'EA etiquette' - the essential 'unspoken' rules of engagement between EAs. We all do the same job, we all have the same challenges, and given that we all need to flexible, polite and accommodating. We would not like to be on the receiving end of someone behaving in a particular way so in turn we should not behave that way ourselves. As the bible says, "Do to others as you would have them do to you". EA etiquette is not something that is generally discussed or spelt out to you in your training or induction, but more so something that you learn as you go, and most learn the hard way.
But in this blog I thought I would spell out the 10 EA Etiquette commandments, especially for all the new EAs out there that might be in the dark about this and driving others nuts. But also for those EAs that have been in their careers for a while and might want to a refresher of what's acceptable and what's not, as it isn't always the new EAs that have the bad etiquette!
- Always accommodate: When you're asked to do something, DO NOT just say no and provide no alternative solution. As EAs it's our role to be helpful, and although some requests might sit outside the realm of what our job entails, there is nothing more frustrating than just being told no. Always provide some sort of pathway as a solution for your requestor if you cannot help them yourselves.
- Be flexible: Likewise if you're trying to find a time for a meeting with another EA, always provide options and be FLEXIBLE! Whilst not all meetings can be moved to accommodate another meeting, there are some internal meetings that can be moved, especially to accommodate something urgent. Do not be unhelpful because you can't be bothered moving your manager's meetings.
- Accommodate up: Always move the diary around to accommodate 'up'. Learn the hierarchy in your business and where your manager sits in it. Doesn't matter how busy they are you MUST accommodate the more senior manager's meetings.
- Provide explanations: Never just decline a meeting invite without an explanation. There is nothing more irritating than receiving a decline with no explanation or no follow up email.
- Pick up the phone: If you are going back and forth on email trying to find availability for a meeting and more than 4 emails have been exchanged with no common time found, pick up the phone! Its not a tennis match!
- Be personal: On receiving an email from a fellow EA with instructions that maybe don't sit well with you, don't copy ALL on your reply, especially if your response is on the 'heated side'. Pick up the phone and discuss it with the EA or email back one on one. There is no need to cement your seniority or tenure to the company by copying all on your response.
- Consider other's point's of view: Just because you've worked in a company for a long time doesn't mean your way is the right way. New blood means new ideas with fresh eyes. Take time to understand new processes that are presented to you. Don't be hostile to change because it may be an effort to change your ways. Another way might be more efficient and once again it comes down to being flexible.
- Make an effort: Always make an effort to welcome new EAs in to your business, whether it be swinging by their desk, setting up a coffee with them or calling them to introduce yourself. Its important to build a sense of community between your company's EAs, as after all you are all doing the same job!
- Assist your peers: It's important to be helpful when it comes to assisting your fellow EAs. Offer assistance always. Don't adopt the attitude that 'it's not my problem'. Always back each other up when they need it, whether they need a hand when they're sick and out of the office, or even just a hand setting up an event. Any type of 'hand' goes along way.
- Be a leader: Don't just come in to work each day and do your job and go home. Own your role, own what you do, and be a leader. Identify what can be done better either on your own or gather your fellow EAs and put your heads together to come up with solutions to common problems. Not only is it rewarding for yourself, but others will look up to you as a leader.
So that's it, the 10 EA Etiquette commandments. Something we should all live to ensure we make our work life pleasant for everyone!
Labels: Advice
