What makes an Exceptional Executive Assistant for Today’s Entrepreneur?

July 12, 2021 By Vince Poscente

If a CEO finds great success in their work, they likely have a highly coveted secret weapon—an exceptional Executive Assistant. While a CEO may succeed due to their merit, this secret weapon amplifies their success substantially. The best Executive Assistants excel at developing a highly capable CEO into one of maximized efficiency.

Why Executive Assistants are Important

There is no one way that Executive Assistants operate. Like CEOs, they will all have their own approach to handling the fast-paced role they must fill. However, there are specific key characteristics that all exceptional Executive Assistants will have in common. If you find a person who has all these traits, hold on to them. They are an essential part of the solution that brings your company to the next level.

If a CEO finds great success in their work, they likely have a highly coveted secret weapon—an exceptional Executive Assistant. While a CEO may succeed due to their merit, this secret weapon amplifies their success substantially. The best Executive Assistants excel at developing a highly capable CEO into one of maximized efficiency.

What makes an Executive Assistant Exceptional?

• An expert in communication. If a thought cannot be communicated effectively, precious time is lost in clarifying the miscommunication or fixing issues resulting from it. Alternatively, speaking and writing concisely and effectively makes life a lot easier for all those involved. It is their job to make the CEO’s life easier, not harder. Being an Executive Assistant often includes taking on many of the communicative responsibilities of a CEO. They must be able to execute these responsibilities with equal quality.
• Able to adapt quickly. Sadly, no Executive Assistant can multitask. However, they can rapidly adapt and shift their focus when needed—the next best thing. While an exceptional Executive Assistant works hard to prepare for the day ahead, it does not impede their ability to keep working when the day’s plan falls apart. Sometimes, external complications beyond your control interfere with the goals set in place. While these complications cannot be controlled, who works with you to adapt to the complications can be controlled.
• Masterful organization skills. Executive Assistants live in a fast-paced and unforgiving world. Some deadlines have significant consequences if missed and various tasks that must be completed in a prioritized sequence. The best Executive Assistants have structures in place to organize the chaos to make sure everything is completed on time and orderly. An almost scary ability to anticipate. Practical anticipation goes beyond having the morning coffee in hand before being asked. If an Executive Assistant can critically analyze their workplace, it will not be long before they see issues they can resolve. Acting on these issues before being asked saves the CEO time and prevents the problems from becoming greater if left unchecked.
• Reliable beyond a doubt. An Executive Assistant acts as an extension of the CEO within the company. When something important needs delegation, your Executive Assistant should be one of the first people on the list. CEOs depend on their Executive Assistant to get things done in their stead. Executive Assistants reflect the CEO, making reliability and professionalism essential to their character.

Any Executive Assistant can do tasks asked of them. But to be “exceptional,” they need to be more than a second set of the CEO’s hands. They are a secondary brain, proficient when working both with and without the CEO. These people are valuable assets to a CEO and the company. There will never be enough time in the day, but an exceptional Executive Assistant makes it feel like your busy day has gained crucial hours. Learn more about GLO and what we can do for you.