The Proven Habits That Elevate Executive Assistants to Strategic Leaders

"Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more." – Melody Beattie

Hello EA-Pros Community,

As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the habits and strategies that have shaped your success so far—and to set your sights on what’s next. This week, the focus is on proven habits that not only elevate your performance but also position you as a strategic leader within your organization. Whether it’s mastering proactive planning, staying visible through follow-ups, or cultivating a learning mindset, these habits can transform your career trajectory. Let’s explore them together.

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EA INSIGHTS

HABITS THAT BUILD STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

Proactive Planning: The Habit That Builds Trust and Influence
Executives need assistants who can think three steps ahead. Proactive planning doesn’t just streamline operations—it builds trust and establishes you as a strategic partner.

Practical "How to" advice or insights:

1. Start with a Weekly Alignment Meeting: Dedicate 15 minutes each Monday to review your executive’s schedule and priorities. Ask questions like, “What are the top three outcomes you want to achieve this week?”

2. Prepare for the Unexpected: Create contingency plans for critical meetings or projects. For instance, have backup venues, documents, or presenters/contributors lined up if something falls through.

The Follow-Up Advantage
A well-executed follow-up can turn a good impression into lasting recognition. It’s the habit that ensures your contributions aren’t just noticed—they’re remembered.

Practical "How to" advice or insights:

1. Craft Impactful Follow-Ups: After key meetings, send concise recaps that highlight decisions made, action steps, and any deadlines. Use phrases like, “To confirm our next steps, I’ve outlined…” to reinforce accountability.

2. Personalize Your Follow-Ups: Tailor your tone to the recipient. For example, if you communicating to a Dynamic Executive, use brevity, summarize in bullet points. For Detailed Executives,, include more context.

3. Use Technology to Stay Organized: Apps like Todoist or Trello can help you track follow-ups and ensure you’re always on top of tasks without overburdening your memory.

Learning as a Leadership Tool
Leaders never stop learning, and as an assistant striving for strategic influence, embracing continuous education is one of the most powerful habits you can cultivate.

Practical "How to" advice or insights:

1. Micro-Learning for Busy Days: Dedicate 10 minutes daily to read an article, listen to a podcast, or watch a short video on topics like leadership, productivity, or organizational behavior. Small, consistent steps lead to big results.Beware of being sucked into the time warp though. Great content is awesome until you look up and realize 2 hours have passed! 😂

2. Identify Industry Certifications: Consider certifications like an A.I. course that emphasizes things in your line of work, or advanced project management courses that align with your strengths and the needs within the organization.

3. Join Peer Learning Communities: Networks like the the EA-Pros community on LinkedIn that we just launched is also a fantastic way to learn from and connect with your peers across industries. Follow here if you’re interested.

COACHING MOMENT

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This week's question: "How do I balance personal gratitude with professional ambition during the holiday season?"