In this engaging conversation, Jim Kelly, Michael Hyatt's executive assistant for over six years, shares invaluable insights into the dynamic role of an EA. He discusses the essential traits that make an outstanding assistant, like anticipation and integrity. Jim highlights effective communication as a key to successful professional relationships, alongside innovative approaches to streamline travel and email management. The transformative impact of having an EA on productivity and work-life balance is emphasized, making a compelling case for investing in this vital role.
An outstanding executive assistant significantly enhances productivity by proactively anticipating the needs of their executive, ensuring seamless workflow and focus.
Effective communication and follow-through are essential in the executive assistant role, allowing executives to concentrate on priorities without unnecessary distractions.
Deep dives
The Value of Anticipating Needs
An essential quality of an outstanding executive assistant is the ability to anticipate the needs of their executive. This proactive approach allows the assistant to think several steps ahead, ensuring that the executive has what they need before they even realize it. For instance, one memorable moment involved preparing cough drops for an executive who was suffering from a cold during a speaking engagement, demonstrating foresight and attention to detail. Such actions contribute to a seamless workflow and enable the executive to focus on important tasks without unnecessary interruptions.
Effective Communication and Follow-Through
High levels of follow-through and effective communication are crucial for maintaining a productive working relationship. An exceptional executive assistant ensures that once tasks are delegated, the executive can trust the job will be completed without further input or worry. Regularly updating the executive on the status of tasks helps to close communication loops, allowing them to focus on their priorities without mental clutter. This clarity reduces stress and enhances the overall effectiveness of both the assistant and the executive.
Balancing Professional and Personal Support
The line between personal and professional assistance often blurs for effective executive assistants, allowing them to provide comprehensive support in both areas. An executive assistant can manage tasks like arranging travel and handling personal engagements, enhancing not just professional productivity but also the executive's personal life. This integration fosters a holistic approach to productivity, as executives are freed to concentrate on activities only they can perform. The relationship is symbiotic, especially in small businesses, where the well-being of the executive directly impacts organizational success.
Listen: As a leader with enough on your plate, you simple need an executive assistant. If you already have an EA, it's important that you're leveraging as much value as you can out of this vital role within your company.
In case we haven't convinced you of the importance of a world-class EA, then this episode is for you. Michael speaks with Jim Kelly. Jim has been Michael's EA for over five years and is truly one of the best! Listening to these two speak about their relationship and their roles will help you understand not only why you need an executive assistant.