For leaders who want to truly harness the potential of their EAs, there is a transformative step to take: increase their visibility within your network.
EAs are capable of so much more than handling schedules, correspondence, or logistics. They can be highly strategic partners who anticipate needs, connect the dots across various parts of the organisation, and help their executives navigate challenges. However, the impact they could make is often limited by their lack of access to key stakeholders.
When an EA has visibility among senior leadership, board members, and external partners, they are in a far stronger position to advocate for their leader, to make informed decisions on their behalf, to solve problems, and to strengthen the relationships that drive the business forward.
Think about it – when your EA is familiar with your executive team, understands the priorities of the board, and has a face and a voice within your broader network, they’re able to represent you more effectively. This visibility allows them to gather insights and leverage relationships that would otherwise remain out of reach. With this understanding, they become proactive partners who can help you and your team move forward seamlessly, rather than reacting to each task as it comes.
Visibility also benefits the EA’s own professional growth. EAs who are encouraged to build relationships within their leader’s network develop a stronger sense of purpose, gain confidence in their role, and are motivated to bring even more strategic value. This investment in their development demonstrates that they are not simply a supporting player but a trusted contributor to the organisation’s success. It is a statement that their skills, insights, and contributions are worthy of recognition and influence.
For the EA, visibility within the CEO’s network creates alignment with the larger vision and opens doors for learning, influence, and leadership. It fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, where the EA is empowered to act not just as a support function but as a key partner in the organisation’s leadership ecosystem. As leaders, we need to recognise that EAs can’t offer their highest level of support if they are kept behind the scenes. The more they are empowered to engage openly, the more they can build the trusted relationships that make their support indispensable.
In the end, increasing the visibility of your EA within your network isn’t just a professional courtesy – it’s a strategic move. Leaders who recognise and champion their EAs as part of the leadership team will find themselves with a more resilient, agile, and aligned support system.
This is a partnership built not on hierarchy but on trust, visibility, and shared commitment to the organisation’s success.
When we bring our EAs out from behind the curtain, we empower them to help us lead, and the impact is undeniable.
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