It's the final episode for now for the Assist With Impact podcast.

Liz shares five quotes from her first episode and reflects on how well she feels she's fulfilled them throughout the life of the podcast.

We finish off with two great questions from Liv Yeates and Liz's responses.

It's the end of the pod as we know it, but who knows...Liz might be back.

Welcome to the second last episode of Assist With Impact. In this episode Liz shares her key messages for each of her Lovely Listeners (LLs).

• Liz reflects on the difficulty of recording the final episodes and her discomfort with the spotlight

• Liz shares her wish for the administrative profession and her listeners

The Wish for Executive Assistants

• Liz encourages assistants to be proactive problem solvers and anticipate needs

• Liz wants assistants to continue building confidence and competence

• Liz emphasizes the importance of developing power skills and leadership abilities

• Liz wants assistants to focus on personal and professional effectiveness, not just time management

Challenges Facing the Profession

• The evolution or revolution in the EA role and the need to adapt

• The challenge of keeping up with new technologies and automation

• The struggle with workload management and avoiding burnout

• The ongoing challenge of recognition and value for the EA profession

Closing Thoughts

• Liz reminds listeners that they are human beings, not human doings, and are valuable as they are

• Liz looks forward to the final episode where her daughter will interview her

We are counting down to the final episode of Assist With Impact.

In this episode Liz shares ten of her all-time favourite episodes...and spoiler alert, there's only ONE interview in this mix! Not that she doesn't love the interviews in the back catalog, but they deserve a special shout-out (cue another episode!)

So, in chronological order of episode release, here are the ten eps Liz wants you to bookmark for future listening...

ONE - Episode #48: How To Interview Your Boss

This ep is all about Effective Communication and Relationship Building

TWO - Episode #85: POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants: Communication Skills

All about Confident Communication Mastery

THREE- Episode #86: POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants: Influencing Skills

All about Influence and Personal Power

FOUR - Episode #87: POWER Skills for Indispensable Assistants: Assertiveness Skills

All about Assertiveness and Confidence

FIVE - Episode #93: Three Ways To Show Up As Indispensable In 2020

All about Personal Effectiveness

SIX - Episode #100 Celebrating Serendipity

Hear from Liz when she was celebrating this milestone!

SEVEN - Episode #113 Two Strategies for Engaging In Difficult Conversations

EIGHT - Episode #121: Interview With Jo Miller (Part 1)

NINE - Episode #122: Interview With Jo Miller (Part 2)

TEN - Episode #148: How to Say No Respectfully and Graciously

Theme: Setting Boundaries and Saying NO!

Themes Connecting These Episodes:

1. Communication Mastery: Effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques are emphasized across multiple episodes, highlighting their importance in building relationships and achieving professional success.

2. Personal Development: Continuous self-improvement, including understanding one's strengths and areas for growth, is a recurring theme, reinforcing the idea that EAs should invest in their personal and professional development.

3. Influence and Assertiveness: Strategies for influencing others and developing assertiveness are common themes, showcasing their importance in being seen as indispensable.

4. Relationship Building: Building strong, trusting relationships with executives and colleagues is a consistent focus, with practical advice on how to achieve this through regular communication and understanding.

5. Handling Difficult Situations: Practical & tactical tips and strategies for managing difficult conversations and relationships, underlining the importance of these skills in maintaining a productive work environment.

6. Empowerment and Authenticity: Episodes featuring interviews with leaders like Jo Miller highlight the importance of being authentic and empowering others, reinforcing the value of genuine leadership and influence.

These themes collectively underscore the importance of communication, self-awareness, influence, relationship-building, and personal growth in becoming an indispensable executive assistant.

Welcome to the next in our countdown to the final episode of the Assist With Impact podcast.

Episode 197 is a wrap-up of the ten most downloaded episodes over the eight years of the podcast. Over 250K downloads and these episodes are the ones that had the most downloads.

1. Episode #1 - The "'Why'

2. Episode #64 - Indispensable Skills - Managing Your Manager

3. Episode #150 - Lack of Confidence: The Biggest Challenge I Hear From Executive Assistants

4. Episode #138 - Interview with Marco Macente, Executive Business Partner

5. Episode #155 - Interview with Ursula Kohler: Founder & Managing Director, Capital EA

6. Episode #147 - Being a (Successful) Giver in 2022

7. Episode #160 - Revolutionise Your Inbox: My Interview with Steuart Snooks

8. Episode #149 - How To Manage Conflicting Priorities

9. Episode #152 - How To Reset & Re-energise Your Relationship With Your Executive

Visit thelinchpinassistant.com/podcasts to listen via your browser to any of these episodes or find them in your podcast app.

In this special "road rambling" episode, Liz announces the conclusion of the "Assist with Impact" podcast at episode 200. Reflecting on the podcast's origins and journey, she shares her motivations and plans for the final episodes.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Origins of the Podcast: Started in June 2016 as "Being Indispensable."
2. Challenges Overcome: Podcasting during a difficult period post-breast cancer treatment.
3. Community Building: Aimed to support and elevate executive assistants.
4. Decision to End: Overcrowded podcast space; pivot to guest appearances on other podcasts.
5. Final Episodes Plan:
   • Most downloaded episodes.
   • Favorite episodes.
   • Liz's wish for the profession.
   • Q&A session.

Your Invitation: Be part of the final episode

• Q&A Participation: Email questions for episode 200 to Liz at [email protected].

Links Mentioned:

• Pod O'Sullivan Episode: Listen to Episodes 116 & 117 to hear my interview with my executive Pod O'Sullivan

Connect with Liz:

• Email: [email protected]

Subscribe and Follow:

• Podcast: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.

Thank you for listening! Join us next week for a look back at the most downloaded episodes of the "Assist with Impact" podcast.

The focus of this solo episode is your verbal communication skills and common blocks that get in the way of you being a confident and capable communicator.

This episode is part of our theme for March. It's the 'Power Skills' impact and insight zone. Power Skills are your supercharged soft skills and in my world, there are ten key Power Skills that I focus on in my training, coaching and speaking.

In this episode I'm sharing the Top 10 Communication Blocks that can impact your relationships with your peers, your manager and other people you work with.

I remind you of the practical tips and strategies I've shared before. Listen to the following episode for more info on this topic

#55 How To Approach Difficult Conversations - Steps for Executive Assistants

You can find more information on the SBI framework here:

https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/situation-behavior-impact-feedback.htm

You can read more about Petrea King's approach here:

https://www.flyingsolo.com.au/live-smarter/make-difficult-conversations-easier

Connect With Me: - Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on our social media platforms. You can find The Linchpin Assistant on Instagram and LinkedIn. - Join our community of Lovely Loyal Listeners (LLLs) by hitting follow/subscribe (and make my day by leaving a review).

Thank you for joining us on Assist With Impact.

It's a solo episode from Liz. All about improving how we ask questions, especially when it comes to asking questions of the person or people we support.

This month, we're focusing on enhancing our skills in managing up and engaging effectively with leaders. It's what I describe as the 'Leader Insight & Impact Zone'.

Why Questions Matter

- Asking the right questions is crucial for understanding and growth. Many of us hesitate to ask questions due to fear of looking incompetent or being annoying, but it's essential to overcome these fears.

Key Insights

- Reconnect with Curiosity: Let's embrace our natural curiosity and not be afraid to ask questions.

- Types of Questions: I discuss four main types: elevating, funneling, adjoining, and clarifying questions. Each serves a different purpose in helping us understand and connect better.

- Practical Tips: Use open-ended questions, balance them with closed questions when needed, appreciate the power of silence, and practice active listening.

Highlights

- The Importance of Questions: They help unlock new knowledge and increase understanding.

- Overcoming Fear: I encourage everyone to see questioning as an opportunity for learning, not something to be scared of.

Resources

- Episode 48: How To Interview Your Boss To Clarify Expectations & Perceptions

Conclusion

- Asking questions is a skill that can greatly improve our interactions and our work. It shows curiosity, vulnerability, and can lead to better outcomes.

Connect With Me: - Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on our social media platforms. - Join our community of Lovely Loyal Listeners (LLLs) by hitting follow/subscribe and be part of our journey in 2024!

Thank you for joining us on Assist With Impact.

🎙 Navigating the Labyrinth of Boss Personalities🎙

In this enlightening episode, dive deep into the complexities of workplace dynamics as we explore how to effectively manage up by understanding and adapting to different boss personalities. From the reflective introverts and the communicative extroverts to the goal-driven advancers, the team-focused harmonizers, and the detail-oriented micromanagers, we unveil strategies for building stronger and more productive relationships with your boss.

What You'll Learn: - The distinct differences between introverted (Innies) and extroverted (Outies) bosses and how to communicate effectively with each. - Insights into the personalities of Harmonizers, who value team cohesion, and Advancers, who are all about achieving results, plus tips on how to align your approach for better workplace harmony. - Practical advice for dealing with micromanaging bosses, including how to build trust and keep them informed to minimize over-scrutiny.

Why Listen: Whether you're seeking to improve your relationship with your boss, understand their expectations better, or simply navigate the complexities of various managerial styles, this episode is packed with valuable advice and actionable strategies. Tune in to transform your approach to workplace interactions and pave the way for a more fulfilling professional environment.

Additional Resources: - Linsten to Episode 57 for more insights on managing expectations and clarifying perceptions with your boss.

Connect With Us: - Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on our social media platforms. - Join our community of Lovely Loyal Listeners (LLLs) by hitting follow/subscribe and be part of our journey in 2024!

Thank you for joining us on Assist With Impact.

Overview: In this enlightening solo episode, your host Liz Van Vliet revisits the influential concept of Personal SWOT Analysis, a tool she first introduced in Episode 70. With her signature friendly and engaging tone, she delves into this comprehensive self-assessment method, guiding listeners through the nuances of evaluating their Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. This episode is a perfect blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and thrive in their careers.

What You'll Learn: - The Essence of Personal SWOT Analysis: Discover the power of assessing your personal strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to gain a clear snapshot of where you stand. - Stephen Covey's Influence: Learn how Stephen Covey's principles of effectiveness can be integrated into your personal and professional life. - The Four Dimensions of SWOT: A detailed walkthrough of each aspect of SWOT, offering practical tips on how to identify and leverage your strengths, address weaknesses, recognize opportunities, and anticipate threats. - Implementing Your SWOT Analysis: Strategies for turning your SWOT insights into actionable plans, including setting SMART goals and updating your resume and LinkedIn profile. - Personal Development Tips:Inspirational advice on self-improvement and staying proactive in your career and personal life.

Why It's a Must-Listen: This episode is not just a revisitation of a key concept but a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying the Personal SWOT Analysis in your life. Whether you're an administrative professional or someone seeking personal growth, Liz's relatable and conversational style, coupled with her profound insights, makes this podcast a treasure trove of wisdom. Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and equipped with the tools to thrive in 2024 and beyond.

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Subscribe Now: Don't miss out on this valuable episode that could be the key to unlocking your full potential. Tune in, learn, grow, and become the proactive, effective individual you aspire to be!

Connect with your host Liz Van Vliet on Instagram or LinkedIn, and

Learn more about her coching, speaking and training at The Linchpin Assistant

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Embracing 2024 with Reflection, Review, and Goal-Setting

Welcome to the first episode of Assist With Impact for 2024! In this episode, we dive into the importance of reflection and goal-setting as we step into the new year. Join us for Episode 191 as we explore how to make the most of 2024.

Key Highlights:

1. New Year Reflections and Challenges: - Your host Liz shares personal challenges during the transition into the new year. - Discussion on the blend of pride and disappointment experienced in 2023, including the ten-year cancerversary and podcast milestones.

2. The Power of Reflection: - Importance of embracing a growth mindset by reflecting on past year's experiences. - The concept of 'big kahuna' goals and the reality of not achieving them.

3. Setting Up for Success in 2024: - Introduction of 'The Liz Way' to set up for success in the new year. - Here's the link to the downloadable worksheet for you to reflect and review on 2023 via five simple questions:

https://thelinchpinassistant.ac-page.com/episode-191-reflect-review-your-year-free-download

4. Marie Forleo's Insight on Reflection: - Here's the link to Marie Forleo's end-of-year review process and her perspective on learning from past experiences.

5. Looking Forward: Goal Setting for 2024: - The importance of setting SMART goals. - Quotes from Zig Ziglar and C.S. Lewis on goal-setting. - Crafting 'I will' statements for goals.

6. Five Categories for Goal Setting: - Skills Development. - Performance Metrics. - Career Progression/Professional Advancement. - Work-Life Balance. - Contribution to Team/Organization.

7. Three Words - Manager Feedback in Goal Setting: - Tips on incorporating manager feedback into goal-setting. - How to use the feedback to shape your 2024 goals.

8. Enhancing Self Insight: - How reflecting and reviewing can boost your Self Insight, a key component in the Linchpin Model®. - Invitation to subscribe to the AdminInsider newsletter for more insights.

Additional Resources: - Links to previous podcast episodes for more insights on managing expectations and clarifying perceptions with your boss.

Connect With Us: - Share your thoughts and takeaways from this episode on our social media platforms. - Join our community of Lovely Loyal Listeners (LLLs) by hitting follow/subscribe and be part of our journey in 2024!

Thank you for joining us on Assist With Impact. Here's to a reflective, insightful, and successful 2024!