Are Executive Assistants Necessary?

There are still many people who look at Executive Assistants as nothing more than glorified lackeys. Most top executives don't have one and don't feel that they need one. What is the value of an Executive Assistant? Are we really necessary or just a waste of company budget?

It's a fact that when we are doing a great job, nobody notices. That's because we're so successful in doing it that it becomes part of the tapestry. I'm so amazed sometimes when I hear a top executive say "Oh, I don't even use my Executive Assistant." Look at the EA, you can almost cover her with the receipts she's filing for his expense reports. I'm so tempted to give the EA a one-month vacation just to see what happens.

Just imagine if Richard Branson didn't have Helen Clarke managing all his bookings and following him around while he travels around the world. He'd have to do the bookings himself and manage his schedule. He will definitely not have the time for his innovative projects. Good thing he has his EA to worry about all that. That's what we do. We worry about the gazillion details.

Executive Assistants are more than just gofers. We are tasked to manage the business end of our Executive's lives. We help them make the most out of their time and become more efficient. There are so many things riding on their backs that If we didn't remove some of the load, it can be pretty heavy.

Empowered EAs can meet with other departments and relay their Executive's instructions and monitor if it's being accomplished. Only when the EA meets roadblocks do their boss's step-in. The age-old stereotype of secretaries taking dictations is obsolete. Executives who know how to utilize their EAs arm them with computers and smart phones instead, and involve them in business meetings. EAs who are empowered this way can work independently and sub for their boss when they're not around. In their absence, the EAs can manage the administrative end of the business, advising them only of the most pressing concerns. All concerns can be funneled through the EA instead of going directly to the executive. That in itself makes the EA valuable. We protect our bosses from the concerns that they don't need to think about at their level.

The support of EAs is vital to an executive's success and peace of mind. I think the question is whether the executives realize this and utilize their EAs to their maximum potential. 

Yes, we can do more than file. We are the eyes, ears, voice and extra arm of our bosses. EAs are jacks of all trade and masters of only one thing - and that's supporting their Executives.

Do I think EAs are necessary? This is how I look at my job as an EA. That's why this is my logo.

Well Ali Baba had them forty thieves

Scheherezad-ie had a thousand tales

But boss you're in luck 'cause up your sleeves

You got a brand of magic never fails

You got EAs in your corner now!

Some heavy ammunition in your camp

You got some punch, pizzazz, yahoo and how

See all you gotta do is rub that lamp

And I'll say...

Boss, Madame, Sir,

What will your pleasure be?

Let me take your order

Jot it down

You ain't never had a friend like me!

No no no

Life is your restaurant

And I'm your maitre d'

C'mon whisper what it is you want

You ain't never had a friend like me.

Yes sir, we pride ourselves on service

You're the boss

The king, the shah

Say what you wish

It's yours! True dish

How about a little more Baklava?

Have some of column "A"

Try all of column "B"

I'm in the mood to help you dude

You ain't never had a friend like me!

(Song from Alladin - "Friend Like Me" - courtesy of You Tube)

I'm the Genie of the Executive who owns the lamp.

That sums it up. ^^

Related Article: Job Description of an Executive Assistant: What to Expect