How hiring an Executive Assistant can add value to an Executive’s role - and life!
Time is the most precious resource for any Executive in today’s business world. There is never a status quo in business anymore, it is always evolving and changing, requiring continuous forward thinking and planning at a high level. Emails alone are an all-consuming task that require detailed attention, coordination and priority. And then there are those personal commitments that can be sidelined when you are in a busy role - how many times have you missed sending a gift for a friends birthday or making that medical appointment?
Executives should be spending their time on business-critical tasks including relationships and strategic matters that can enhance and develop their organisation as much as possible, delegating other tasks that take their time away from these things.
Below are 5 ways that having an Executive Assistant can not only change your life, but make you more efficient in your role, adding stronger value to your business:
1. Lets face it – a skilled EA compliments your weaknesses. Time management is key these days and generally most Executives find it challenging, but its an EA’s forte. Let your EA manage your time and like magic your day will run so much smoother, you will be more efficient and effective before you know it!
2. Is your business growing? Do people require more attention from you now? Even a small business with a staff of 10 starts to become more challenging in terms of time. People are amazing and the backbone of your business – but they also bring more complex, detailed and time consuming issues with them. Your EA will be your eyes and ears, giving you a gentle nudge and heads up in relation to people issues, before they get to catastrophic levels. When an EA is capable of handling people issues on your behalf, your time is taken away from staffing issues and things are redirected so that you are only engaged where its appropriate and relevant.
3. Are you contemplating a Receptionist, an Admin Assistant or an EA as that is all the business can afford at this stage? Don’t contemplate any more. The right EA will perform the tasks of a Receptionist, an Admin Assistant and an EA. They come in all shapes and sizes and many love the variety and diversity of a combination role. That way as you grow, the person won’t outgrow the Reception or Admin role too tasks too quickly. The development of an accurate position description will assist in sourcing the right person for your role, something that the MJD team can support you with, getting you the perfect “fit” is our thing!
4. Are you a modern-day entrepreneur? Some of you might think that technology allows you to do most of the tasks that a traditional EA does. Technology can not handle key stakeholder relationships, manage staff issues, attend meetings on your behalf or let you know what is happening in the office when you are not there! Your EA can operate like a true business assistant and support with a whole plethora of EA skills to help you be your best you – not just manage calendars and emails.
5. Can we openly speak of the prestige of having an EA? Within some industries it is seen as a mark of ‘success or standing’ - and having your EA build relationships with other key stakeholders EA’s is almost essential to coordinate some outcomes. Internally it generally marks a level of respect for your time. More people are respectful of the fact that managing your time is an issue and don’t approach you directly about matters, they arrange time via your EA or find other people in the business that can help just as easily and efficiently. Many of the EA’s we place are natural networkers on their Executives behalf and make this happen!
If you want to chat about this is any further detail please don’t hesitate to call myself or anyone in the MJD Executive team. We are well known for the recruitment projects that we complete in relation to Executive Assistant placements and with 45 years of combined experience and exceptional networks I am confident we can assist. Contact us on 02 8042 1840.