The best kind of executive assistant is one that feels like an extension of you.
But if we know you, a leader and decision maker, it can be difficult to loosen the reins and allow someone else control. That makes sense, of course – but the fact remains, that if we try to do it all, we will always have to do it all.
This is where a strategic partnership with your Executive Assistant plays its biggest role. EA skills include being ready-made members of your team who are quick studies, well-trained, and up-to-date on industry trends.
Laying the groundwork for a strong relationship will ensure increased productivity and effectiveness – a win-win scenario in any business.
Try these 5 tips to help you and your EA reach a mutual partnership, encouraged to thrive!
Plan Together.
Paint a clear picture of what success looks like, in both the leadership and supportive role. You can accomplish this by strategizing how each party’s professional goals can be reached, to achieve organizational objectives. For example, start a project by defining clear goals. Discuss the desired outcome, key milestones, and the specific tasks that need to be accomplished. By aligning your understanding of the project’s objectives, it will ensure they are on the same page from the beginning.
Be Open About Preferences.
Two-way communication is a simple, yet effective tool for functionality. An executive will want to start with proper training in day-to-day procedures… then let your assistant launch. By sharing specific travel preferences, for example, an Executive Assistant’s skills can take on the task of finding cost and time-effective travel options without needing an executive hovering.
Equip With the Right Tools.
Save both time and money, by equipping your EA with the best software and resources your company utilizes. This creates consistency in processes and procedures through efficient training and internal task allocation. Utilizing an executive assistant’s skills by handing over passwords and responsibilities such as calendar management, inbox curation, and email marketing are proven ways to partner and chip away at that growing to-do list.
Develop Trust.
This one takes a bit of time - but is perhaps the most important. Assigning authority to your assistant is a great way to develop this, from both ends. Your EA learns to act as an extension of you when you are not available, and you learn to delegate responsibly. Timeular is a tool we recommend to identify where you are spending the most time, and determine which tasks could be taken off your plate. The more that’s delegated, the more opportunities your assistant will have to gain your trust.
Provide Active and Timely Feedback.
Clear communication is key. If your EA has done well – tell them! Provide honest feedback. Schedule regular performance reviews. These are all habits for developing a successful strategic partnership with your assistant, that guarantees a track to continuous improvement. And in the end, you’ll have more time to dedicate to your projects.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.”
-Theodore Roosevelt
These tools will help build that trustworthy foundation between you and your Executive Assistant. Knowing how to use an Executive Assistant, and when to delegate, is almost as important as learning when to assume responsibility for the tasks ahead of you – strong leadership at its best.
Get Started Today
Contact us to learn how an experienced Executive Assistant can become your silent partner on your journey to maximizing your highest potential. We have Full-Time Executive Assistants and Fractional Executive Assistant packages that will fit your needs no matter what stage of business growth you are in. Contact us today to get started and get your time back.
