We all have to do everything now, or do we?
“We all have to do everything now!” Really? I’m not convinced. When businesses moved from having shared support to executives managing their own desks, diaries, etc I believe that there was a marked shift in workflow and production. Senior staff had done their time learning how to do “everything” so it was a natural response to presume that this would continue the further up the chain they went. Unless there was the prestige of the PA or EA connected to a promotion.
Is this really efficient?
In my work, I ask the CEO/business owner how they manage their day? How do they ensure that they are spending their time wisely by leading their teams to the next goals. Often the response is, “hmmm, I don’t have a lot of time to meet with individuals, I focus on the clients and general business development although every now and then I hit a patch when I need to firefight internal issues.” So what was discussed in that initial interview when you were hiring? Did you promise to train, guide, lead and mentor but now don’t have the time? Do you continue to say “I can do it all” or do you acknowledge your strength and shore up your weakness by hiring good support to enable you to focus on the business?
It’s an easy answer, combine the salaries of you and support administration, split the cost over the week. You spend your time focussing on managing your team and developing the business while encouraging a strong relationship with your PA/EA through open communication and mutual respect. Then, see the effectiveness of your business improve exponentially.
It may not have been the trend previously but along with business consulting, executive coaching and due diligence of your business plan – it is an effective necessity.
If you’re still not sure, do a workflow chart on your own hours. When you’ve realised that those extra 5am starts could be used at the gym or considering the next step in growth for your business, and the 8pm document “tidying” could be done more cost effectively, take the leap and draw up a job spec. While you’re on it, do one for yourself too.
(Thank you Sarah & Kristy)