Executive Assistants as Strategic Partners: Hiring for Long-Term Success

In the fast-paced world of business, where companies continuously strive for growth and sustained success, the role of an Executive Assistant (EA) has evolved far beyond the traditional role of administrative support. We are currently witnessing a crucial shift in the perspective of business leaders towards viewing Executive Assistants as strategic partners. It is for this reason that hiring the ‘right’ EA is paramount for the long-term success of any business.

The Evolution of the Executive Assistant Role

Gone are the days when an Executive Assistant is confined to managing schedules and handling phone calls. The modern EA is an integral part of any leadership team, playing a pivotal role in the decision-making and project management, ensuring operations flow seamlessly and are kept on track. We speak to many Executive Assistants who feel frustrated when their employer doesn’t appreciate the level to which they are capable of offering support. They are not simply administrators; they can be there to act as your right-hand person in business.

Calendar as a Strategic Roadmap

Executive Assistants are the architects of their Executives’ time. They don’t just manage calendars; they craft strategic roadmaps! By aligning priorities, meetings, and deadlines with organisational goals, EAs ensure that their Executive’s time is invested in activities that contribute directly to the company’s strategic objectives.

Project Management and Execution

Due to the close nature of the relationship between an EA and the senior business leaders they support, EAs often have a high level of business acumen, making them capable of looking after their own business-critical projects. Therefore, EAs often find themselves at the helm of project management. They coordinate cross-functional teams, streamline workflows, and ensure that projects align with the broader strategic goals of the business. Their organisational prowess and attention to detail make them indispensable in driving initiatives from conception to completion.

Gatekeepers of Communication

Effective communication is at the heart of strategic planning, and EA’s are master communicators! They act as gatekeepers and facilitators, ensuring that information flows seamlessly within the organisation. They facilitate communication between the leadership team, internal departments and external stakeholders, fostering collaboration and alignment with overarching strategic objectives.

Beyond Skills and Experience

As you can see, the benefits an Executive Assistant can offer to an organisation are innumerable. To get the most out of the role, it is important that you think carefully during the hiring process. Of course, it’s important to consider the candidates’ experience and skillsets. But further than that, when hiring an Executive Assistant for long-term success, it’s vital to consider the personality fit and to look beyond the standard qualifications. The personality fit between an EA and the Executive they support is the essential criteria, to ensure the match is viable for the long-term.

Our Tailored Process

At Synergy, we specialise in understanding your distinctive business needs and matching these to suitable candidates. Our unique recruitment process is designed to identify candidates who not only possess the necessary skills, but also align with your company’s values, long-term objectives and most importantly, are the right personality fit for you and your team.

Contact us today to start the journey toward building a dynamic and effective leadership team!