So today we´re going to be talking about the art of delegation—a fancy term that often translates to "Can you do this for me?" in the world of executive assistants (EAs).
It's the magic wand that people wave around to make tasks and responsibilities disappear from their desks, only to reappear on yours. But what happens when you need to pass over that particular piece of work?
Unless you have additional administrative staff at your beck and call, then more often than not, the responsibility ends up with you. In most businesses, EAs are often the end of the delegation line. The problem is clear: when you're always the delegatee, where do you delegate to?
Welcome to "The Art of Delegation: Multiplying Your Value as an Executive Assistant," where we flip the script.
This post isn't about adding more to your plate. Instead, we're going to talk about how EAs can become delegation machines in their own right. It's about time we started finding those hidden pockets of automation, and multiplying the value you bring to the table—without necessarily multiplying the items on your task list.
Now, as we´ve already mentioned, there may not be someone that you can delegate to, but lets look at those handy little apps and programmes that are now available. Remember the days of manually organizing files and setting up meetings? Well, those tasks can now be in the lap of any number of applications. These advancements aren't just shiny new objects—they're powerful tools that have reshaped the role of the EA.
AI doesn't just crunch numbers; it predicts needs. Automation doesn't just save time; it creates it. As EAs, we need to start embracing these new tools and thinking of them as our own army. By embracing new technology, we can have an unlimited number of delegatees at our disposal (Is delegatee a word? I´m not sure it´s a word, but I like it.). It doesn't mean we're out of a job. Quite the opposite—it means our job has leveled up. We're no longer just task-takers; we're strategic partners armed with the latest tech.
So, let's talk about the digital tools that have been game-changers for EAs everywhere. If you´re not using them, then you should be. Not every tool will be the right fit, but for every task, there is a tool. Your job is to find out which ones work for you and your organization.
There is an entire rabbit hole of internet searching that you could do when it comes to looking for the right tools to help you automate your workflow, but fundamentally there are a few specific tasks that tend to fall within the remit of an EA, so we would suggest you start your search here.
- Time Management tools
- Diary Management tools
- Travel Management tools
- Event Management tools
There are (and I don´t exaggerate when I say this) literally thousands and thousands to choose from, and we don´t expect you to look at each one individually, but it´s a good idea to see what´s available and see which ones already integrate into any current systems you´re already using. We´ve compiled a few lists for you as well, including their pricing plan (most are either free or have a free trial so play about with them until you find something you like).
So what will all of this automation actually do for you? Well, it's like finding extra hours in the day. Imagine cutting down the time you spend on scheduling from three hours to just thirty minutes. That’s not just a minor perk; it’s a major shift in how you can operate. With these chunks of time now at your disposal, you can step into more strategic roles—think about preparing in-depth reports, analyzing data to give strategic advice, or even leading team projects. It's about making the shift from being reactive to proactive, from task-doer to thought leader. And that, my friends, is where the real magic of automation lies for EAs.
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