Are You an Executive Leader or an Executive Assistant?
You recently discovered the effective team management strategies needed to recruit and manage a strong team. Sales expert, Jack Daly, once said, “Whether a CEO, sales manager, or professional if you don’t have an assistant, you are an assistant.” This quote highlights the importance of assistant in the life of any executive leader. Here is how an executive assistant can improve your leadership and organization.
Are You a Leader or an Assistant?
I have recently noticed a trend among leaders in a variety of organizations: They are employing fewer administrative assistants. After speaking to various organizational leaders, the pattern I noticed is they don’t understand the value of an executive assistant.
These leaders give many excuses, such as “I don’t need someone to schedule my meeting or make copies.” As a result, these leaders often end up doing these menial tasks themselves. Assistants do more than schedule meeting or make copies, they make bosses into leaders
Leader vs boss
Executive assistants help CEO transition from bosses to leaders, by allowing them the focus on the important aspects of running their organization. The right executive assistant will help their CEO practice the most important aspect of being a leader. Tony Robbins highlights the six most basic qualities of being a leader as:
- Confidence
- Focus
- Honesty
- Positivity
- Decisiveness
- Inspiring
The difference between a boss and leader is simple. A boss simply manages a team, while a leader leads a team to success. A leader invests in his team’s long-term success, corrects errors, and manages their time productively. Working closely with an executive assistant allows leaders to thrive.
Recruiting an executive assistant
Recruiting the right executive assistant is a daunting task, but when done successfully, it allows leaders to focus on strengthening the organization and capitalize on resources. This concern can be overcome by focusing on two key components: qualifications and chemistry.
A valid concern most CEOs have about hiring an executive assistant is, “I can’t find anyone who is competent.” Kim Moody, an HR Recruiter from 21st Century Staffing, recommends finding candidates with the right qualifications by using the assessments to weed out people who boast fake skills and overestimated abilities. At Assured Strategy, we use DISC profiles.
Chemistry is often overlooked as a facet of the hiring process. It goes beyond liking a candidate. It’s about finding a person who fits the corporate culture of your organization. Most importantly, an executive assistant needs to fit you.
Find An Executive Assistant and Focus On Growing Your Company
Finding an administrative assistant can be daunting, but remember that you’re an executive leader, not an executive assistant. Focus on inspiring your team and growing your company. Remember, you are not paying someone to answer your phone, you’re investing in your bottom line. Follow our lead and establish benchmarks with our executive leadership program.
