $200 cancellation fee, will be issued if we receive notice in writing by August 1, 2024. After August 1, 2024, all the Elite Assistant Certification registrations and no-shows are subject to the full fee.
A company may substitute one attendee for another by notifying Melia Amira in writing at [email protected], no later than 30 days before the event.
Should the Elite Assistant Certification Course need to be rescheduled due to acts of nature or national disasters, it will be rescheduled, not canceled. Attendees can send a substitute if they cannot attend the rescheduled date.
This policy is for the Elite Certification Course only. You may read the conference cancellation policy here.
Attendees will be awarded a beautifully-printed Certificate of Completion at the end of the day. To receive this certificate, it is essential to attend the entire one-day course and actively participate in all learner activities. This ensures a full and enriching educational experience, leading to this notable recognition of your commitment and engagement.
We have secured a room block at the Red Rock Resort and Casino. You may book your room at the discounted rate here. Rooms in our block will sell out, so don’t wait.
