Executive assistant first-week brief
The context a new executive assistant needs to start safely during the first week.
In this guide
- Define the executive support outcome
- Match role scope to leadership cadence
- Use a structured selection process
Define the role
Cover the executive's priorities, recurring commitments, communication channels, access boundaries, confidentiality rules, and the situations that require escalation.
Set the operating model
Keep early ownership narrow and observable. The assistant can learn through low-risk preparation and coordination while the executive confirms decision rights.
Choose with care
End the week with examples of completed work, unanswered questions, and proposed next workflows. Expand scope only where the rule is clear.
Related resources
FAQ
Should one assistant support the whole executive team?
Sometimes. It works when priorities are clear and executives share one operating rhythm.
What should happen before a consult?
List the meetings, inbox rules, recurring reports, and decisions that need support.
Discuss executive support