What Makes an Excellent Executive Assistant?

Behind every successful executive is a talented and hardworking executive assistant. These professionals are responsible for performing some of the most comprehensive functions of a company, and finding an executive assistant recruiter who understands the needs and qualities needed can be invaluable. We recently interviewed Kelli Brandl, who has 25 years of experience as an EA and has worked with a large number of business owners and high-level executives with diverse personalities. The best executive assistants are those who can develop positive relationships with their executives.

They must be nice but tough, knowing when to challenge the boss and when to accept. They must also be able to lighten the mood when necessary, while staying serious when the situation calls for it. They must be friendly with the boss without crossing any boundaries. Executive assistants have to work in a fast-paced environment, managing numerous company operations and supporting tasks for company leaders.

As the first team members to learn about important decisions, they are often on the front lines of organizational changes. A good candidate for an executive assistant position is usually someone eager to prove themselves in the workplace. An executive assistant's job is extremely dynamic; they must maintain their executive's calendar, keep track of meetings and activities, schedule conferences and business trips, take calls, oversee certain business functions, and manage administrative requests. They must also be able to control the entire meeting space with some anonymity.

If a project is important but the executive doesn't have the necessary staff to dedicate it, a great executive assistant will offer to take care of it. They must also be familiar with all office equipment, from computers to photocopiers and fax machines. An executive assistant who doesn't have the ability to prioritize tasks or who has a cluttered workspace isn't considered an efficient professional. In addition, great executive assistants establish relationships with the executive's inner circle, including their family and closest colleagues.

Above all, they must take changes in stride and rarely get carried away by changes in their routines.