Micromanaging is a hard habit to break. You may not even know you’re micro-managing; however, if you’re finding it hard to delegate straightforward tasks, the chances are that you’re a micromanager. This can lead to negative relations for employees and virtual executive assistants alike. Most importantly, you’re more likely to find yourself on a downward spiral to burnout. Trusting your virtual executive assistant is key to improving your work/life balance.

In this article, we will provide helpful strategies to maximise your assistant through trust, and empower them along the way. This way, you’ll be able to let go of routine tasks and prioritise what’s important.

Manage Expectations, Not Tasks

Establishing expectations can help align your professional goals with your Virtual Executive Assistant’s abilities, helping you to develop a more trusting relationship. By explaining what is expected, you will create a guideline for defining specific duties.

It is best to be direct and honest with your Virtual Executive Assistant from the very first day; be upfront about your expectations and their responsibilities. However, don’t be frightened to challenge your Virtual Executive Assistant with new or complicated tasks. This will provide them with opportunities to develop their skills further.

Be a Facilitator

Clear and effective communication between yourself and your Virtual Executive Assistant is key to a successful and productive relationship. When your Virtual Executive Assistant understands company goals and values, they’re more likely to exceed your expectations.

Your tone and language can help you to clearly deliver tasks and messages to your Virtual Executive Assistant. Think about your communication style and the words you use. Use easy-to-understand words and avoid technical jargon to avoid any confusion. Keep all your emails short and straightforward; write bullet points explaining how you would like a task completed.

Have Regular Reviews

Initiating regular communication, such as a review with your Virtual Executive Assistant, will improve overall communication. It will also provide both of you with a space where you can give feedback on any concerns, challenges and future aspirations. Make sure you balance critique with positive advice.

We all work better when we feel supported. Sometimes Virtual Executive Assistants can feel isolated from the rest of your team, as much of their time is spent supporting you. These regular reviews will prompt you to check in and ask about their general wellness.

Show Appreciation

A lack of appreciation can have an overall effect on everyone’s productivity. In contrast, when hard work is appreciated and recognised, we feel our work is valued, which motivates us to maintain and improve our performance. If you want to get the most from your Virtual Executive Assistant, make sure you regularly provide positive feedback.

Appreciation is a powerful everyday tool that can be as simple as discussing your Virtual Executive Assistants’ interests or personal development.

Prioritise

As an executive, you must prioritise and only take on the tasks that no one else can do. Be strict with yourself on this; all other jobs are off-limits. Train and explain tasks initially and then walk away. If something isn’t accomplished how you would like it, provide written feedback on how you would like it accomplished next time. Over time, you should see improvement and be able to offer further tasks to your Virtual Executive Assistant, therefore freeing up more of your time.

At Executive PA Solutions, we pride ourselves on understanding our client’s requirements and goals. If you would like to discuss with us the tasks you would like to delegate, then please get in touch. We’d be happy to discuss how we can work together.