Feeling Comfortable with Delegation to an Assistant

For executives, entrepreneurs, and business owners who've taken the leap of faith and decided they need an assistant, I applaud you! Assistants are not "just secretaries" anymore. I intend to completely abolish that thought from your mind. I have been in support roles for over 30 years. Even though I run a company now and manage other assistants, I still support one client. I absolutely love what I do and want to stay fresh and able to show empathy to the challenges that both clients/bosses and their assistants face. In fact, after five years in business, I have brought on my very own assistant. I am now in a unique position to understand both sides of the coin. Assisting AND delegating.

There are many things to focus on when you delegate. These key points below may help you feel more at ease and give you some ideas on how to work effectively with an assistant.

• Do you have a contract with specific expectations, AND a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) or Confidentiality Agreement (CA), signed and executed?
• Is your assistant a good listener? This is an important trait and often assistants that are good listeners can grasp the bigger picture better and really dig in to help you execute on your goals.
• Be sure you've discussed with your assistant, your favorite mode(s) of communication. Especially now in an almost always remote environment. Them being able to get the answers they need to complete their work is a MUST!
• Much like a doctor, an assistant to any executive silently takes an oath of confidentiality. This, so you can confidently share whatever is on your mind. Most assistants are servant-natured. They care about others and are happy to be behind the scenes helping you to shine! If you allow them in, you'll see. Allow them to know the big picture and your goals for personal growth or company growth. They will be so much better to you for it.
• It is very difficult to jump out the gate full of trust. Trust is earned. Thus, communicate to your assistant that trust is of the utmost importance, and you will let them in as it is earned. If you go into things open-minded with your assistant, they'll surely respect you and work hard to gain that trust.
• With trust (see bullet above), you'll start to see more and more value in having an assistant. Think of those grueling daily tasks that suck the life out of you and you have zero desire to even look at. THOSE are the "little things" that assistants love to do! Have them sort your emails in the mornings, set up folders and rules for incoming emails. Set up template emails if you get the same types of requests. Send every meeting request to your assistant to perform the back and forth with the meeting attendees and nail down the dates/times. Forget to send your Mom a Mothers Day gift? Shoot a note to your assistant to do it and forget it.
• As alluded to above, communication is KEY and super important. Meet regularly to discuss what they've done, what they're working on, what they want to work on for you in addition to their current duties. Ask them how their workload is and if they can add to their plate, or are feeling overwhelmed. Communicate deadlines if applicable and ask for check-ins on deliverables. Don't leave them hanging (and don't let them leave you hanging). Prioritize their emails, messages, calls, and texts ahead of most others. Behind the scenes, with an assistant's support, you'll look outwardly like even more of a superstar leader!
• Remember, most assistants want to shine, learn and grow. Don't be afraid to ask them what they know, how they can assist you better, and take the time to get to know one another as people to really connect and be a successful pairing.

If you ever need help with delegating, reach out to me. This is what I do. I manage a team of delegates, I am the account manager for all of my company's clients, assuring things are flowing and communications are effective/working on both ends. I am an assistant. I am a leader. I know what both go through and know the struggles in forming a solid, and trusted relationship.

Are you in the market for an assistant? Message me, and I can help! Or visit our website for more information. www.tandemresourcesolutions.com.