Many of us may be shifting into survival mode with the “back to school” transition. Our lists grow longer as demands and commitments increase. We can easily slip into the “good enough” mindset to make it through the day. But what if “good enough” quietly and inadvertently undermines our businesses?
I have often heard things like “As much as I’d like to invest in an executive assistant (EA), a virtual assistant (VA) is ‘good enough’ for now.” While a VA is a valuable asset, we might consider whether that choice is the optimal fit for our business to truly thrive (and support our Empowered Leadership). Sometimes our expectations and needs stretch our VAs beyond their capabilities. An EA brings years of experience, critical thinking, and strategic support to optimize and elevate our business significantly. They enhance our leadership expertise, creating space for us to focus on the things that only we can do best. EAs are also customer/client-interfacing to provide excellent service, and efficiency, and enhance your brand optics. For example, settling for a “good enough” customer experience can hinder growth and negatively impact customer experience and retention. Businesses can also gain a competitive edge by investing in top-notch executive assistants, ensuring their operations are streamlined, automated, and managed effectively.
“It would be nice to have someone manage my inbox, but I’m getting by.” Your inbox can be a treasure trove of opportunities, but it’s also a magnet for chaos and one of the number one sources of chronic overwhelm and lost time. The average person spends 4.1 hours per day checking emails. This is a cumulative time suck of 20.5 hours per week, and more than 1,000 hours per year. Executive assistants are expert ‘inbox managers,’ helping us stay on top of our communication while alleviating that stress, and ensuring that no leads or high-value communications fall between the cracks. Relying on “good enough” without the expertise of stellar email management might be costing you, and your business, opportunities and precious time (and impacting your communication optics). Consider how an EA could help you stay on top of your e-mail communication, which, in today’s world, is a central hub of business.
“Simply put, the best executive assistants are indispensable. Microsoft will never develop software that can calm a hysterical sales manager, avert a crisis by redrafting a poorly worded email, smooth a customer’s ruffled feathers, and solve a looming HR issue—all within a single hour, and all without interrupting the manager to whom such problems might otherwise have proven a distraction. Executive assistants give companies and managers a human face. They’re troubleshooters, translators, help desk attendants, diplomats, human databases, travel consultants, amateur psychologists, and ambassadors to the inside and outside world.” – Melba J. Duncan in her interview with the Harvard Business Review
Some of the most successful entrepreneurs built their empires with a collaborative team. Steve Jobs had Steve Wozniak, Warren Buffett had Charlie Munger, and Oprah Winfrey had her own dedicated team. None of us can accomplish everything alone. Our leadership strength is knowing where our weaknesses are and working with them. We can recognize that moving beyond “good enough” will help shape a much more promising strategy. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone, and you can do anything, but not everything. You started your business for a reason – do you remember what that reason was? Do you feel like your passion and enthusiasm have been muted due to the sheer overwhelm of running a company? How would you feel to have a trusted partner by your side, supporting you every step of the way so you can lead from a place of balance, alignment, and empowered excellence?
We’re here to help elevate your leadership and optimize your business. Are you ready to have a conversation about streamlining your operations, and claiming your space and authority as an Empowered Leader? Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation call with me.
As always, I’m here to collaborate with you on your leadership journey.
