Let’s clear up some common misconceptions about the role of an assistant once and for all.
What an Executive Assistant is not:
• A ‘coffee runner’ or someone who only handles menial tasks.
• A glorified secretary focused on typing and filing.
• A passive note-taker in meetings with no input or influence.
• A personal concierge for their executive’s every whim.
• An unskilled worker waiting for instructions.
• Invisible in the workplace hierarchy or decision-making processes.
• Someone whose role is easily replaceable or irrelevant.
• A second-class employee with no career progression opportunities.
• An admin-only professional with no involvement in strategy.
• A reactive worker who simply ‘fixes’ what they are told to.
• An extension of their executive without an independent identity.
• A subordinate with no voice in the workplace.
• A person who assists but doesn’t do.
• A ‘back office’ resource disconnected from the organisation’s goals.
• A one-dimensional support figure.
• Glue, a magician, a superhero, your work wife or office mum.
What an Executive Assistant is:
• A strategic partner who drives their executive’s success.
• A proactive leader who ensures everything runs smoothly.
• A problem-solver, handling issues before they escalate.
• A trusted advisor, offering insights and perspective to executives.
• A project manager, overseeing initiatives and delivering results.
• A master of organisation, juggling competing priorities effectively.
• A communication bridge between leaders, teams, and stakeholders.
• A critical thinker who contributes to strategic decision-making.
• A skilled professional who adds measurable value to the business.
• A leader who cultivates trust, efficiency, and collaboration.
• An expert at managing time, resources, and relationships.
• An innovator who seeks better ways to work and achieve goals.
• A key player in creating seamless workflows across the organisation.
• An SME in administration
• A professional who understands and aligns with business objectives.
• An indispensable resource whose work impacts the entire team’s success.
What have I missed?
➡️ Follow me, Lucy Brazier OBE for insights, advice, and inspiration to elevate the administrative profession worldwide.
🔁 Repost to help spread the message and empower more administrative professionals!
