How an Executive Assistant Can Keep You in Your Highest Productivity Zone

The role of a great executive assistant cannot be overlooked. So many baller CEOs I work with wait far too long to hire one, looking back to realize how much easier and productive their lives could have been with one on board earlier. In some cases, the executive assistant is THE most important person in your office. The EA spends endless hours catering to and anticipating the needs of their bosses. A good assistant keeps a business owner on time and in the know. The right person will keep you organized, ahead of the game, and – always – make you look great. The right EA will keep you in your highest productivity zone.

I highly recommend hiring an EA with a Creative DISC profile (D/C). This profile combines a high “D” and a high “C”, allowing that person to work with confidence and strength, and a willingness to try new ideas, BUT always tempering that work ethic with high-level organization and compliance. High “I” DISC profiles should be avoided as EAs. Though they may interview well, the pace and rule-following means it’s a bad match. I’m a high D/I. My EA is a D/C. This is a perfect combination. She can keep up with my pace and does not wilt when I’m direct. Her high C keeps our business relationship in a logic place rather than letting me squirrel chase, which I am prone to do.

An executive assistant is your lifeline to move fast, pivot quickly and charge forward. He or she can hold down the fort, so to speak, as you make quick decisions and focus on your growth priorities. Simple hassles such as travel, errands and scheduling are immediately off of your plate. An executive assistant with a professional background that includes management, marketing, legal and/or writing experience is recommended. This gives you room to utilize him or her on more difficult and long-term planning tasks and duties.