Executive assistant first week plan for a new leadership role
A practical first week plan for learning an executive team's priorities without taking on unclear authority.
- Define the executive support outcome
- Match role scope to leadership cadence
- Use a structured selection process
Define the role
Start by observing the calendar, inbox, recurring meetings, and active commitments. Ask what each workflow is meant to protect before changing the way it runs.
Set the operating model
Write down the executive's preferences, stakeholders, response rules, and sensitive areas. Separate facts you have confirmed from assumptions that need a direct answer.
Choose with care
End the week with a short review of what can be owned, what needs more context, and what should remain with the executive. That list gives the role a safer starting boundary.
Related resources
FAQ
What should a new assistant learn first?
Learn the executive's priorities, recurring commitments, communication rules, and escalation boundaries.
What should wait?
Changes to sensitive workflows or stakeholder commitments should wait until the executive confirms the intended rule.
Discuss executive support