“ITS NOT ALL PLAIN SAILING – WHY YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT’S KEEPING YOUR BOSS AWAKE AT NIGHT”

Angelo Malizis13 May 2008

EA NETWORK CONGRESS

Overview

Challenges facing Corporate Australia Why the EA needs to understand

these The changing role of the EA

(“Lieutenant”) Developing Corporate Cognisance The EA is an asset to the organisation

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Important “internal” challenges facing corporate Australia Creating the right organisational

culture Effective management of customers’

satisfaction Right skill mix in a rapidly changing

environment Enhancing employee flexibility Effective introduction of new processes and

IT Are we doing the right things?

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Are we doing the right things? Product Price Place Promotion

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Important “external” challenges facing corporate Australia

What are the competitors doing?

Challenges facing Australia

Global financial crisis

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Important “external” challenges facing corporate Australia

What are the competitors doing?

Challenges facing Australia

Global financial crisis

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2020 Summit – 10 core challenges facing Australia

1. The future of the Australian economy

2. The productivity agenda3. Population, sustainability, climate

change, water4. Future directions for rural industries

and rural communities5. A long-term national health strategy

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2020 Summit – 10 core challenges facing Australia (continued)6. Strengthening communities,

supporting families and social inclusion

7. Options for the future of indigenous Australia

8. Towards creative Australia9. The future of Australia governance10. Australia’s future security and

prosperity8

Important “external” challenges facing corporate Australia

What are the competitors doing?

Challenges facing Australia

Global financial crisis

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Global financial crisis

Strong economic growthLow Interest ratesCheap and available creditHigh house and share prices

Banks keep cash reservesCredit markets tightenExpensive borrowing costsSubprime lossesFalling housing and share markets

New Financial instrumentsRisk not understoodLarge losses on MB AssetsLoss of confidence on MBS

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Why does the EA need to understand the business challenges? Improve personal

efficiency/effectiveness

Broader contribution to the company’s goals and objectives

Improve “circle of influence”

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Being the Lieutenant to the ships Captain

The EA can be a major contributor to:

Strategic planning

Resource management

Project management

Team Leadership12

Developing corporate cognisance Understand what motivates your boss Find out what’s keeping him awake at night Understanding your boss’s goals and

priorities as well as those of his executive team

Understanding management styles of the executive team

Understanding work styles of the executive team

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How can I solve my boss’s problems?

Circle of Influence

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The EA is an Asset to the organisation Assisting managements’ policy

making, planning and coordination of activities

Increasing the CEO’s flexibility Major contributor to improving the

flow of communication within the organisation

Being a liaison person for the CEO15

The EA is an Asset to the organisation Handling special projects and “trouble

shooting” Bringing confidentiality, special knowledge,

diplomacy and tact to the position Interpreting company policies and

procedures Being a candidate for future

promotion – a tremendous asset to the company in terms of time and money

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