Description

ABOUT THE COURSE

In modern working environments more and more administrative officers and management assistants are encouraged to take on office management responsibilities. Whether it is purely taking over the day to day running of office activities or taking on a team of staff to help. This can be very challenging as not only will your workload increase but you will be required to use skills you have never used before. It is not uncommon to feel lost and unsupported in the office management role, everyone having high expectations of you and yet offering very little help and guidance. In addition there is very little formal training out there for office managers and that is why we have designed this unique programme in order to address this obvious gap.

Course Objectives:

In attending this Course, Delegates will be able to:

• The importance of defining and understanding your crucial role as an office manager

• The keys to robust and effective organisation

• How to understand, write and control budgets with ease

• The importance of possessing basic negotiation and influencing skills and how best to apply them in your role

• How to get the outcome you desire through effective win/win communication skills

• How to cram 24 hours into a morning – a masterclass in dynamic time management

• How to manage difficult people, situations and stress in a calm and effective manner

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

This course serves as an in-depth guide and solid foundation for anyone becoming an office manager or taking on office management responsibilities. It also serves as a very useful refresher for anyone already in an existing office management position who wants to enhance their skills by benefiting from formal structured training with real world applications. It would therefore be suitable for Office Managers, Management Assistants, Senior Secretaries, PAs, New managers and team leaders.

COURSE CONTENT

Defining the role of the office manager

Understanding the core components of the office manager role:

• Functions; Roles; Responsibilities; Clarifying expectations; Four dimensions exercise

Logistics – the art of effective planning and organising

• How to plan – a step by step framework for success

• The importance of robust project management skills

• Avoiding the common logistical traps

• Documentation control – ensuring you have the facts at your fingertips

• Organising and structuring processes and procedures

• Problem solving and decision making

Budgeting – understanding and controling the finances

• Understanding core financial terminology

• How to write and understand a budget; The most effective way to control a budget

• Allocating resources in a cost effective way; How to defend your budget from attack

Essential negotiation skills – doing win/win deals

• The critical importance of robust negotiation skills; Understanding your counterpart

• Learn your strengths and play to them; Tactics and counter tactics – a best practice approach

• Why win/win is the ultimate goal in any negotiation

Effective communication – written and spoken

• How to get your message across firmly and fairly

• Practical ways to get your voice heard in any scenario; Best practice communication model:

• Email communication

• Meetings

• Effective business writing; Writing instructions and process guides; Getting your hands on the information you need

Influencing across your organisation– getting them to accept the decision

The role of influencing within modern organisations

• Influencing upwards; Influencing across business functions; Influencing teams; Influencing individuals

Prioritising – how to cram 24 hours into a morning

• How to prioritise in a way that works for you; Identifying your personal "time stealers"

• Best practice time management techniques; How to defend your time from institutional and colleague attack

• Practical steps for increasing productivity and efficiency; The importance of effective delegation

Managing change – gaining commitment

• How to introduce change painlessly; Up-sell