A question that I am frequently asked is: Who should an assistant report to—their executive or a head of admin?
This decision has significant implications for the assistant’s role, development, and the value they bring to both their executive and the organisation.
When an assistant reports directly to their executive and it works, it fosters a close, trusting partnership that results in understanding and anticipating the executive’s needs. This model encourages alignment with the executive’s vision, priorities, and leadership style, allowing the assistant to become a strategic partner in achieving both daily and long-term goals.
As long as the the executive understands the value of the role, their assistant is seen as an integral member of the executive’s team, entrusted with managing high-level tasks, confidential projects, and key relationships. This strategic involvement adds tremendous value to the executive and the organisation.
On the flip side, when assistants report to a head of admin, they benefit from being led by someone who truly understands the role and its potential. An administrative department ensures a consistent level of professionalism across the organisation and provides a clear pathway for development and growth. A head of admin can also enforce best practices that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire administrative function.
An admin department or function fosters a sense of community among assistants, encouraging peer-to-peer support and the sharing of knowledge. Being part of a larger administrative team allows for more opportunities to collaborate and problem-solve, which can lead to improved performance and innovation.
A head of admin can also serve as an advocate for assistants, ensuring that workloads are balanced, responsibilities are clear, and assistants are not overburdened with tasks outside their scope. This ensures that the assistant’s work remains aligned with the organisations broader goals, and it also provides the assistant with a structured support system.
The reality is that neither of these models is perfect on its own. Reporting directly to an executive builds a strategic, responsive partnership, but can leave the assistant isolated. Reporting to a head of admin provides structure and support, but can limit the assistant’s ability to fully integrate with their executive’s workflow and priorities.
In practice, many organisations have adopted a hybrid model where the assistant reports functionally to their executive but is part of a broader administrative team led by a head of admin. This model combines the best of both worlds, allowing for personalised support tailored to the executive while maintaining a broader support network for development and consistency.
By combining the strengths of both models, the hybrid approach ensures that assistants are empowered to perform at their best, contribute meaningfully, and continue evolving in their role.
