Every great office that seems to run smoothly and seamlessly, without so much as a paper clip or staple out of place, has the same secret weapon to thank: A talented executive assistant.

If you’re looking to boost efficiency, have a better grasp on tracking projects and keeping everything on time and on budget, it’s time to find yourself the best executive assistant you can.

While the island culture of Hawaii is geared toward keeping things laid back and stress-free, a talented executive assistant helps promote that feeling while staying on task and taking care of business to help your business become even more successful.

If this position is new to your office, or you’re not sure what qualities set a great assistant apart from one that’s just ok, here’s a quick guide on what to look for to help improve your business.

Let’s start with the background: What education and skills make for a great executive assistant?

Most executive assistant positions strongly encourage applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree, but your company might make an exception for someone who has worked in an administrative or assistant position previously, especially if they come highly recommended. It’s training and experience that set truly great assistants apart: they have strong organizational and time management skills, in addition to great communication practices — writing clear, effective emails, sending detailed notes after meetings, excellent listening skills and being able to identify the most important points to share with others. Strong executive assistants also will be flexible and adaptable, ready to change direction and reprioritize tasks at a moment’s notice to meet the demands of the day, without getting overwhelmed. Someone who’s able to keep their cool and a positive attitude can help the whole company feel calm, because everything’s under control. Another key attribute is strong analytical and problem solving skills, in addition to thinking creatively to help find new ways forward.

What tasks can an executive assistant take on?

While it varies from company to company, most executive assistants act as the nerve center for a company. These powerhouses are tasked with an ever-increasing to-do list, from simple things like opening and sorting mail, running call log reports, and ordering office supplies to scheduling meetings, keeping the calendars of your C-suite-level leadership, organizing conferences, managing large projects, handling some budgeting duties and, on a personal level, keeping track of birthdays and milestones among your team. Many assistants are called on to help keep files in order and have technical proficiency with key types of software that are important to your company, from basic Windows operations through more complex programs, with an openness to learning new programs and systems as needed for the company’s benefit.

What’s the benefit of having an executive assistant?

Take a moment to think of the most recent time you’ve wished you had an extra set of hands, or more hours in the day, to tackle your to-do list. There are too many demands and never enough time. That’s the power of hiring an assistant: their role is to help your leadership team by taking responsibility for some of those time-consuming duties that aren’t necessarily directly in line with your key priorities. An executive assistant also can serve as the face of your company, greeting clients and customers as they arrive, making them feel welcomed and valued. They can help boost productivity by handling smaller but still important projects that you just don’t have time for, allowing you to focus on other things that demand your attention. A good executive assistant can be a sounding board for finding creative solutions to problems, bringing an outside perspective and ideas that might not otherwise have been offered. Plus, they can help safeguard your time from distractions you don’t need, like unnecessary meetings and impromptu conversations that don’t move anything forward, while making sure your team finishes the day on time to make it home to your loved ones.

One executive assistant might make all the difference in your company. They can help other employees focus better and increase their productivity while knowing everything is under control. Hiring a great assistant might be the best decision you make all year!

Are You Looking For An Executive Assistant?

To find the right executive assistant for your business who understands and shares the values that matter to you and your team, it’s time to call Bishop & Company. We’ll find someone with all the skills and background abilities you need who will be a great fit for your company’s culture and business approach. When you’re ready to hire an executive assistant in Hawaii, call Bishop & Company.