Behind every successful executive is an executive assistant (EA) rock star. They handle the more mundane tasks of running a business and ensure that everything runs smoothly. The stronger the CEO and executive assistant partnership, the more streamlined the work becomes and the more productive the executive can be. This greatly affects the success of the entire organization.
Keep reading to learn about the importance of the CEO/executive assistant relationship, and how to cultivate a strong dynamic that can benefit the organization. C-Suite Assistants provides exceptional executive assistant recruiting for CEOs. We understand what it takes to be a successful EA for a CEO, and we work closely with companies to create the ultimate executive assistant partnership.
Importance of a Strong Partnership
All internal business relationships are important, but perhaps none more so than the close collaboration between the CEO and executive assistant (EA). Their partnership sets the tone. If the relationship is fraught with tension or inefficiencies, it can be difficult to accomplish goals and move the company forward. A difficult CEO/EA relationship might also create a bad work environment.
The EA must be finely attuned to the CEO’s desires and working style, since they function as an extension of the executive and represent them in many internal and external settings.
Why is building partnerships important? Strong business partnerships are crucial for companies so that they can:
- Grow the business by leveraging each person’s strengths.
- Learn and grow through each other’s knowledge, experience, and expertise.
- Solve challenges by seeing the issue from different perspectives.
- Be innovative through a variety of ideas that can drive growth.
- Create positive impacts internally and externally.
Once you have hired an EA, an EA you are sure has the necessary skills and the right temperament and work style for your organization, it is now incumbent upon the CEO to build the right relationship to ensure success. A CEO can develop this dynamic and complementary relationship to enhance efficiency in several ways.
How to Cultivate Powerful Dynamics
How do you build a successful strategic partnership? Open communication, clear expectations, shared goals, mutual respect, professional development, and appreciation- these are some of the most critical elements of developing an effective relationship. It is up to the CEO or executive to initiate and maintain these.
Build Mutual Trust
Communication and transparency build mutual trust and enable the EA to anticipate the executive’s needs.
Set Clear Goals
Establish clear goals and expectations, so the EA knows what is needed and how to meet those needs.
Schedule Meetings
Regular communication between the executive and the EA ensures that both are kept informed and updated.
Consider the EA a Strategic Partner
Include the EA in company meetings, training courses, phone calls, and emails so they’re informed and fully engaged. This will energize and empower them to be successful.
Acknowledge Contributions
Recognize and reward an assistant’s contributions and positive results to encourage future productivity and boost job satisfaction.
Delegate Responsibility
Let the EA provide strategic ideas and manage information flow so that you’re free to explore new ventures and build the business.
Align Goals
Develop a shared purpose to help further the company’s overall goals and mission.
Value and Respect
Learn about the EA’s professional goals and values. Treat them with respect and as an equal.
Provide Training and Mentorship
Help the EA grow in their position, so they feel valued and have greater career satisfaction. Their ability to handle more complex tasks also benefits the executive and the business.
A powerful CEO and executive assistant partnership can create a smooth, seamless flow of work. This allows executive to concentrate on decision-making, relationship and team building, networking and strategic planning. Meanwhile, the EA focuses on the details and keeps the CEO organized, managing their resources and prioritizing their time.
How to work effectively with an EA
Set clear goals, communicate regularly, build trust, treat them with respect, and don’t be afraid to delegate responsibility. As a CEO, include your EA in meetings and ensure that their professional goals can be realized.
C-Suite Assistants Helps You Cultivate a Strong CEO/EA Partnership
You now see why it’s so important to create a seamless dynamic in the workplace, and how you can develop what may be the most crucial relationship in your business. As premier executive assistant recruiters, C-Suite Assistants helps you find the top EA candidates with the unique skills your organization needs. We’ll ensure that they align perfectly with your company culture and your personal style, putting you on the fast track to a strong partnership.
Discover why C-Suite Assistants stands out as the top choice for finding and hiring quality talent for your company. Contact us today to get started.
