As Assistants, much of our day is spent asking questions, seeking updates, negotiating with colleagues and suppliers, and clarifying processes and procedures. It’s easy to overlook just how critical this part of our role is. But let me tell you—these are the questions Executive Assistants should be asking their Executive to ensure we’re aligned, productive, and supporting them effectively.
We often feel the pressure to know everything, to be the person in the office with all the answers. I know that hesitation to ask questions can creep in. Trust me, I’ve been there. But here’s the truth: asking questions doesn’t make us less capable; it’s one of the most valuable tools we have. When we embrace this, it can transform how we work and how our Executives perceive us.
The 1:1 Meeting Template for Executives and Assistants gives you the steps to ensure that when you have a one-to-one meeting with your Executive, you get through all the work you need to cover and maximise your time together.
According to the Harvard Business Review, asking the right questions creates incredible value within organizations. It:
For us as Assistants, these are the questions Executive Assistants should be asking their Executive to clarify priorities, save time, and eliminate confusion about assigned tasks. When we get this right, it’s a win for everyone.
Let’s dive into some practical examples of how these are the questions Executive Assistants should be asking their Executive to enhance our day-to-day effectiveness.
How often have you left a meeting with a vague sense of what’s next? I know I have. To avoid this, here’s how these are the questions Executive Assistants should be asking their Executive in meetings:
We all know the calendar is sacred territory. To truly optimize it, these are the questions Executive Assistants should be asking their Executive:
When someone requests time with your Executive, we need to dig deeper. These are the questions Executive Assistants should be asking their Executive to ensure the meeting is worth their time:
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