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How to set executive assistant decision rights

A clear way to separate independent decisions, approvals, and escalation in executive support.

4 min readHireExecutiveTeam editorial
How to set executive assistant decision rights article illustration

Create three columns

Create three columns: support may decide, support may recommend, and executive must decide. Test the rules with real conflicts. The support role should make the next action visible while leaving executive judgment with the accountable leader.

Write the workflow around inputs, outputs, owners, and escalation

Write the workflow around inputs, outputs, owners, and escalation. Keep access narrow, use the approved system, and document exceptions where they will be seen during the work.

Review the process after real use

Review the process after real use. Repeated questions point to missing context, while repeated rework points to a boundary or handoff that needs to change.

Read also: Role comparison and Confidentiality rules.

Frequently asked questions

What should support own?

Recurring coordination and preparation that have clear boundaries and an accountable executive owner.

When should support escalate?

Escalate when a request creates a new commitment, sensitive disclosure, policy exception, or unclear decision right.

How should this workflow improve?

Review real misses and convert repeated questions into a clearer rule, template, or handoff.

Ready to define the role?

Use a recent leadership week to scope the support that would make the biggest difference. The consultation is a working conversation, not a generic pitch.

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On this page
  1. Create three columns
  2. Write the workflow around inputs, outputs, owners, and escalation
  3. Review the process after real use
  4. Frequently asked questions