You’re keen to sign up for The Mini MBA for Senior & Executive Assistants Programme. You now need to get “sign off” and support from your Executive and organisation.
So, how do you succesfully do this? Here are some considerations:
- When is your training budget released? Think about the timing of your request so it coincides with the beginning of the budget year (or better still when budgets are being decided so your request can be factored in).
- Think about how your Executive likes to communicate.
If they prefer short, succinct and bulleted information present your request in that way. If they prefer visuals, a PowerPoint presentation may be a winning request format. If they love “all the detail” you may want to supplement your training request with the link through to the Your Excellency two-part blog post detailing the benefits.
Remember, the most influential and successful proposals and requests are tailored to suit the style of the person you want to persuade.
- Consider your development goals identified in your last appraisal/PDP. How will this Programme and help you achieve these goals? For example, if you’ve identified a goal to work on your communication skills does the qualification cover this aspect of learning?
- Concentrate on the benefit to your Executive as well as the benefit to you personally. Your Executive wants to know “what’s in it” for them.
Remember, you’re going to be taking time out of the office. Your Executive wants to know that this time is going to be beneficial in the long run. They are interested in ROI (Return on Investment).
Use the Blog Series “Top 20 benefits of accredited, professional training” as a resource. Choose the benefits that are going to be the most persuasive for your Executive. For example, if your Executive wants you to take on more project related tasks, they’ll be impressed that there’s a Module on Project Management where you can learn to use recognised Project Management methodology. - Pre-empt the questions your Executive will ask when you put forward your request.
Have you got ALL the information you need to hand? What problems is your Executive likely to pose when you put forward your request? For example, your Executive is likely to be concerned that you won’t be in the office for the live training sessions. Make sure you emphasise that
a) they’ll be another PA covering for you
b) you’ll run through the diary and do a debrief with your Executive the day before you are due out of the office
- When your training request is granted, show your appreciation in the form of a “thank you” to prove you are truly dedicated and enthusiastic about your continuous professional development.
The below document is an email that an Essential PA Learner sent to her Executive which resulted in sign-off for training. This document gives guidance on format and content.
To:
From:
Date:
Subject: Accredited Training Request
Per our discussions last week, I have researched training courses and would like to request sign-off for the following Programme delivered by Your Excellency Limited:
The Mini MBA for Senior & Executive Assistants
Accredited by the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM)
This Programme is a 5 month blended learning programme with a mix of five ‘live’ Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT) sessions of 3 hours, and four pre-recorded 60 minute webinars. Depending on which cohort start date I choose, the live sessions are usually either 9.30am – 12.30pm, or 1.30pm-4.30pm and approximately once a month. I will also need to commit to approximately 3-4 hours per month of self-study. This self-study time contributes to my development of a case study submission at the end of the Programme.
Full programme dates and times are available here and the full Programme cost is great value at £1,595 (+VAT in the UK)
Once I have attended and completed all nine modules, I will receive a certificate bearing the IAM logo stating my successful completion of the accredited Programme.
Benefits:
- One of the requirements to complete this Programme is the development of a case study. With the help and support of the trainer, I will develop this case study throughout the 5 month Programme. This case study will demonstrate my understanding and application of my learning, and will allow you to see how my learning can be embedded into my role and benefit the organisation. The case study will use real or potential projects, initiatives or situations. The trainer will help me identify what my case study could involve. My initial thoughts for this case study project are xxxx, as I feel it would really benefit the organisation.
- The Programme is accredited by the Institute of Administrative Management (IAM). This means the training meets stringent quality standards in terms of content and relevance to the EA/PA profession.
- I will be provided student membership of the IAM who are one of the oldest professional bodies for business and administrative managers in the UK. Being a member of a professional body reflects both my and our organisation’s commitment to upholding the standards of the EA profession.
- As an member of the IAM, I will have access to member benefits of the Institute. These include:
- designatory letters after my name (as a full member)
- discounts with IAM preferred providers
- invitations to IAM events
- a regular newsletter with updates on sector developments
- CPD credits to use against training sessions offered in the newly launched IAM Academy
- Your Excellency have been in business for 16 years and are highly regarded in the learning and development and PA communities.
- Per our discussions I believe it is important to keep up to date with skills and learning so I can ensure I’m assisting you to the very best of my ability. My effectiveness and efficiency will have a direct impact on your effectiveness and efficiency and ultimately save you time and money.
- I believe a wider understanding of Business Strategy, Finance and Project Management covered in this Programme will help me appreciate and understand your role better. I will also be able to identify other areas of the business that I can step up to covering.
- I will be able to work better with the management team if I understand their communication styles and motivations, which is covered in the Programme.
I have added a meeting into your diary for 9am on 21st September to discuss this with you and to agree next steps.
Thank you for your support
You can also check out Learner Feedback & Success Stories here
