Hi,
I support an executive who is now spending 2/3 of her time in another state and would like another assistant to support her there and I will no longer support her. She will still be living in the state I reside and work and is the top exec of my department. I do support two others as well as does the other assistant and we both wonder how this will work? Has anyone out there done this? What advice can you offer? What have you tried that works the best way? What obstacles did you encounter and how did you resolve them?
Thank you!
Submitted by: Anonymous
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Over- communicate!
I know this seems simple; but, I am the sr. Executive Assistant/Officer Manager for the COO of the company who is at our Plan only 2/3 of the time as well.
Communication with him as well as the other assistant has made things to much easier as well a a time-saver so that you both are not working on the same things!!!
Hope this helps.
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Kathy Haynes on
6/7/2009 8:40:11 PM
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It sounds as if it will be no problem. You no longer work for her. It sounds as if the executives you support report to her. You will just continue to support the two executives you report to.
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Anonymous on
6/5/2009 1:32:01 PM
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You say in your first sentence that you "will no longer support her." My advice is to stop supporting that executive and let the other person do her job supporting the executive. Two admins cannot support the same person because you do not do things the same way. Communications between you will get muddled and there will be hard feelings. Step back let the other girl do her job. You have two other execs to focus on and that is what you should do. As much as I’m sure you want to help—my advice is “don’t”!
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Julie Benken on
6/5/2009 1:27:54 PM
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Hi there, I know the prospect sounds daunting, but I have been co-supporting executives with a cross functional colleague for over three years. I think the most important thing is to "TRAIN" your executive. I would find the one of you who is most amenable or available (as you both have other obligations) to the role to be the 'router'. This individual would be the primary point of contact for this exec. Then work collaboratively to design the workload distribution around your specific likes and proficiencies and then conversely, your dislikes and areas for growth. One should take travel, one presentations. Both of you will need to be proficient and accessible to calendar and it is important to reinforce the boundaries established in a manner that is respectful to your mutual boss. Help the 'see' when they are the ones who are changing the process. Do tons of the stuff that make the three of you a single unit. Have a weekly conference call for 30 minutes so you all get to talk transparently. Make it safe for your executive to hear your criticisms (focus on behaviors and the consequences of the behaviors - confusion, beauracracy, etc.) and help them see the clear cut path to effectively sharing your services. Also, make that other person your friend - NOT YOUR COMPETITOR. Like in any family, two kids vying for the parent's attention will encourage rivalry and create undue stress that will take your attention away from the purpose of your work - productivity and your company's mission. Good luck and CONGRATULATIONS! While it can seem like it will be challenging, and it WILL be challenging to change styles and surrender some of the control you have had over your executive's life, you will also end up with a new skill set in co-remote support that will be a benefit as we technically advance and learn more about the virtual business world.
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Jaisend on
6/5/2009 7:31:52 AM
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