As an Assistant, you play a crucial role in supporting your Executive and ensuring the smooth functioning of your organization. Navigating the gap in leadership training is essential as you are often the bridge between the staff and the Executive, and you have a unique perspective on their leadership style and capabilities.
In a recent interview with Bonnie Low-Kramen, author of Staff Matters, we discussed how many Executives lack formal leadership training when they start their roles. This lack of training can significantly impact their ability to effectively manage their teams. In this article, we will explore the relationship between an Assistant and their Executive and the importance of recognizing the gap in leadership training. Furthermore, we will look at how Assistants can navigate and build relationships with an Executive who has little to no leadership or management training.
You’ll find many practical tips and tricks to equip you with the skills to manage expectations, effectively communicate, and build strong relationships with your Executive. This resource is perfect for any Assistant looking to unlock their full potential and make a measurable impact on their team.
It’s common for Assistants to witness Executives struggling with their leadership responsibilities. You may have experienced situations where your Executive needs help managing their team or handling difficult situations. Navigating the gap in leadership training is crucial as this lack of training can result in ineffective leadership behaviors, such as poor communication, lack of empathy, or difficulty in managing diverse teams. While you may have been aware of this issue, it may not have fully sunk in until you read an article or heard a presentation that put the numbers in perspective.
For example, in her book, Bonnie cites a Harvard Business Review article by Jack Venga. It revealed that the average age at which leaders receive their first training in managing people was 42 in 2012, and it increased to 46 in 2021, based on a poll of 70,000 leaders worldwide. This means that most leaders are out of school for more than 20 years before receiving formal training in managing people. This lack of training can result in leaders struggling to understand and effectively manage their teams, leading to challenges and frustrations for leaders and their staff.
As an Assistant, you may have experienced firsthand the consequences of this leadership training gap. Navigating the gap in leadership training can help you support your Executive in managing conflicts, adapting to hybrid or remote work, and handling diverse team dynamics. You may have also noticed differences in how your Executive manages different team members, such as introverts versus extroverts or men versus women. This lack of training in emotional intelligence and understanding diverse work dynamics can impact the team’s morale, productivity, and overall performance.
However, this gap in leadership training also presents an opportunity for Assistants to step up and manage their Executives. You can take on a proactive role in supporting your Executive by coming to meetings with a plan, actively partnering with your Executive, and being knowledgeable about their inbox and what’s happening in the organization. By navigating the gap in leadership training, you can support your Executive in becoming a more effective leader. Here are a few steps Assistants can take when navigating the gap in leadership training.
The first step in being a successful Assistant is recognizing the need for improvement. Many Executives struggle with leadership and management responsibilities, which can cause a lack of direction and unnecessary stress for employees. As an Assistant, you are uniquely positioned to recognize gaps in your Executive’s skills and abilities. Navigating the gap in leadership training enables you to offer support and guidance to help your Executive enhance their leadership skills.
As an Assistant, you need to take a proactive approach to support your Executive. This involves taking on additional responsibilities and being willing to work collaboratively with your Executive. For example, you can research and recommend leadership training courses or organize team-building activities to improve team morale. By demonstrating a willingness to support your Executive, you can build a strong working relationship and help fill the gap in leadership training.
Effective communication is critical in any relationship, and the Assistant-Executive relationship is no exception. Establishing a solid communication channel that allows for constructive feedback and transparency is essential. By navigating the gap in leadership training and having open and honest conversations, you can identify potential issues and find practical solutions to any problems that may arise. You should also communicate clearly regarding tasks and responsibilities to avoid misunderstandings and ensure tasks are completed on time.
As an Assistant, you are often the first point of contact for employees and have a strong understanding of their concerns and issues. You can use this knowledge to help your Executive make informed decisions that benefit the employees and the organization. Being a bridge between the staff and the Executive requires good communication skills and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Navigating the gap in leadership training empowers you to take on this essential role effectively.
Being an Assistant is a challenging but highly rewarding role. Embrace the challenge and recognize the positive impact you can have on your organization. By navigating the gap in leadership training and taking a proactive approach, you can contribute to a more productive and successful work environment. Celebrate your successes and use your experiences to grow and develop your skills as an Assistant.
The relationship between an Assistant and their Executive is critical to supporting the smooth functioning of an organization. The gap in leadership training for Executives is a well-known issue, and as an Assistant, you can manage and help fill this gap. By navigating the gap in leadership training, taking a proactive approach, recognizing the need for improvement, and actively supporting your Executives in their leadership responsibilities, you can contribute to a more productive and successful work environment. So, embrace the opportunity to be the bridge between the staff and the Executive and make a positive impact in your organization.
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