Both executive assistants and executives are still adjusting to hybrid working. To become truly effective in the new normal, you need to be strategic, intentional and purposeful in the way you communicate, prioritise tasks, and provide support.
- Get your communications right
Make sure you and your executive are on the same page about their preferred communication method. You’re well aware that things go better when they don’t feel bothered or interrupted by your communications–that goes double when it’s virtual.
- Spot patterns
Be proactive in maintaining clarity around tasks and priorities. Check in regularly and do some creative pattern-spotting. What themes are emerging in your executive’s inbox? What do they respond to or let slide? What patterns can you see in their calendar?
These are signposts to their priorities that you can spot from anywhere in the world. Use them to add value. Ask yourself what you can help them plan, anticipate, or mitigate, who you can speak to for them, and what tasks you can take ownership of for them.
- Become a strategic partner
Try to act as your executive’s strategic partner on business matters. Be curious, ask questions, and get involved in their world. In today’s fast-changing world, you have an unprecedented opportunity to make a real difference.
Ask if you can shadow them by attending meetings with them (which can of course be done virtually). Take notes on action items and give deeper thought to the key issues they’re dealing with. Make suggestions, offer advice, and seek opportunities to learn and assist.
All these things can be done on a hybrid basis, whether at home or in the office. There’s a wealth of opportunities available today for EAs to grow and adapt to the new hybrid workplace to become more effective and add more value. Moving with the times will enable you to stay relevant, make yourself more attractive to employers, and take your career to new heights.