In the intricate dance of professional life, an Executive Assistant (EA) can be the partner that helps you shine brightest. The right EA doesn’t just handle tasks; they augment your strengths, compensate for your challenges, and propel your aspirations forward. With a Base EA by your side, you have a teammate who’s not only skilled but also uniquely equipped to amplify your potential. Over our decade-long journey with leaders and their EAs, we’ve curated practices that ensure a harmonious and fruitful partnership.
1. Foster openness: A two-way street ⚖️
A successful EA-leader bond goes beyond the professional; it’s deeply personal. When your EA becomes an extension of you, they’re poised to intuit your needs, advocate for your priorities, and safeguard your time. For this magic to happen, cultivate a relationship of trust and transparency. Let your guard down, share more than you might with others, and watch the magic unfold.
2. Establish boundaries: Clarity is key 🔑
Start on the right foot by discussing boundaries and expectations. From communication protocols during emergencies to expectations about updates on projects, clear delineation ensures a smoother working relationship.
3. Prioritize communication: Keep the channels open 💬
Your most valuable investment in this partnership is consistent, clear communication. Whether it’s a daily check-in or weekly updates, ensure your EA is looped in. In the vast universe of EA-leader dynamics, over-communication is a myth.
4. Feedback: A pillar of growth 🏔️
Nurture your partnership through regular feedback. Celebrate the wins, address challenges head-on, and always be receptive to insights from your EA. Their unique vantage point can offer valuable suggestions for improving collaborative workflows.
5. Embrace delegation: Trust & empower 🤝
After you’ve onboarded your EA to enhance your operational efficiency, trust them to excel and be open to continually reviewing and expanding their role. As they grow into their responsibilities, you’ll find more space to concentrate on strategic imperatives.
The Base difference: Echoed by our clients
At Base, our mission goes beyond pairing you with an EA. We aim to liberate leaders, enabling you to soar towards the bigger picture while your EA masterfully orchestrates the details.
My assistant from Base immediately got to work to improve my workflows, and it was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. On the first day, she caught some key errors I never would have noticed. It’s only been a couple of weeks but I feel like I’m no longer in the weeds and can focus on the big picture. It’s been great to have this kind of support.
Andy, Fractional CMO
Our EA and the entire Base community are truly service-oriented and consistently not just deliver for our organization, but they go above and beyond. My Base EA is fantastic, efficient, quick, and has amazing judgment. She has been able to get in front of things and identify pain points before I’m even aware of them!
Andrew, Executive Director
Want to discover more? Dive deeper into our collection of tips and best practices on our resources page. And if you’re ready to revolutionize your executive strategy with a Base EA, get in touch with us today.
