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Say Less, Influence More: The Strategic Framing Playbook for Senior Assistants

The Strategic Assistant Revolution Continues

Author

Joshua Washington
July 24, 2025

💬 Quote of the Week

When you speak to everyone, you speak to no one. But when you speak strategically, you lead.

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💼 A Personal Note from Joshua

Hey EA-Pros Community,

Have you ever left a meeting feeling like you could’ve said more, or worse, like you did speak up, but nothing stuck?

That’s not a confidence issue. That’s a framing issue.

Strategic framing is the secret weapon behind how senior-level assistants become not just participants in executive conversations, but leaders in them.

This week, I’ll show you how to get heard, remembered, and respected by speaking in a way executives can’t ignore.

And at the end of this newsletter, I’ve got a seat saved for you at a free training that will change the way you see your role forever.

Let’s get into it.

Joshua

🧠 Feature Insight

The Framing Formula That Gets Buy-In Fast

Here’s what high-performing assistants already know:

  • 📉 Facts alone don’t create decisions.

  • 📈 Framed facts create movement.

Use this simple but powerful executive framing formula:

  • “Here’s the outcome we want.

  • Here’s the current state.

  • Here’s the risk of inaction.

  • Here’s the smartest next step.”

It signals leadership. It reduces resistance. It earns trust.

📌 Real Example:

❌ Instead of: “We’re running behind on vendor responses.”

✅ Say: “To meet our project launch date (outcome), we need vendor alignment. We’re behind (current state), which risks the schedule (risk). Let’s escalate communication with our top 3 vendors today (next step).”

That’s strategic framing. And it’s magnetic to decision-makers.

POLL: What’s Your #1 Question About Becoming a Highly Valued Strategic Partner?

Choose the one that resonates most:

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🧠 Executive Coaching Corner

What to Say When It’s Not Your Turn to Speak (But You Should Anyway)

Try one of these:

✅ “I have a brief lens from the operations side if it’s helpful.”

✅ “Here’s the risk I see from our side that could affect the timeline.”

✅ “Would now be a good moment to pressure test one potential gap?”

These statements don’t disrupt, they elevate. And that’s how assistants earn a seat at the decision table without waiting to be invited.

🎓 Action Step: Use one of these phrases this week. Reflect afterward: Did it shift the tone? The decision? The respect?

🚨 THIS SUNDAY: BREAKING THE LADDER (FREE Training)

📅 Sunday, July 27 | 🕚 7:00 PM EST

Let’s be real: The “career ladder” wasn’t built with assistants like you in mind.

And that’s why it’s time to break it.

🚨 On Sunday, July 27, I’m leading a free training just for senior-level assistants who are:

  • Stuck in a role that no longer challenges them,

  • Tired of the ceiling that keeps moving higher (with no extra title, pay, or recognition),

  • Ready to become a Certified Strategic Partner, on their terms.

Here’s what we’ll cover:

  • How to ditch the outdated ladder and define your own career trajectory,

  • How to build value-based influence that executives actually recognize,

  • How to secure organizational buy-in (even funding) for your next-level growth.

🔥 We’re nearly at capacity, so make sure to reserve your free seat now.

✉️ P.S.

You don’t need more bullet points on your resume.

You need a clearer voice, a sharper frame, and a custom path forward.

Let’s start on Sunday.

Joshua