Get Your Head Out of Your Inbox: How an Executive Assistant Can Free Up Your Time and Boost Your Efficiency

What is it that sets great leaders apart from the rest? Is it their natural abilities, or is there more to the picture? You may be surprised to learn that behind some of the most successful leaders is a hard-working and dedicated executive assistant.

The Overworked Leader

Mike is a dedicated employee who excels in a medium-sized company. However, his increasing responsibility within the company translates to very few hours to answer emails, no dedicated lunch breaks, and often working after hours to catch up.

What Does the Data Say?

According to a Harvard Business Review study in 2006, "executives spend about 24% of their time on emails." Most leaders get bogged down by unnecessary emails and vendor connections mixed with important communications.

The Partnership: The Leader Behind the Leader

Mike and Pam worked hard to establish a good working relationship. They had to have several important conversations, learn to be flexible, and trust each other. Their teamwork was so impressive that other leaders in the company wanted to know how they managed to work so well together.

Key Insights

• On average, executives are 15-20% more productive with an executive assistant
• An assistant can anticipate needs, rescue from chaos, and provide a confidential perspective
• The right partnership requires mutual trust and complementary strengths

Conclusion

The executive assistant -- the leader behind the leader -- can be an invaluable resource for any executive. By understanding and leveraging this partnership, leaders can dramatically improve their productivity and work-life balance.

If you're a leader seeking guidance on maximizing your time, check out the article How to Maximize Your Day By Treating Your Calendar Like a Budget