Love Letter To: Executive Assistant From: Your Chief of Staff
A sweet series of love letters written by Nova’s Founder, Maggie Olson.
Letter 1
In the fast-paced world of executive leadership, the relationship between a Chief of Staff and an Executive Assistant is so important. It's a partnership built on trust, communication, and shared goals to serve the leader. This letter acknowledges that partnership. It’s also the first in a series of ‘Love Letters’ featured on Nova’s blog.
Dear EA,
You're one of the most influential leaders I've ever seen. The way you take care of everything and everyone with so much ease has me in awe. You're a special person and so gifted in your role. And what a role that is...
The way our leader relies on you
Brings you into the fold on everything
Asks your opinion of the smallest things
Looks at you with so much trust
Communicates with just a look
I hope to be as beloved, relied on, and resourceful as you someday. And I know it's not easy, but thank you for accepting me into the tight knot that was once just you and our leader. It can't be easy after so many years, just the two of you. The changes I'm making can't be easy, either. And I know I'm not partnering with you as well as I should be.
I'm sorry for:
Moving too quickly and forgetting to loop you in
Changing that process without asking your opinion
Bot collaborating with you on the project you owned
Making you worry a little bit about the future of your role
Forgetting that you’re the expert on the people here
Not slowing down enough to ask you how you're feeling.
Here's the thing about me...
I've always been so driven that sometimes I move too fast.
Sometimes, I’m too achievement-focused and forget to stop and check in on people's feelings.
I get so excited about my impact on the business that I put speed and change above everything else.
But that doesn't mean I don't care. I care deeply. And it doesn't mean it's OK. It's not. I want to know what you do on the weekends, your kids' names, and what matters to you. I want you to *always* feel secure in your role. And to look at me as a partner, not a threat. And someday, I want to be as trusted and relied on by you as you are by everyone else. I'm committed to making a big impact in this role, but I need to approach things a little bit differently... with you as my partner.
Here's what I promise:
I will check in more
I will recognize you as the incredible resource that you are
I will collaborate better on projects that matter to you
I will ask you about the speed & pace of the changes
I will ask your opinion about the people in the org
I will schedule coffee to catch up, get to know each other, and check in about work and non-work things.
Your collaboration and point of view are incredibly important. And even though I will probably slip up again, please assume the positive intent. I'm deeply committed to this partnership.
Love,
Your Chief of Staff
A successful partnership between a Chief of Staff and an Executive Assistant is the cornerstone of a strong leadership team. Follow me on LinkedIn for daily posts about all things Chief of Staff.
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