What Do Executives Really Want from an Executive Assistant?

We're seeing many changes to the administrative position, and there's always the underlying fear that administrative roles - the executive assistant and personal assistant role in particular - are being done away with in the digital era.

But an executive's success in any organization still depends significantly on the invaluable support of dedicated executive support professionals. Skilled, reliable executive and personal assistants ensure that daily operations proceed smoothly so that teams can focus on their goals and reach peak performance. These executive support professionals provide administrative support and are trusted confidants to CEOs, MDs, and other top executives.

Specifically, your executive will rely on you to manage their time, ensure a smooth flow of communication, coordinate complex travel arrangements, and assist in planning, coordinating and executing essential projects. However, what qualities and skills do managers want in their Executive Assistants? What are the vital characteristics and practices that can make you a "keeper" as an executive assistant in today's digital workplace? Let's explore the top priorities.

1. Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills

One of the most critical skills that an executive expects from an executive assistant is excellent communication skills. Bosses need individuals who can communicate effectively to create seamless workflows, solve problems, and ensure everything runs smoothly. The ideal assistant can not only juggle multiple stakeholders but build strong relationships with colleagues and exhibit the utmost professionalism when dealing with confidential information. Interpersonal skills are key to success in this role!

Talented executive assistants who understand the importance of creating a positive, productive working environment are in high demand. They must possess the ability to establish their professional credibility while also maintaining healthy boundaries with colleagues and superiors.

2. Strong Organizational Skills and Time Management

One of the primary reasons a boss hires an executive assistant is to manage their time and ensure efficiency. The ability to manage a frantic schedule with numerous deadlines and expectations is a skill that an EA must have. Therefore, your executive wants a proactive EA to spot potential conflicts or issues and anticipate how to solve them.

Being proactive and prepared for every eventuality is essential as an executive Assistant. It's not just about having the most meticulously written documents or perfectly designed presentations - it's also making sure you have a comprehensive understanding of any people dynamics that could arise within your business environment, those small but significant details which may be easily overlooked yet can make all the difference to your executive's operational goals.

3. Adaptability without the 'drama'

Senior leaders seek EAs capable of demonstrating high-quality professionalism and competence when presented with demanding scenarios. They should remain positive and accountable while adapting to rapidly-evolving conditions, exercising deftness instead of getting drawn into negative thinking. Such approaches guarantee greater productivity even during times of change or uncertainty.

4. Trust, Transparency & Accountability

Executives need executive assistants who embody the utmost trustworthiness and integrity, carefully managing matters transparently. Accepting accountability for any decisions made is essential in maintaining maturity and professionalism, necessary traits to foster an ethical work environment.

Executives and executive assistants must cultivate mutually beneficial relationships built on trust, transparency and accountability for each party's roles & responsibilities to be effectively mapped out. This leads towards improved productivity and encourages clear communication of goals, allowing both parties a greater understanding of success expectations. Without the utmost commitment to integrity whilst scrupulously managing matters with unwavering honesty - true collaboration can never reach its highest potential nor form any ethical working environment.

5. Resourcefulness

Executives seek an executive assistant who is adept at problem-solving and has the vision to anticipate their boss' needs and offer creative solutions that can improve efficiency. Resourcefulness means turning challenges into opportunities and utilizing intuition and creativity to help executives reach milestones on time.

6. Discretion

Lastly, a manager will seek the need for executive assistant services having uncontested confidentiality. Organizational leaders don't expect their staff to breach their trust, whether directly or indirectly, including things like confidential projects, confidential communications, and the company's inner workings. As such, your boss wants an EA who is dependable, shows maturity, and has unquestioned discretion. 

Being discreet involves keeping confidential information safe and not allowing it to become public knowledge. While secrecy can be seen as unethical or suspicious behaviour, discretion emphasizes the respectful handling of sensitive conversations or matters.

To excel in an executive support role, having a customer-centric attitude is necessary for success. Staying ahead of industry trends and evolving your skill sets can set you apart from other service professionals; focus on being a great communicator, organizer, problem solver and overall professional who earns trustworthiness. Doing so builds credibility, enabling growth opportunities within any organization – ultimately allowing access to fantastic career development possibilities!