Linda McCarthy’s Post

How NOT to use your Executive Assistant ❗️ Hiring an EA can be a game-changer, but it's crucial to understand how to leverage their skills effectively and build a partnership. Here are ten things you should avoid... 👩🏻💻 Overloading them with admin tasks ↳ Don’t limit your EA to just taking minutes in meetings without ever seeking their input. Engage them in discussions; their insights can be valuable. 💚 Keeping them in reactive mode ↳ Avoid assigning only continuous reactive tasks. Balance their workload with strategic, project-based work that allows them to contribute meaningfully. ⚡️ Using them as a dumping ground ↳ Don’t dump the tasks you don’t want to handle onto them, expecting them to figure it out without context or guidance. Provide clear instructions and context to ensure they understand the task’s importance and your priorities. 💬 Excluding them from strategic conversations ↳ Don’t keep your EA out of strategic meetings. Involve them in important discussions and initiatives to leverage their organisational skills. 🤩 Overlooking their professional development ↳ Don’t neglect their growth. Invest in their development which will add more value to you and your company. 👀 Micromanaging their every move ↳ Trust your EA to handle tasks independently and empower them to take initiative. You have to let go, to let them flourish. 🗣️ Failing to provide feedback ↳ Regular, constructive feedback helps your EA grow and aligns their efforts with your expectations. 🖼️ Not sharing the bigger picture ↳ Don’t keep them in the dark about your vision and long-term goals. Sharing the bigger picture enables them to better prioritise and have an impact. 💡 Ignoring their suggestions and ideas ↳ Don’t dismiss their ideas or suggestions. Encourage them to share their thoughts and trust that they're an expert in their field. 🧠 Underutilising their problem-solving skills ↳ Don’t overlook their ability to solve problems. Involve them in troubleshooting and process improvements, they will get shit done! Is there any others you'd add? #ExecutiveAssistant #Leadership #Teamwork

I have been saying this for years. Don't just give us the base work. Use us for our project management skills. Use us for our negotiating and vendor management skills. Communicate with us, but don't belittle us. We're humans. Not Machines. We require assignments and understand the metrics you want executed. You want us to be a part of the strategic conversation. If we want to develop professionally and are giving you signs we want more resources, let us level up. It will be a reflection of the company. We are a reflection of the company. For the love of all the earth, do not micromanage us. I hate it when a supervisor micromanages me. I've had my fair share of this from past and current roles. My being underutilized is a reflection of the company not having a strategic plan to use my skills appropriately. I'm more than a note-taker and coordinator. I have people skills, understand risk management, can negotiate when put in the proper situation, and have some useful project management skills. You should see my data entry background. You need data managed on your CRM? Done. You need me to handle your calendar? Done. You need me to be your liaison and gatekeep your presence in the office? Done. You need me to handle vendors? Budgets? Accounts Receivables? Payables? Done and done. I have unique skills. Use them. Don't abuse them.

Executive Assistants have the gift of seeing their company from the top. And the Chief of Staff role is not the only or even "the most natural" next step for EAs who are looking to transition roles. Instead, the Chief of Staff role is one of *MANY* potential next steps for a high-level, strategic EA. Project management, HR, and operations also make a lot of sense. If you are an EA looking to transition roles: ▪ Start observing the functions in your company and which you’re drawn to. ▪ Set up some coffee dates (in person or virtually) to get to know and ask questions of people in roles you’re interested in.   ▪ If you have the bandwidth, take on small projects within different functions that you may be interested in. ▪ Share your goals with your leader and ask for their support as you explore what's next for you. ▪ Focus on your mindset & confidence: you CAN do a different job, and you will use the viewpoint of your EA role to help you learn, grow, and get there. These are just a few things to start with. But what's the most important thing? JUST START.  Changing roles and learning a new job is hard. But there's no reason EAs should feel *more stuck* in their job than people in other roles. *We can ALL learn and grow.* As an EA, rely on your company knowledge and your strong relationships. The Chief of Staff role is just one of *many* potential next jobs. -   Ps. In my role as Founder of Nova Chief of Staff, I talk to hundreds of EAs who LOVE their job and never want to do anything else but be a kick-ass EA. And to this, we celebrate! There's truly nothing better than finding career alignment. 💙 - ♻ Let's end the stigma around EAs being stuck in their roles. Please share with your network and follow me, Maggie Olson for daily CoS, C-Suite, and Leadership content. --   *Share in the comments: what are other things EAs can do to learn other functions within the company and eventually transition roles? #chiefofstaff #executiveassistant #generalist #CEO #leadership

Ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list? You're not alone. As a business leader, there comes a point when delegation isn't just an option, it's a necessity for growth. The right time to hire an Executive Assistant (EA) can be a pivotal decision in your career or business journey. When your calendar becomes a battleground, and strategic planning takes a backseat to daily admin, it's time to consider an EA. If you're spending more time managing your schedule than leading your team or driving the business forward, that's a clear signal. An EA does more than manage appointments; they become the linchpin of efficiency, enabling you to focus on what you do best. The decision often hinges on ROI. Is the cost of hiring an EA outweighed by the value of the time you'll reclaim? For many, the answer is a resounding yes. An EA can streamline operations, manage communications, and even handle personal tasks, freeing you to concentrate on high-level strategy and revenue-generating activities. It's not just about time, though. It's about energy and headspace. The mental load of juggling countless tasks can be just as taxing as the tasks themselves. An EA can alleviate this burden, allowing you to maintain clarity and drive in your role. Ultimately, if you find yourself constantly in the weeds of administrative work, it might be time to hire an EA. This strategic move can empower you to lead more effectively, innovate, and steer your business towards greater success. #ExecutiveAssistant #Leadership #TimeManagement

Ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list? You're not alone. As a business leader, there comes a point when delegation isn't just an option, it's a necessity for growth. The right time to hire an Executive Assistant (EA) can be a pivotal decision in your career or business journey. When your calendar becomes a battleground, and strategic planning takes a backseat to daily admin, it's time to consider an EA. If you're spending more time managing your schedule than leading your team or driving the business forward, that's a clear signal. An EA does more than manage appointments; they become the linchpin of efficiency, enabling you to focus on what you do best. The decision often hinges on ROI. Is the cost of hiring an EA outweighed by the value of the time you'll reclaim? For many, the answer is a resounding yes. An EA can streamline operations, manage communications, and even handle personal tasks, freeing you to concentrate on high-level strategy and revenue-generating activities. It's not just about time, though. It's about energy and headspace. The mental load of juggling countless tasks can be just as taxing as the tasks themselves. An EA can alleviate this burden, allowing you to maintain clarity and drive in your role. Ultimately, if you find yourself constantly in the weeds of administrative work, it might be time to hire an EA. This strategic move can empower you to lead more effectively, innovate, and steer your business towards greater success. #ExecutiveAssistant #Leadership #TimeManagement

🌟 The moment that transformed my career as an EA 🌟 8 years ago, as a young and eager Executive Assistant, I was laser-focused on serving my one primary executive and four secondary executives in Management. 💼 I took pride in delivering excellent support, and their positive feedback was my north star. 🌟 But one day, during a staff meeting, a colleague gave me unexpected feedback: she felt ignored and disconnected during our interactions. 😧 I was shocked, even humiliated. How could that be? I attended to everyone's needs promptly and professionally—or so I thought. 🧐 Instead of dismissing it, I decided to dig deeper. I spoke to other colleagues and asked for their honest opinions. At first, they hesitated, but eventually, a pattern emerged: I was seen as efficient, but lacked a personal touch and came off as unapproachable. I was handling tasks, but I wasn’t connecting with people. That moment was a turning point. 💡 I evaluated and decided to change. I sought some pointer training. I started smiling more 😊, asking about my colleagues' families 👨👩👧, and engaging with them as individuals—not just tasks to complete and churn out of the office. I learned to balance the needs of my executives with building genuine relationships across the organization. The results? Transformational. ✨ My role became more fulfilling. ✨ Colleagues felt seen and valued. ✨ Team collaboration improved immensely. 🤔 What did I learn? As an EA, your role goes beyond tasks and schedules. You’re a bridge between people, a champion of connection, and a contributor to workplace harmony. 🤝 Today, as an administrative training consultant, I share this story to emphasize the importance of fostering strong interpersonal relationships. 💡 A well-rounded Executive Assistant excels not only in execution but also in creating a collaborative and inclusive work environment. This balance is what makes an EA truly indispensable. 💡 Let this be a reminder: never underestimate the power of connection—it’s what transforms a good Executive Assistant into an exceptional one. ✨ 💬 Have you ever had a moment of feedback that changed your approach? Let’s discuss! #ExecutiveAssistantTraining #Leadership #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkplaceCulture #ConnectionMatters 🌟

Ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list? You're not alone. As a business leader, there comes a point when delegation isn't just an option, it's a necessity for growth. The right time to hire an Executive Assistant (EA) can be a pivotal decision in your career or business journey. When your calendar becomes a battleground, and strategic planning takes a backseat to daily admin, it's time to consider an EA. If you're spending more time managing your schedule than leading your team or driving the business forward, that's a clear signal. An EA does more than manage appointments; they become the linchpin of efficiency, enabling you to focus on what you do best. The decision often hinges on ROI. Is the cost of hiring an EA outweighed by the value of the time you'll reclaim? For many, the answer is a resounding yes. An EA can streamline operations, manage communications, and even handle personal tasks, freeing you to concentrate on high-level strategy and revenue-generating activities. It's not just about time, though. It's about energy and headspace. The mental load of juggling countless tasks can be just as taxing as the tasks themselves. An EA can alleviate this burden, allowing you to maintain clarity and drive in your role. Ultimately, if you find yourself constantly in the weeds of administrative work, it might be time to hire an EA. This strategic move can empower you to lead more effectively, innovate, and steer your business towards greater success. #ExecutiveAssistant #Leadership #TimeManagement

Ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list? You're not alone. As a business leader, there comes a point when delegation isn't just an option, it's a necessity for growth. The right time to hire an Executive Assistant (EA) can be a pivotal decision in your career or business journey. When your calendar becomes a battleground, and strategic planning takes a backseat to daily admin, it's time to consider an EA. If you're spending more time managing your schedule than leading your team or driving the business forward, that's a clear signal. An EA does more than manage appointments; they become the linchpin of efficiency, enabling you to focus on what you do best. The decision often hinges on ROI. Is the cost of hiring an EA outweighed by the value of the time you'll reclaim? For many, the answer is a resounding yes. An EA can streamline operations, manage communications, and even handle personal tasks, freeing you to concentrate on high-level strategy and revenue-generating activities. It's not just about time, though. It's about energy and headspace. The mental load of juggling countless tasks can be just as taxing as the tasks themselves. An EA can alleviate this burden, allowing you to maintain clarity and drive in your role. Ultimately, if you find yourself constantly in the weeds of administrative work, it might be time to hire an EA. This strategic move can empower you to lead more effectively, innovate, and steer your business towards greater success. #ExecutiveAssistant #Leadership #TimeManagement

The Secret Ingredient to Executive Success: Creating the Right EA <> Exec Partnership Behind every high-performing executive is often a perfectly matched executive assistant. But what makes this partnership truly click? As an EA with years in the trenches, I've identified key elements of a great fit and ways to nurture it: 1. Adaptability: Can I flex my communication and work style to match theirs?   How to foster: Observe your exec's preferences closely. Adjust your methods proactively. 2. Clear expectations: Are their needs and priorities well-defined?   How to foster: Initiate regular check-ins. Ask specific questions about their goals and pain points. 3. Trust & autonomy: Will they empower me to make decisions?   How to foster: Start small. Demonstrate reliability and good judgment consistently. 4. Growth mindset: Do they support my professional development?   How to foster: Share your career aspirations. Propose ways your growth can benefit the team. 5. Values alignment: Do our professional ethics and goals match?   How to foster: Articulate your values through your work. Seek to understand the company culture deeply. Remember, it's not just about skills—it's about creating a symbiotic relationship where both parties thrive. Our ability to adapt is crucial, but we also play an active role in shaping a successful partnership. What strategies have you used to foster a great exec-EA match? Share below! #ExecutiveAssistant #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalGrowth #MakeKnowledgeSharingYourBitch

Did you think it is a stop-gap ❓ Let's talk about Executive Assistants (EAs). Often stereotyped as a stepping stone, an "in-between" role, I'm here to shatter that misconception. The truth? Being an EA is a strategic powerhouse position, demanding a unique blend of: ✅ 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: We're the masters of calendars, keeping complex schedules running like clockwork. Time management? We practically wrote the book. ⏱️ ✅ 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲: From crafting clear, concise emails to navigating delicate conversations, we're the bridge between executives and the world. ✅ 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐦-𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐬𝐬: Anticipating needs before they arise, we're the go-to for finding creative solutions and ensuring smooth operations. ✅ 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: We're not just order-takers. We understand the bigger picture, offering valuable insights and proactive support. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐚 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫-𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞. As an EA, you gain: ✔ 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞: You're at the heart of the action, witnessing key decisions and learning from industry leaders. ✔ 𝐀 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐭: The expertise you gain - from project management to communication - is gold in any industry. transferable skills are highly sought after by employers. ✔ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭: You're the unseen force propelling executives forward, driving success for the entire organization. 𝐒𝐨, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐚 "𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐀" 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞, 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. Being an EA is a strategic career choice, equipping you with the skills and experience to become a future leader. 𝐄𝐀𝐬, 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬! #ExecutiveAssistant #NotYourAverageAssistant #CareerGoals #LeadershipInMaking Follow Jhilik Sarkar for more such content.