What’s the one thing a good leader can’t live without? An assistant!
In this episode, we’re taking a deep dive into making the most out of your time with a Virtual Assistant – everything including gaining trust, building a relationship, practicing good communication and more.
Katie Lantukh and her Virtual Assistant Ari Adler join me to share their insights from working together for the last year.
Katie is the CEO of Murphy Marketing, a messaging agency that helps its clients find the right ways to communicate their message. She and Ari will walk us through some best practices on how leaders and their Virtual Assistants can make the most of their time together.
Here are some takeaways they shared:
1. If you always seem to be having emergencies or urgent requests, you need to evaluate your processes.
The most effective leaders don’t allow emergencies to run their day-to-day operations. But what if these “emergencies” weren’t so emergent after all? Often, these crises are the result of poor planning, unrealistic expectations, or simply a lack of process.
Effective leadership isn’t about firefighting; it’s about prevention. By taking a step back and examining your daily operations, you can identify potential bottlenecks and areas where an assistant can step in to streamline your workload.
Imagine a world where urgent requests are the exception, not the rule. With the right systems in place and a capable assistant by your side, you can transform your chaotic workday into a productive and fulfilling experience.
2. The best assistants don’t wait to be delegated to.
The ideal assistant will look for work, not wait around to be asked. They are proactive and seem to know what you need before you need it. They know what your ideal calendar looks like, and they know how to politely say “no” on your behalf.
The hallmark of a truly exceptional assistant is proactive problem-solving. They anticipate your needs, understand your priorities, and take ownership of tasks without constant supervision. It’s like having a personal strategist who's always one step ahead.
3. Using your inbox as a to-do list is a big no no.
Your inbox is a black hole of productivity. It's where good ideas go to die and where urgent tasks masquerade as important ones. Relying on your email as a to-do list is like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded.
An exceptional assistant can be your digital detox savior. They can help you transform your inbox from an overwhelming abyss into a streamlined communication tool. By offloading the task management to a dedicated system, you'll gain clarity, focus, and peace of mind.
Trust is undoubtedly a cornerstone of any successful assistant-employer relationship. But remember, delegation isn’t about abdicating responsibility—it's about optimizing your time and energy. By letting go of the illusion of control over your inbox, you’re actually taking control of your life.
It’s time to reclaim your schedule, focus on what matters and achieve the growth you deserve. Access our Ultimate Guide to Working with a Virtual Assistant to start today.
And after you do that, here are some questions to ponder:
What is the first thing you had — or would have — your assistant do when you hired them? How did that help?
What is your primary method of communication? What about that method works and what could be improved?
How do you currently handle urgent requests and what could you change?
What does your ideal weekly calendar look like, and how often are you able to make it happen?