Indispensability—Administrative Intelligence: The Importance of the Other AI

"This book pulls back the curtain on the invisible labor, interpersonal mastery, and shared mindset that power the most effective executive/assistant relationships. And effective leadership isn't about demanding more—it's about recognizing and amplifying someone's full value and creating space for it to grow." —Jenny M. Mahlum, Ed.M., LCSW, Integrative Psychotherapist

"It is impossible to speak about the Executive Assistant profession without acknowledging the immense impact of Melba Duncan. She is the giant on whose shoulders we all stand and the voice that has shaped how executives and businesses understand the indispensable role of the assistant." —Lucy Brazier OBE, CEO & Publisher, Executive Support Magazine and author of The Modern-Day Assistant: Build Your Influence and Boost Your Potential

"As is always the case, each period of transition in the economy requires renewal of approaches, thought, and mindsets. There are fewer people more able to guide the future collaborators in the executive suite than Melba." —Claude Bernstein

"Duncan provides a data-rich and compelling synthesis, proving without question that as long as companies are run by humans, dedicated EAs will be essential to their functioning and ultimate success." —Bonnie Low-Kramen, author of Staff Matters and Be the Ultimate Assistant

INDISPENSABILITY  is based on years of service as a senior level Executive Assistant, followed by more than 28 years as a business owner who offers the services of recruiter, consultant, coach and trainer. 

Synthesizing workforce-related issues as the premise of the book serves to remind us that employees must be skilled and flexible to respond to the new demands of doing business in a global economy, to the merging of complementary businesses and business sectors, to the continued growth of business through acquisition, and to adjustments in personal and business philosophies. Summarizing her belief that a refocused and revitalized workforce will be one of the key components of a robust economy in a fast-shifting social and economic environment, this book outlines strategies that will be required to successfully execute the new, evolving paradigm for success in an interdependent world economy. 

INDISPENSABILITY examines the effect of a global workplace on workers, and the urgent need for specialized training or retraining of employees for new career paths. The benefit to employers who provide and encourage opportunities for education and training is employee retention, which also acts as a magnet for new talent by fostering an environment of stability and advancement.