58 ProActive. The Journal of International Management Assistants - Last edition The Digital Age Annual Conference 2018 The 10th WASummit
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ProActive. The Journal of International Management Assistants Last edition The Digital Age Annual Conference 2018 The 10th WASummit 58 #IMAturns45
ProActive.
The Journal of International
Management Assistants
58
Content
03 IMA Business:
The Future is Now, by Else-Britt Lundgren,
Executive Chairman IMA
04 Impressions of the IMA Annual Conference 2018
06 Theme of Digitalization by Dr. Veronica Cochran, speaker
09 Abstract of the Annual Conference
by Silvina Vico-Gimena, IMA Web Coordinator
10 45 Years - The Power of Networking
13 Reflections on the Annual Conference by Nicole Dufft, speaker
14 The 10th WASummit 2018 has happened
by Eth Lloyd, Chairman, WAS Advisory Council
16 IMA World:
The launch of IMA South-Africa,
by Chantal Sneijkers, Executive Vice Chairman IMA
18 The Journal of IMA – proActive
02 Editorial
Editorial
Dear IMA members, IMA Germany We have to let go of
partners and friends, welcomed almost fear and anxiety, and
300 guests from get in the driver’s seat.
The world around us 27 countries. New technologies
is in turmoil, constantly The key messages not only make our
changing, constantly from the Conference personal lives easier,
evolving. And so is our were clear: but also assist us in
job as Management Self-awareness is performing better
Support Professionals! the most primary and more efficiently
leadership skill. in our jobs.
IMA was the proud Digital transformation
host of the World is the name of the game! Let’s embark on this
Administrator Summit We need to change journey to the future.
in Frankfurt. Delegates our thinking if we want
from around the world to change things. The Future is Now!
gathered to debate
about the future A fascinating new Frieda Catteeuw,
of our profession. journey lies ahead, Editor proActive
Eth Lloyd shares the it will transform us
major outcomes of and enrich us, it will
this summit with us. change our lives.
2
IMA Business
The Future
The international events are very important for IMA as
a global network, offering our members a high level
conference and training program, and also offering the
opportunity to meet and network across countries.
is Now! We ourselves are responsible for our own development
and it’s about lifelong learning!
45 Years - Celebrating
After last year’s timely theme “The Digital Age”, we now
the Power of Networking enter 2019 with the overall theme “The Future is Now”
#IMAturns45 as we get closer to 2020 - the year we have been talking
about for some years.
Now the future is just around the corner!
The registration is open for our International Training Day
in Athens on April 6 and with today’s so important topic on
emotional intelligence:
“At the Heart of Leadership -
Put your Emotional Intelligence into Action”.
Don’t miss the early bird fee.
IMA is growing and I am very happy about the launch of IMA
South-Africa last year, our first national group outside Europe.
Else-Britt Lundgren,
Executive Chairman
Chantal Sneijkers, Executive Vice Chairman, was present and
IMA – International she shares her experience in this edition of proActive.
Management Assistants
You as IMA members – our ambassadors –
are the core of our network to spread the word!
2019 is a special year for IMA as we celebrate our 45th anniversary
and we are ready to meet and adapt to the future as we have done
for many decades.
We have seen our magazine transform from a paper version
into an online edition and now it is time to merge the online
edition into the News part of our website. This is as a result
of the member survey 2017 and the decision of the AGM in
Frankfurt 2018.
The January 2019 edition of proActive is the last one.
We will regularly publish articles for our profession and the
business world we contribute to as management support
professionals. The Executive Committee thanks the proActive
Editor, Frieda Catteeuw, for her time and strong commitment.
Together with the Executive Committee,
I wish you a happy and successful 2019!
Else-Britt
3
ProActive. #58
Welcome
to Frankfurt
The Annual Conference
Impressions 2018
In Frankfurt, IMA Germany welcomed 270
Management Assistants from all over the world!
Congratulations to
IMA Germany for
a very successful
Annual Conference
under challenging
circumstances!
IMA is friendship,
friendship is IMA
photos: IMA
A big THANK YOU!
IMA was honored to host as well the 10th World Administrators
Summit (WASummit) on October 24 and 25 in Frankfurt.
On 26th October 2018, more than 270 management assistants
from all over the world gathered in Frankfurt for the 44th IMA
Annual Conference. The program was designed around the three
most important driving forces of digitization: Technologies,
Leadership and Human Factor. There was learning, listenening,
sharing, networking, and good fun!
4
How the flywheel of innovation is propelling business travel forward By Rob Greyber, president of Egencia We are on the cusp of a new era in business travel. Advances in technology are driving us forward at breakneck speed. The industry is rife with new - but lately struggling - startups, all battling for pieces of the market. At the same time, legacy travel management companies (TMCs) have restructured while pivoting to tech-driven strategies in an attempt to remain competitive – all driven by the “flywheel of innovation“. The evolution of business travel can be divided into three phases. In the first phase, the Travel Management industry relied on the telephone. Business trips were consolidated through TMC- based call centers. This “legacy” phase had one point of contact and one simple “stack” of tools that solving 20% of the problem in one or to manage it. two markets just isn’t enough. But innovation doesn’t rest. The internet came This current digital phase is aging, making and with it e-commerce. Suddenly, the telephone way for phase four, built around data: “TMC became one of many channels, and the as a platform”. Massive amounts of data simple “stack” became a complicated mess of about business travel are generated every mismatched tools and processes. In an effort to day. Data enables new efficiencies, but it keep up, TMCs took a hybrid approach, keeping also inverts the complexity of legacy and legacy phone-based systems but forcing “online hybrid systems. It uses huge scale, native technology” into their solutions - the second integration and global reach as a source of “hybrid” phase. learning rather than a burden of complexity. Today, many TMCs are still in this hybrid The power of the platform will define the phase, acutely aware they need to simplify, but next phase in business travel. For those who lacking the capital or skills to do so. Some have can build, operate and globally scale these mustered the will to invest, striving to integrate platforms, it will be an era of unprecedented their offerings with renewed focus. In parallel, innovation. For those who can’t - it will be a new startups have built intriguing point solutions tough road as the flywheel spins on. to solve for gaps, large and small. This third “digital” phase is upon us. But the complexity is daunting. TMCs have yet- unfulfilled promises and startups are finding
Travel
Management
for Modern
Admins
Sign up for free at
www.travelperk.com
Theme of
Leadership involves vision and responsibility; both of which are
required to successfully integrate technology in the day-to-day
practice to improve productivity and efficiency.
Digitalization The role of the office and administrative professional is evolving
within this digital revolution and with it comes opportunities to
engage in work of a higher quality, create innovative new roles and
collaborate with increasingly diverse teams. Digitalization empha-
The theme of the conference was one sizes the opportunity and obligation of true leadership.
of relevance and foresight. The digital A TRIPLE – A APPROACH TO LEADERSHIP
age and automation of work will make Leadership is a universal word with anything but a universal meaning.
leadership a necessity! Our personal thoughts and beliefs surrounding leadership are rooted
in familial upbringing, tradition, and experience. These beliefs are
often at the core of our attitudes, behaviors and decision-making.
Traditional and title-oriented leadership beliefs have:
a) Caused people to “opt out” of thinking
and behaving as leaders
A b) Created passivity and “permission seeking”
c) Stifled innovation, minimizing competitive edge
A A d) Negatively impacted job engagement and satisfaction
e) Stifled career progression and promotability
6
The IMA Annual Conference 2018
“Today, more collaborative and
shared leadership models are tasked
with reversing these negative
outcomes. These new leadership
models emphasize leadership as
a shared responsibility.”
Dr. Veronica Cochran, opening keynote speaker
photo: IMA
SELF- AWARENESS – ALIGNMENT – ACCOUNTABILITY They make decisions that are compatible with the
organization’s mission and vision and not from a selfish
The triple A–approach to driving leadership effectiveness. or self-serving point of view. These leaders understand that
Self-awareness is a critical leadership competence. to be effective they must have an accurate assessment of
their company’s strengths, weaknesses and opportunities.
It is the key to self-management and ultimately self-mastery.
The most successful leaders are introspective and open to True leaders initiate process improvement efforts
feedback, as they seek to better understand themselves. and champion change.
Self-awareness enables leaders to be truly authentic and
collaborative, as well as productive. Leadership involves getting the best from yourself and
others. Both of which play a major role in your ability
to deliver results.
“The most successful leaders think and behave
in alignment with their organization’s
strategic goals and objectives.”
iaap
(International Association
Aligned leaders properly reflect the company’s brand and of Administrative Professionals)
value proposition. They know the value of their work and
the power of their influence on colleagues and customers Dr. Veronica Cochran
alike. They readily and willingly shift their priorities and CEO
remain adaptable to ensure company goals are achieved.
Alignment must not be limited to goals alone, but must include 10502 N. Ambassador Drive, Suite 100
things like attitude, core-values and decision-making. Kansas City, MO 64153-1291
Phone: +1 8168916600 x2228
Leaders are personally accountable. They do not spend time Mail: veronica.cochran@iaap-hq.org
blaming others for subpar outcomes and results. www.iaap-hq.org
7
Save the dates
for the next international
IMA events:
IMA International Training Day 2019
“The Future is Now: At the Heart
of Leadership - Put your Emotional
Intelligence into Action”
6 April 2019
Athens, Greece
Venue: Divani Apollon Palace
IMA 45th Annual Conference 2019
“The Future is Now -
How to be a challenger in your role?”
18 October 2019
Geneva, Switzerland
Venue: Crowne Plaza
IMA International Training Day 2020
“Sustainability”
25 April 2020
Oslo, Norway
Venue: Clarion Hotel The Hub
IMA 46th Annual Conference 2020
“Sustainability”
2 October 2020
Helsinki, Finland
Venue: Paasitorni Congress Center
photos: IMA, fotolia.com
www.ima-network.org
#IMAturns45
The IMA Annual Conference 2018
Abstract of the
Annual Conference
photo: IMA
Trying to sum up the feelings and experiences
in Frankfurt – Meetings and Conference
I had the chance and opportunity to and what lies ahead for us. I also got
participate in the Annual Conference an important insight into what is ahead
and to be an observer of the Full of us, what to expect and how to get
Council Meeting. ready for the soft skills we will need
in our profession. I’m personally very
The first day, I was an observer in the satisfied that I could implement many
Full Councill Meeting, where all the ideas into my work that I got from the
Boards of all the member countries conference and be proactive. I met
of IMA participate. The level of interesting people and used the oppor-
commitment of all of the National tunity for networking.
Boards and the Executive committee
was impressive.I could not but just Regarding my Web Coordinator role,
admire the professionalism and it was very productive as well. I heard
engagement of all the participants.. about the different challenges many
have with the website and comments
Everybody does this JOB (yes, it is a for improvement. Feedback is always
Secure Mail Business
job!) in their free time. And yes, it is welcome.
a lot of work. The session was a whole
day; interacting and looking for ways to
improve globally.
From this experience, I also got input
from different countries, and I have
and
summed up the steps I would like to Secure Digital
implement, in order to have a more
Communication
I know that we work as a unit, as a net,
but participating in the meeting, effective channel of communication
made me really understand that the
reason why IMA works is because of
between us.
Processes
team working, networking, capacity and The personal interaction was important
generosity of the people involved. and positive. In my role, the fact that I
could meet face to face, with the Executive
“Get involved!” Committee, with whom I work closely,
made my daily interaction with them Francotyp-Postalia
And when I say this, I had a funny idea easier. To meet many members of the Holding AG
running through my head about the different National Boards helps the com-
munication and makes future contact
word Networking. Net that works. You Prenzlauer Promenade 18,
have to work to get a net. Net that is possible with the people responsible for
the webpages of the various countries.
13089 Berlin, Germany
working. Use it!
I’m confident to say that this personal
Regarding the Annual Conference, interaction makes it easier when you www.fp-francotyp.com
it was a different kind of experience. have to ask for help.
For me, not only were the contents
very productive; but i got different “I’m here to help.”
inputs and new energy for my work.
Dr. Veronica Cochran steamed up the Just contact me when you have a question
good energy, and made us aware of the I’d be glad to assist.
leader in us. Then since we are in the
digital age, we were provided with an Silvina Vico-Gimena,
insight of new technologies from IBM, IMA Web Coordinator
9
ProActive. #58
45 Years - Celebrating the Power of Networking
1975 1976 1977 1978 1979
1 Annual Conference
st
2 Annual Conference
nd
3 Annual Conference
rd
4 Annual Conference
th
5th Annual Conference
Paris, France: Amsterdam, The Netherlands: London, UK: Aarhus, Denmark: Espoo, Finland:
Training Needs for Today’s The development of Career Development of the The Professional Secretary The Secretary in the midst
Top Secretary and the Secretarial Function Professional Secretary Today and Tomorrow of National and
Recommendations to in the next decade International Contacts
Companies
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
11th Annual Conference 12 Annual Conference
th
13 Annual Conference
th
14 Annual Conference
th
15th Annual Conference
San Remo, Italy: Reykjavik, Iceland: Athens, Greece: Turku, Finland: Copenhagen, Denmark:
Managerial and Quality Control Circles Human Values in Business Going International, The Challenge of Europe -
Organisation Styles in Managing the Change and of the Secretary
European Countries
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
21 Annual Conference
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22 Annual Conference
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23 Annual Conference
rd
1 European Training Day
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2rd European Training Day
Limassol, Cyprus: Montecatini, Italy: Munich, Germany: Paris, France: Lugano, Switzerland:
Breaking Barriers Social Responsibility & Communication Developing Winning Teams Strategic Thinking
and Achieving Links New Management Styles Management for Survival and Success and Empowerment
by Manexcel of Cyprus by Roffey Park Management
Institute, UK
24th Annual Conference 25th Annual Conference
Madrid, Spain: Reykjavik, Iceland
The Flexible Working Knowledge is power
Environment
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
8 European Training Day
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9 European Training Day
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10 European Training Day
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11 European Training Day
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12th European Training Day
Ljubljana, Slovenia: Budapest, Hungary: Warsaw, Polen: Oslo, Norway: Manchester, UK:
Cross Cultural Communi- Leadership - The Assistant The Magic of Innovation - Cross-Generational Project Management
cations by Richard Lewis is the hidden leader Develop your creative skills Communication in the by One Step Ahead
Communications Ltd., UK by Innotiimi, Finland by Performa, Cyprus Workplace by Pertec Coaching, Belgium
Consulting, Finland
31st Annual Conference 32nd Annual Conference 33rd Annual Conference 35th Annual Conference
Nice, France: Malmö, Sweden: Brussels, Belgium: 34th Annual Conference Ljubljana, Slovenia:
Facing the Impact of the Social responsibility - Evolution or extinction! Berlin, Germany: Make it easy -
Aging Workforce How can business and Create your own Think east, work west - with original thinking
organizations contribute opportunities Asia shaping our future
to society in the future?
10The IMA Annual Conference 2018
1980 1981 1982 1983 1984
6 Annual Conference
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7 Annual Conference
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8 Annual Conference
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10th Annual Conference
Paris, France: Rotterdam, The Netherlands: Lillehammer, Norway: Stratford, UK: Stockholm, Sweden:
The electronic office Being a personality in your Meeting the Future The Executive Secretary: Future Trends:
Profession A Partner in Business Business World Sociopoliti-
cal and Economic Terms -
The Secretary in the 90‘s
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994
16th Annual Conference 17 Annual Conference
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18 Annual Conference
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19 Annual Conference
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20th Annual Conference
Maastricht, The Netherlands: Oslo, Norway: Bruges, Belgium: Stockholm, Sweden: London, UK:
Networking-Communicati- Culture and Ethics Looking to the Future - Our Business and The Competitive Edge
on Across the Border in Business Evolve, Adapt, Progress, Cultural Heritage
Succeed
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
3 European Training Day
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4 European Training Day
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5 European Training Day
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7th European Training Day
London, UK: Brussels, Belgium: Milan, Italy: Luxembourg: Vienna, Austria:
Turning Strategy into Acti- Personal Effectiveness in Packing more Punch into Leading and Working Secret Power of Public
on - Making it Happen Relationships by Roffey your Presentation of EUMA in a Team Speaking for Secretaries
by Roffey Park Park Management Institute, UK and Yourself by Artistic, and Assistants by Smart
Management Institute, UK Licence and the Training, UK 29h Annual Conference Business Communications,
27th Annual Conference Amsterdam, The Netherlands: France
26th Annual Conference Helsinki, Finland: 28th Annual Conference Riding the Waves
Linz, Austria: Driving forces of the 21st Copenhagen, Denmark: of Change 30th Annual Conference
New Century - Century Globalisation, Values for the Future Athens, Greece:
New Generation Technology, Values Think Digital - Act Human
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014
13 European Training Day
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14 European Training Day
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15 European Training Day
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16 European Training Day
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17th European Training Day
Helsinki, Finland: Luxembourg: Athens, Greece: Madrid, Spain: Cologne, Germany:
Emotional Intelligence Master your Emotions Use of Social Media Successful Negotiating Effective Presentation Skills
by Professor Esa Saarinen, to Master your life by Adrian Swinscoe, by Diana Vanbrabant by David Austin,
Finnish Trainer/Philosopher by Angie Katselianos, Rare business, UK Crawford Communications
Platinum Performance 39th Annual Conference
36th Annual Conference International 38th Annual Conference London, UK: 40th Annual Conference
Brussels, Belgium: Reykjavik, Iceland: Managing Today, Paris, France:
A brave new world - 37th Annual Conference Culture & Values : Leading Tomorrow The E Factor- maximising
Focus on what matters Zurich, Switzerland: Software of the Mind your potential to reach
for your future! The world is changing - professional Excellence
our profession is moving
2015 Change Management 2016 Self-Development 2017 Business Ethics 2018 The Digital Age re is Now
2019 The Futu
18th International Training Day 19th International Training Day 20th International Training Day 21stInternational Training Day l Training Day
22 nd Internationa
Milano, Italy: Stockholm, Sweden: Antwerp, Belgium: Barcelona, Spain: :
Athens, Greece
“Unlocking the immunity to “The Wheel of “Make it a matter of Choice” “Your Online Brand Matters He art of Leadership -
“At the
Change” by Marina Giareni, Personal Success” by Anne Gallard – be strategic” ion al Intelligence
Put your Emot
Learning for Life Training, by Laura Belgrado and by Gabriella Picca and tio n” by Ma rina Giareni,
into Ac
Consulting and Coaching Peter Andreou 43rd Annual Conference Adam Fidler e Tra ining,
Learning for Lif
The Hague, The Netherlands: ing an d Co ac hing #IMAturns45
Consult
41st Annual Conference 42nd Annual Conference “Business Ethics and 44th Annual Conference
Limassol, Cyprus: Copenhagen, Denmark: Integrity” Frankfurt, Germany: nference
45th Annual Co
“New Realities, Transform “Working in the Eye “The Future of the Executive erland
Geneva, Switz
and Thrive” of the Storm” Assistant – Technology,
to be a ch allenger
“How
Leadership, You” “
in your role?
11NEW
HORIZONS
TO EXPLORE
ORLD
WELCOME TO OUR W
Responsible publisher: Agnès OGIER, Managing Director THI FACTORY SA – Place Marcel Broodthaers 4 – 1060 Brussels, Belgium – BE541.696.005.
NEW DESTINATION AS FROM APRIL 2019,
ROISSY-CHARLES-DE-GAULLE
Enjoy 2 daily round trips. Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Brussels: 1h33
and Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Amsterdam: 3h40. THALYS.COMThe IMA Annual Conference 2018
Reflections on the
photos: IMA, sorrapongs
Annual Conference
Nicole Dufft, Founding Partner
at fibonacci & friends –
a consultancy for new thinking
This was my first IMA Conference and I was amazed by the SO IF YOU ASK ME FOR THREE RECOMMENDATIONS,
great energy and positive vibes amongst the 350 attendees. HERE THEY ARE:
They were a very attentive audience and enthusiastically 1. If you want to successfully change things, you have to
participated in my interactive practice sessions. Thanks to change your thinking too!
all the organizers and participants, it was good networking Often we are so busy with changing technologies, processes
and great fun! or organizational structures, that we forget to scrutinize
whether our mindset and thinking is well suited for the
In one of the interactive practice sessions, I asked the participants changes ahead of us.
to reflect - after a short meditation - on what they want to let
go of and what they want to grow in the future. 2. Make friends with uncertainty and constant change!
In the past, we often defined a precise goal, planned an exact
Together with a partner, they exchanged their reflections and solution and strictly followed the predefined path.
took down commonalities on sticky notes which we collected In the VUCA world, however, we often don’t know the exact
and displayed during the lunch break. There were a number goal and the perfect solution. But we have to start never-
of key areas that the majority of participants noted: theless, try new things and learn on the way – these are the
basics of agile working.
They want to let go of stress, anxiety and fear. And they
want to grow empathy, compassion, understanding, 3. We all have to focus much more on the quality of human
self-confidence and courage! relationships in our professional life.
Not just because it makes us feel better – but because it is
It seems to be the curse of our time that we feel permanently essential for our ability to deal with constant change in a
overburdened and stressed. healthy and constructive way.
No wonder: the world around us is becoming more volatile,
uncertain, complex and ambiguous (VUCA) every day.
The problem is: While markets and technologies are changing Nicole Dufft
at a breathtaking pace, our thinking has changed little over the Partner
past decades. We often encounter the fundamental changes
in our environment with old, tried and tested ways of linear fibonacci & friends GmbH
thinking. Schlüterstraße 28
10629 Berlin
But unfortunately, the success patterns of the past function Mobile: +49-151-61340810
only to a very limited extent in the VUCA world. Mail: dufft@fibonacci-friends.com
To prevent being overwhelmed and burned out by the ever- www.fibonacci-friends.com
increasing speed of change, we need to develop a new way of
thinking and cultivate a new quality of human relationships!
13ProActive. #58
The 10th WASummit 2018 has happened
Eth Lloyd, Chairman, World Administrators Summit Advisory Council
On 24 and 25 October 2018 we had 22 countries represented by 41 the new project. The recommendations were amended signifi-
country Delegates at the WASummit ably hosted by IMA in Frank- cantly before being accepted.
furt, Germany; alongside their own International Conference and
Annual General Meeting 26 and 27 October 2018. There was energy, Finally, “International Networking”. The research recommenda-
commitment, research and enthusiasm from all and they were ready tions in the report were accepted after slight amendments. A new
to discuss the topics on our Agenda. So, let me share them with you. task force will work on how best to develop and make accessible a
closed LinkedIn discussion group and how to manage this.
INITIALLY EACH COUNTRY INTRODUCED THEMSELVES
AND PRESENTED THEIR: THE DELEGATES WORKED IN FACILITATED DISCUSSION
GROUPS ON THE FOUR NEW TOPICS:
Country Reports based on “Goal 3 – Moving with the times in the
21st Century” from Administra, which were fascinating and well 1. “Digital Technology Advances – the Future of the Role”
researched within each country. These reports highlighted the divide Administra the World Action Plan covers this topic well, even
between some countries regarding access to the internet and current though it was written in 2008. Some wording adjustments are
versions of software. Difficult access makes it very hard for those required in Administra to reflect what is important to the profes-
countries to easily participate in the digital world at the same level. sion today. The Chairman and Corina Wenzel from Germany will
work together on this.
The three topics from the 9 th WASummit in 2015 was our
next plenary session (the full research reports are on our website 2. “Consistent Position Descriptions and Career Pathways”
www.worldadministratorssummit.com). These reports were the This will be the largest piece of work. It links with the earlier
result of research and a huge amount of work, by three teams. research undertaken into International Credentialing and Position
The Advisory Council conducted an international survey in early Titles. The aim is to develop a tool to assist every administrative/
2018 on “Position Titles, Tasks and Networking” which provided office professional to understand how their role, skills and qualifi-
data for these reports. This survey received 3,300+ responses cations fit together, internationally. Task forces will be working on
from 60 countries, one of the biggest surveys conducted interna- this over the next two years and a progress report, or preferably,
tionally specifically into our profession. The three reports provide completion will happen in New Zealand in 2020.
underpinning research for much of our future work.
3. “Identity and Image of our Profession”
The “International Credentialing” research was undertaken This will lead to work on a white paper and templates to assist
through “desk top research” looking at what is currently available. administrative/office professionals; for example, for a personal
Stage 2, as set out in the recommendations, was accepted with portfolio. The task force on this will be working over the two
minor amendments and is now underway. This work also links into months.
the new topic on “Position Descriptions and Career Pathways”.
4. “Workplace Harassment – how do we manage this?”
The “International Position Titles” research provides a basis for Given the wide cultural differences this will take some work, but
the new topic of Position Titles and Career Pathways. It provides over the next few months a team will be working on Codes of
valuable information on skill sets and perceptions of the role for Conduct and ways of managing workplace harassment.
14The WASummit 2018
In the second to last plenary session the “It was a truly awesome, powerful,
outcomes noted above were voted on exciting, exhausting and uplifting few
and, with only minor adjustments, were days. It was also a true example of
accepted. team-work, in its widest sense across
international borders.”
In our final plenary session, the Delegates
voted to continue with the WASummit and Myself, as Chairman – front person over
to reduce the time in between WASummit these two days and with three years of
events from three years to two years. preparation prior. I am from New Zealand
and my Assistant was from South Africa.
The Co-Convenors - Ursula Wartha from
the Host Country, Germany who handled
the on-the-ground details and made huge
and invaluable contributions prior to and
during WASummit. Weka Avosa from Pa-
pua New Guinea, the 2015 Host Country,
who was unable to attend.
The Advisory Council members - over
three years conducted the research and
wrote the research reports. They came
from New Zealand, USA, United Kingdom,
South Africa, Canada, Europe, Papua New
Guinea, and Uganda. Just think of those
time-zones and cultural differences.
THE NEXT HOST COUNTRIES WERE
PRESENTED: The Facilitators – have been preparing
since mid-2017 for their vital role over the
New Zealand was confirmed as the next two days of the WASummit. They were
Host Country for the 11th WASummit in Karen Nanninga (Germany), Helen Mo-
2020 and provided letters of invitation nument (Netherlands) and Lucy Brazier
from the Prime Minister of New Zealand, (United Kingdom). They consulted with
the Right Honourable Jacinda Adern, and me from New Zealand through Skype calls
from the Association of Administrative and some of us were either getting up
Professionals New Zealand Inc., National early or staying up late.
President, Alison McKessar.
Note-takers, time-keepers registration
The United States of America presented desk and photographers – from Germany,
a bid within the required time-frame to Spain, USA (Hawaii), UK, South Africa and
Host the 12th WASummit in 2022. This was New Zealand.
accepted, then confirmed and announced
at the Closing Dinner that evening. Finally, but equally importantly, the 41 Delega-
tes from 22 countries. They were well prepa-
red, had consulted widely in their own coun-
tries, worked hard, and delivered outcomes.
It is important to note that all this work
All outcomes including amended recommen- has been and will continue to be under-
dations in the three research reports, will be taken by volunteers who do this alongside
shared widely over the next few months and their own paid work, their families and
will go onto our website. Everyone is asked to often their own professional association
share further with their own networks. and other commitments. We can’t thank
them enough as they do it for all of us.
Our Closing Dinner included a speech by the
Delegate from Canada, Rhonda Scarf (CSP - “I feel deep pride in the way
Certified Professional Speaker) of On the Ri-
ght Track, where she used the word “Admin”
we all worked together to achieve
to set out what is valuable and important to valuable and credible outcomes
and about us all in this profession. from our discussions.”
We also presented South Africa with the There is still more work to do; to date
Pitman Training Super Achievers Commu- and it will continue to be a huge interna-
nity Award won by the Advisory Council, tional team effort, to meet the purpose
a £1,000.00 training package, for their from Administra which reads “…to guide,
Isipho Foundation students. influence and positively.There are courses that promise upper level training but very few that truly deliver, ACEA is one that delivers.” Susan, Washington DC 2017.
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Launch IMA
In South-Africa, for some years
there was already a member, Corrie
Fourie, whose dream it was to have
an IMA group in his country.
South-Africa As of 2016, he started working on it
and finally, at the AGM in The Ha-
gue in 2017, the group was ratified
as an official IMA-group.
In February 2017, EUMA
(European Management Subject to the IMA statutes once
a new group has been ratified,
Assistants) became IMA IMA’s vice chairman should visit
(International Management the group to officially launch the
newly ratified group. It gives the
Assistants). This was a big group the opportunity to organise “Upon my arrival I was immediately
an event to announce its launch,
step for our association, as well as have the visit of the Exe-
impressed by the beauty of the country
but a logical consequence of cutive Committee. and the warmth of its people.”
the evolution we were facing. As IMA has a partnership with The first days were reserved to do some
Executive Secretary to present our private sightseeing, which included a
association as much as possible Rhino and Lion Safari, combined with
during the LIVE-events, it was deci- a guided tour of Johannesburg City.
ded to combine both events. Prior to a guided tour of Soweto, I was
warned that this would change my life
Preparations were made by the South and yes, it did. I was touched by the
African group and in September people surviving instead of living, but
2018, I travelled to Johannesburg. still having a positive attitude.
16IMA World
photos: IMA
On Thursday, 7th of September, the
About proActive
South African group had organised
the official launch. proActive issue no 58, online edition
proActive is published two times a year by IMA
International Management Assistants for the
We were hosted at a cocktail event Association’s members and business partners.
www.ima-network.org
by the Protea Hotel by Marriott
Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton Project Editor:
located in the upscale Sandton City Frieda Catteeuw, IMA Belgium
Passiewijk 13, 1820 Melsbroek, Belgium
Business Center.
“It was a magical evening - Phone: +32 2 710 81 09
Mobile: +32 478 834 944
A great hotel with delicious food and experiencing the African spirit E-mail: frieda.catteeuw@marriott.com
fine wines. Not only were the board and launching the first group outside Executive PR Officer:
Sabrina Franchini, IMA Belgium
members present, but also their ma- the European borders.” E-mail: sabrina.franchini@skynet.be
nagers.
Proofreading
After the launch, I traveled for some Jacqui Dear, IMA Germany
I was so proud to hear that they had holidays to Cape Town and while I was
Design Art Direction:
heard a lot about IMA through Corrie, there, I gave two speeches at big insurance
Kunstgeist, Susanne Bartz
Zorro and Portia, but being hosted companies: Old Mutual and Sanlam. E-mail: mail@kunstgeist.com,
www.kunstgeist.com
by our network, seeing our trailer and
listening to our speeches, they were Both these companies each have in ex- Title picture: Maryia Bahutskaya, Adobe Stock
quite impressed and immediately cess of around 600 assistants among
expressed their full support. their employees and they are both Advertisement in this issue:
Egencia, page 5
interested in joining IMA South-Africa. Travel Perk, page 6
The guest of honor was Zodwa Kod- It’s up to the national committee now IMA, page 8
FP German Mailgeneering, page 9
wa, assistant to the late Mrs Winnie to get the group going but believe me, Thalys, page 12
Diligent, page 15
Mandela. She thanked us for inviting we haven’t seen anything yet.
ACEA, page 16
her and told us that an international IMA, page 19
Kunstgeist, page 19
network of assistants was most wel- Chantal Sneijkers, Radisson, page 20
come in her country. Executive Vice Chairman
17ProActive. #58
The beginning of a digital journey
proActive. The Journal of IMA
Overview online frontpages after the IMA Launch from 2017 until now
ProActive. ProActive. ProActive.
The Journal of International The Journal of International The Journal of International
Management Assistants Management Assistants Management Assistants
The IMA Launch Claim your fame! The Digital Age: Be a change maker,
Gamification IMA Working in the eye of the storm not a change taker
Business Ethics World Administrator’s The future of work: Skills for 2020
Summit 2018 IMA hosts the WASummit
53 55 57
No. 53_spring edition 2017 No. 55_autumn edition 2017 No. 57_summer edition 2018
The IMA Launch, Gamification, The Claim your fame!, Working in the eye The Digital Age, The future of work,
Business Ethics of the storm, WASummit 2018 IMA hosts the WASummit
ProActive. ProActive.
The Journal of International The Journal of International
Management Assistants Management Assistants
Last edition
Digital tools: Use them or lose them!
The Digital Age
ITD Barcelona 2018: Be there!
Annual Conference 2018
Legal versus ethical:
The 10th WASummit
Know the difference!
56 58
#IMAturns45
No. 54_summer edition 2017 No. 56_winter edition 2017 No. 58_winter edition 2018/19
Antwerp, Executive Secretary Live, Digital tools, ITD Barcelona, The Digital Age, Annual Conference 2018,
Menor-Mentee Program Legal versus ethical The 10th WASummit
18photo: fotolia.com
International Training Day 2019
06 April 2019
“The Future is Now:
At the Heart of Leadership -Put your
Emotional Intelligence into Action“
Athens, Greece
Venue: Divani Apollon Palace IMA Greece
will welcome
you!
Don‘t miss the early bird fee
(until 28 February 2019)
Stay tuned on: www.ima-network.org
After a long tradition of several years Daniela Schneider and all the other
of publishing our proActive magazine, previous Editors, for their hard work
first on paper and since 2013 in digital and many hours spent in getting the
format on our website, this edition is proActive published all these years.
now the very last one.
The Executive Committee, for their
Of course, we will continue to share trust and the smooth cooperation over
interesting articles with you about the past years, even when deadlines
our association, our activities and were very short.
about topics of interest focusing
on our profession and our personal All our partners and sponsors who
development. contributed to the magazine with After a great proActive time I want
their advertisements. to express my million thanks to...
You will find them on our website
and other digital communication And last but not least you, The Editors:
channels. Technology is constantly our members, for all the articles you Viera Schleidt, Chantal Sneijkers,
evolving and so are we. wrote, all the pictures you provided. Daniela Schneider and Frieda Catteeuw
for a creative and always well-being
Without you there would never have
time together.
Allow me to express my sincere been a proActive, you were the
thanks to: magazine. Jacqui Dear, Proofreader
for finding needles in the haystack.
Susanne Bartz, who worked with us “All good things come to an end...“
all these years for making sure that the Ursula Wartha and Sabrina Franchini for
layout of the magazine was professional However, this is not a goodbye, their good mood, even during the stressy
and attractive, and most important, but just the beginning of a new digital IMA rebranding times.
compliant with our corporate branding. journey. Keep writing about us, about
It was a true pleasure working with her, our association, about our profession, The Excecutive Committee
for working sucessfully together
and a great learning curve for me. we will make sure you will be read,
for such a long time.
seen, and heard out there!
Jacqui Dear, our volunteer proofreader, I wish you a good digital journey.
whose professional eagle eyes made Thank you.
sure that the words and sentences Susanne Bartz,
showed no typos and the articles were Frieda Catteeuw, Design Art Direction proActive
comprehensive and nice to read. Editor proActive www.kunstgeist.com
19plan on
more
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