If you’re a business owner looking to hire an Executive Assistant or already have one, you might be wondering how much autonomy to grant them.
It’s a common dilemma – you don’t want to micromanage, but you also want to stay informed and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Clearly Define Expectations
To avoid misunderstandings and set the tone for your EA’s level of autonomy, it’s crucial to define expectations and responsibilities upfront.
Make sure your EA understands their role, your expectations, and the outcomes you want to achieve.
A fantastic way to do this is by outlining a job description and expectations for the role. Prioritise your objectives, outsource tasks to your EA or work together to accomplish them.
Provide Guidelines and Support
While you want to give your EA the autonomy to do their job, it’s equally important to provide them with guidelines and support. Give them the necessary tools and resources to perform their tasks effectively and offer guidance when needed.
Set up procedures for your EA to follow and check in frequently to ensure they’re on track. These guidelines could encompass your business best practices, brand guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) that your EA or any other team member can follow.
Foster Open Communication
Encourage your EA to communicate with you frequently and ask questions as needed. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures that they’re aligned with your objectives and priorities. Create an environment where your EA feels comfortable speaking up and bringing ideas and suggestions to the table.
An excellent approach to foster open communication is through project management software like Asana. Utilising this tool, you can assign tasks, track progress, and collaborate with your EA in real-time.
This approach keeps you and your EA accountable for the tasks and ensures that everyone is on the same page. Additionally, your EA can provide updates on task progress, ask questions, and provide feedback, fostering an environment of open communication.
Using project management software streamlines your workflow and ensures that your EA has the information they need to make informed decisions that align with your business goals.
Provide Feedback and Recognition
Regular feedback and recognition can motivate your EA and ensure they’re on track. This helps build trust and a positive working relationship. Take the time to provide constructive feedback and acknowledge their achievements. Remember, your EA wants to excel, and feedback is essential to help them improve.
At The Executives Suite, we understand that finding the right balance of autonomy can be challenging for business owners. That’s why we’re committed to providing guidance and support to help you establish a successful working relationship with your EA.
Our team will work closely with you to establish clear guidelines and ensure your EA can work independently while remaining aligned with your business goals and priorities.
Finding the right balance of autonomy with your EA is crucial for your business’s success. By defining expectations, providing guidelines and support, fostering open communication, and offering feedback and recognition, you can create a positive and productive working relationship with your EA.
If you need expert guidance on finding the right balance of autonomy with your EA, don’t hesitate to drop us a message today. We’re here to help you succeed.
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