EAs need to have a varied skillset. From being able to prioritise work to anticipating the needs of your executive, the abilities you need to posses are many and varied. With the proper support structure behind you, they are all things you'll be able to learn.
What are some of the key skills all EAs should possess?
The pressure an EA has to be able to deal with is immense. When your Executive gives you a task at the last minute, you need to be able to keep your cool. Being able to stay calm under pressure is key if you want to get things done in a timely fashion.
An EA needs to be ruthless in what they choose to prioritise, as well as proficient in making those choices. Prioritising the wrong thing is no use to anyone, even if that thing gets done quickly. EAs therefore need to have a keen sense for what their Executive considers the highest priority and always focus their efforts on that.
While no mere mortal has the power of perfect foresight, EAs might be close. Anticipating what your Executive needs is a key skill that will develop over time as you become more familiar with them, their habits and needs. Think of how you're able to predict what your closest friends say - a great EA is able to do this with their Executive too.
An EA needs to be able to deal with the people that are vying for your Executive's attention. You need to work with those people and manage their expectations for what you can get done and the timeframe in which it can be handled. Telling people no, however, is sometimes going to come with some backlash, so EAs need to have thick skin and be comfortable dealing with a bit of conflict.
Being organised - often on behalf of your Executive - is perhaps the most important skill an EA needs to have. It's all there in the job title, Executive Assistant - you're most able to assist your Executive when you're incredibly organised.
The skills a great EA needs to possess are certainly varied, but with dedication they can all be mastered.