Eq/IQ: Developing Emotional Intelligence for Effective Executive Support

In today’s competitive market, hiring managers are looking for one skill trait above all else: Emotional Intelligence (EI). This highly-anticipated, breakthrough book from industry leader Melba J. Duncan applies Emotional Intelligence best practices to the Executive Support profession. Written with contributions from noted career path influencers, EQ/IQ is recommended for Executive Assistants, C-Suite Assistants on the path to Chief-of-Staff, Administrative Assistant professionals, Human Resource professionals, and the Executives they support. The Executive Assistant role has some inherent characteristics that are distinct from other roles. The role is both broader and less well-defined than other positions. It also typically has higher visibility and impact because the Executive Assistant is often supporting a significant player in the organization. Additionally, the individual qualities of the Assistant come into sharper focus because the Executive Assistant is supporting Executives on a personal level, not just how they function in their roles.

All of this requires increased levels of high-performance skills, sensitivity, flexibility, and resilience. The Executive Assistant must remain steady and calm in moments of chaos and conflict, must engage the unexpected with grace and resourcefulness, and must develop and communicate a clear sense of boundaries.EQ/IQ helps readers in reframing priorities; managing ‘into’, rather than ‘from’; effectively articulating career visions, and enhancing one’s personal and corporate contribution.