Hi Friend,
September has always felt like a fresh start — a new season, a new rhythm, and a chance to set the tone for how you’ll finish the year.
Whether you’re leading a team or mapping out your own professional development, now is the perfect time to take intentional steps forward.
This month, I want to share two ways you can step forward with intention:
- Goal-setting that creates clarity and collaboration
- Professional development planning that fuels growth
Part 1: How to Create Team Goals (With or Without the Title)
A great place to start with goal setting is having an open conversation about what isn’t working. Too often, we hear frustrations turn into venting — sometimes even full-on gripe sessions. Instead of letting that negativity grow, flip it:
Name it specifically: What exactly isn’t working?
Write it down: Capture every frustration or barrier so it’s visible.
Clarify and prioritize: Remove redundancies and decide what matters most.
Collaborate: Partner with system owners or project leads to create solutions.
I once led my team through this process in a conference room with flip charts and sticky notes. We listed every single frustration, filled a wall with ideas, then grouped and prioritized them. From there, small groups took ownership of the top priorities and met with system owners to discuss solutions.
The results? Those leaders were thrilled to have us as partners. They saw that executive assistants could be their strongest change advocates. Together, we identified what could be changed, what couldn’t, and when improvements would roll out. We then launched a communication campaign to spread the word across the organization.
That process didn’t just solve problems — it built trust, strengthened our culture, and gave the team a stronger voice.
👉 Whether you’re a team lead or not, you can bring this kind of energy to the table. And if you need someone to help you facilitate a team workshop, I’d be honored to work with you!
Part 2: Fall is Professional Development Season
This is also the season to plan your growth. I often get asked, “How do I decide which conference, training, or course is right for me?” The truth is — it depends on your goals.
Here are five excellent choices I’ve personally experienced and recommend:
- APC USA(Administrative Professionals Conference) –Large, diverse, and high-energy with practical sessions for every level. When I first attended, I wasn’t prepared to see 2000 admins all at one conference. It was overwhelming at first, but then I realized the power of our profession gathered in one place. There are options for everyone – keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking with peers who understand your challenges. 👉 Learn more.
- Office Dynamics Conference – This event is known for its world-class speakers and transformational content. Each session is designed to challenge how you think about yourself, your role, and the value you bring. One of the benefits of this event is that all the sessions are in one conference room. I’ve seen teams sit together to grow closer, and others intentionally sit apart to expand their network. Attendance ranges from 300-500 people, and every session builds on the next. I’ve seen this conference spark major breakthroughs in confidence, executive presence, and leadership impact. 👉Learn more + register
- Elite Assistant Certification – This event is now in its second year, and the first year was one of the best in-depth training experiences I’ve ever had. With 75-100 attendees, it’s a two-day deep dive filled with interaction instead of lectures. You’ll leave with a workbook, certificate of completion, and new strategies gained from working closely with other top-of-their-game administrative professionals. If you’re already established in your role and looking to sharpen advanced skills, this is the place. 👉Reserve your seat
- Executive Support LIVE – A global perspective with powerful thought leaders from around the world. This intimate event (~100 people) keeps everyone in the same room, fostering deep connection. Locations rotate worldwide – London, Dubai, South Africa, Sydney, and New Zealand – with plenty of social activities built in. When I spoke at ESL in London and Seattle, what struck me most was how universal our challenges are, and how inspiring it is to be part of a truly global community. 👉Learn more
- My On-Demand Sessions – Practical, flexible, and available when you need training on your own schedule. Sometimes travel or timing isn’t possible – but growth still is. That’s why I created on-demand training. From Developing a Healthy Sense of Confidence 👉 link to Connections: That’s What It’s All About👉 link, these are designed to help you grow at your own pace with real-world strategies
How to Choose the Right One
- Match the content with your career goals and current challenges.
- Review your past annual review or feedback and see if topics align with growth areas.
- Consider format (large vs. intimate, global vs. local, live vs. on-demand). What’s your ideal learning environment? Do you appreciate networking at a large level with lots of activities going on simultaneously, or do you appreciate something more intimate or somewhere in between?
- Weigh timing and cost versus the value it brings to you and your organization.
How to Secure Approval
Don’t just ask for permission — build a case. Show the ROI. Share how the skills you’ll learn will directly support your leader, your team, and your organization. If you need help, my Speaking with Impact course includes a customizable letter you can send directly to your executive. 👉Download here
The best way to negotiate is to showcase what’s in it for them– tie it to your leader’s priorities or the organization’s goals. Let them know how this training could minimize challenges, create efficiencies, or support success.
How to Follow Through
Training doesn’t end when the session does. Make your learning visible.
To maximize impact:
- Send your manager a thank-you
- Share your top three takeaways
- Present a short plan for how you’ll implement what you learned.
When leaders see results, they’re far more likely to say yes the next time you ask.
September is planning season. Whether you’re setting goals with your team or investing in your own growth, remember: you don’t need a title to lead and you don’t need permission to grow. The choice is yours — and this is the season to take it.
🌟 Ready for support? Let’s work together through coaching or training
📚 📚Want more resources? Grab a copy of Not Just An Admin or Mean Girl No More
📅 Looking ahead? Join me in October for Elite Assistant certification. 👉 Reserve your seat
Let’s make this season one where you finish strong and step boldly into the future.
Warmly,
Peggy
Speaker | Bestselling Author | Empowerment Coach | Admin Advocate