The Undeniable Value of an Executive Assistant

Every great leader has a right-hand person. The one who makes sure nothing falls through the cracks. History is filled with dynamic duos where the less visible, and less praised partner's support was key to success of the achievement. When we apply this to corporate life today, your right hand person is your Executive Assistant (EA). They used to be a no-brainer for anyone in an executive position, but with the advancement of technology, and most recently AI, many execs have adopted a ‘I can do it myself’ mindset. And, while you technically could do it yourself - it doesn’t mean you should.

Let’s take a look at an example:

Shane recently landed his dream role (thanks to PPS) as a CEO in South Australia, earning a salary of $300,000. He’s hit the ground running and decided he needs more help to operate at maximum efficiency. So, he’s going to pitch to his board that he hire an EA.

If his EA’s salary is $80,000, they will need to make Shane 26.67% more productive to achieve the ROI he is pitching. How are they going to do that you ask? Let’s find out.

Maximising Productivity through Delegation

The first thing Shane recognises is the sheer volume of administrative tasks consuming his day. Email correspondence, scheduling, and phone call management are essential, yet they divert attention from his strategic objectives. An EA would filter through these tasks, presenting only what’s critical for Shane’s input. This level of delegation doesn’t just clear Shane’s schedule for high-level decision-making, it enhances his focus, leading to better outcomes for the company.

You may be thinking, 'Why doesn't he just outsource that?' With outsourced Virtual Assistant roles increasing in demand across Australia it’s a fair question to ask. But despite outsourcing being a great option in many areas of a business, in this case, the value of having a dedicated, in-house EA far outweighs the benefits of outsourcing. An EA intimately understands the nuances of the company, Shane's work style, and the subtleties of internal politics and dynamics. This deep level of insight allows them to act not just as an administrative support but as a real ally who can anticipate needs, make informed decisions on Shane's behalf, and navigate the organisation's complexity in a way no external service could.

Going the extra mile, an EA can even sit in low level meetings that don’t require decision making on Shane’s behalf and relay key information back to him. Eventually, Shane’s team will run everything through his EA because they know that’s the most efficient way of handling business effectively.

Bridging Communication Gaps

A great EA doesn’t just manage tasks, they manage relationships. Shane envisions his EA to be a liaison between him and his team, company stakeholders, and external contacts. This role is crucial in maintaining open lines of communication and ensuring that projects remain on track without Shane’s constant oversight. An EA’s ability to anticipate needs and address concerns proactively can be the difference between a well-oiled machine and operational chaos.

Driving Strategic Initiatives

Shane knows that for his department to thrive, he needs to be in the thick of strategic planning and execution, not bogged down by standard daily operations. An EA would allow him to focus on these larger goals, from financial forecasting to growth strategies, by handling the logistical side of his role. This shift in focus from operational to high-level strategy can significantly impact the company’s bottom line, far exceeding the cost of an EA.

Enhancing Work-Life Balance

It’s not all about work. Shane realises that to perform his best, he needs a healthy work-life balance. An EA can manage his schedule in a way that allocates time for personal commitments, reducing burnout and increasing overall job satisfaction and performance. This balance is crucial for sustained performance, especially in high-stress roles like his.

I’m Onboard… How do I Find the Right EA for me?

All of this proposed ROI is ultimately dependent on the individual EA and their suitability for the role you’re offering. That’s why it’s so important to get it right the first time round. A top-tier agency, like PPS, will leverage their extensive network and insight to bring you candidates who are not just capable but also a natural extension of your professional ethos.

After working with PPS throughout his own hiring process, and understanding the role an EA plays, Shane plans to use our Saville Psychometric Assessment service for the recruitment process. These tools will help us to identify a candidate whose strengths complement his areas for growth, particularly around project completion and attention to detail. This level of compatibility ensures that the EA not only fits the role but enhances Shane’s overall effectiveness as a CEO.

Learn more about how our psychometric testing service can improve your hiring process here.

The Verdict?

Shane’s decision to hire an EA is not a move to free up his schedule, it’s a strategic investment in the company’s future. The right EA does more than manage tasks - they empower leaders to lead, strategise, and innovate. As Shane prepares his pitch to the board, he’s confident that the ROI of this position is clear, not just in productivity metrics but in the qualitative enhancements to organisational culture and efficiency.

If, like Shane, you’re a leader who’d like to improve your efficiency and productivity with the help of an EA, get in touch with one of our experienced team members today for tailored support.