In this article, we’ll cover the information you need to align with your C-Suite Executive and work seamlessly together.
Building a solid strategic partnership is much easier when you speak the same language as your Executive, understand their daily priorities, and grasp what drives them and the organization as a whole.
We’ll focus on two key areas:
Before we dive in, here’s a quick quote from Seth Godin: “Not adding value is the same as taking it away.”
This quote underscores the importance of Assistants adding value. Now more than ever, it’s crucial to show your Executives and organizations the value you bring.
The first topic we’ll address is business language—specifically, what your Executive is talking about. This varies by industry and organization, but Assistants must understand the language spoken in their office and, more importantly, by their Executive.
This understanding is essential for working effectively with a C-Suite Executive.
Let’s explore four key areas to focus on:
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.
If you work for a board-level Executive, they likely interact with customers frequently, making this a fundamental part of their role. If your role supports departmental heads or team leaders, customer interactions may be less frequent, but it’s still important to understand who your customers are, how your department fits into the customer experience, and how your organization serves them.
Start by asking:
Also, consider:
Proactively gather this information through research, conversations, and reviewing data such as customer satisfaction metrics or churn rates.
Understanding your organization’s products or services requires effort. Start by exploring your company’s website to gain an overview. If you’re part of a large organization, focus on your team’s area of the business and expand from there.
Ask questions like:
Seek out opportunities to learn, such as attending product training sessions, talking to sales staff, or reviewing demo videos and sales materials.
Understanding how your organization generates revenue and your Executive’s role in profitability is critical. This knowledge will not only make you a more effective partner but will also help you have informed conversations during reviews or discussions about bonuses and raises.
Resources to explore include:
Ask yourself:
Every organization has a growth strategy. Familiarize yourself with areas like:
Metrics like revenue, profits, and customer growth will help you understand the company’s trajectory and how your Executive’s role supports it.
Understanding your Executive’s goals and objectives is vital. This starts with understanding the person—what motivates them and drives their work.
If your Executive has taken assessments like Myers-Briggs or DISC, review the results to learn how to collaborate with them more effectively.
Once you’ve established this foundation, focus on their objectives. Schedule a one-on-one meeting to align on their goals and priorities. Knowing these will help you prioritize your workload, align your tasks with their objectives, and better support their success.
For example, if their goal is to increase brand awareness, your objective could involve planning and executing events that support this goal.
Ask yourself:
By aligning your work with your Executive’s priorities, you’ll become an invaluable partner in achieving organizational success.
A deep understanding of business language and your Executive’s objectives will position you as a strategic partner. This involves asking the right questions, proactively seeking answers, and continually adapting to the needs of your Executive and organization.
Becoming a successful strategic partner requires effort, adaptability, and knowledge. To fast-track your growth, consider enrolling in The Strategic Business Partner Online Course through The EA Campus. This course equips you with the skills and strategies needed to thrive in your role and create a meaningful impact on your organization.
Take the next step in your career today and unlock your full potential!
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