today with Kerstin Golling
Kerstin, along your career you worked and lived in different countries, and with each move to a new country, you were thrown into brand new settings. In 2016, you relocated from Luxembourg to Switzerland - what was the first lesson you learned? To be creative in my quest to build new, solid, connections and friendships. There are some challenges that you’re facing when you are living abroad, some that will test your skills and patience and push you out of your comfort zone. What were the most difficult parts of living abroad? To observe and seek to understand the cultural differences in order to authentically integrate into my new environment. With which three words would you describe yourself? Grateful. Spirited. Humble. The COVID pandemic and the related increase in the number of employees in home quarantine makes companies and organizations face brand new challenges. How does your employer ensure the company’s continued operation in this situation? Trying to adapt as fast, as safely and as much customer oriented as possible. Being open minded to adjust working environments in the most supportive way for individuals. What do you consider your strongest strengths in dealing with coworkers, senior management, and customers? Social intelligence skills which allows me to act individually with professionalism. Ultimate loyalty – I protect. My ability to remove small stones from their paths in a timely manner to enable them to continue their path to success with more ease. Read full interview by clicking «read more» What’s one thing you wish your manager would do more of?
Use the allocated time I keep free for him to re-tank his energy and have room to breathe. What challenge excites you the most in your life right now, and why? In a virtual environment (working from home) I am excited by the challenge to find out how to serve and provide the same level of service without compromising on quality. What does «having a career» mean to you and how do you define success? My career is a consequence of how I perform and deliver. For me, it is not about what title I have but about how I deliver in the role in I am. I define success by the number of balanced involved winners vs. one or more perceived losers. Living with the approach that happiness leads to a successful career. Has learning from a mistake ever led you to success? Absolutely! Setting virtual boundaries has led to better working relationships. What was the best piece of business advice you were given when you were starting out?
From a today’s perspective: What kind of education, training, and personal skills are indispensable for an Executive Assistant? Here I may be expected to list certain schools and Universities. This is where I differ from most...«many roads lead to Rome». Life is your school, education and training. This is found in every single day, but you must have an open and adaptable mindset. What kinds of accomplishments tend to be valued and rewarded in the today’s profession of being an Executive Assistant? The personal ‘human’ touch, not superficial, which allows a deeper, more meaningful connection between people. The orchestration of the various skillsets to support personal and professional growth with a leadership mindset which includes social intelligence. What are the three most important things for a «Future Assistant» to focus on?
Which of your traits are you most proud of?
What is the first thing you notice about other people? The condition of people’s shoes. Dirty or worn out shoes makes me wonder whether they take care of themselves from a wellbeing perspective. If you could meet anyone from history, well-known or famous – who would you want to meet? Albert Einstein. Can you recommend magazines, blogs, podcasts, articles or professional associations which would be helpful for our assistant community? The crème de la crème for me would be Executive Secretary. Not only do they provide associated trainings but also offer conferences, workshops and published magazines. As a bonus, you are offered a wonderful platform to network with peers worldwide. A real family community supporting each other. What should never be missing in your fridge? Tomatoes and mozzarella. What tool, object, or ritual could you not live without in your workday? Listing things I am grateful for on my way to work. What quotation or saying inspires and motivates you to be yourself and do what you love? Great things never come from comfort zones. Great things are done by a series of small things brought together. What does the world need more of? Less of? More agape love and kindness. Less superficial mindsets. Thank you Kerstin! Comments are closed.
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