Inbox support should begin with categories, not tools
Inbox support should begin with categories, not tools. Define urgent stakeholder messages, scheduling requests, internal updates, approvals, newsletters, and items that should never be handled without executive review.
The assistant needs permission boundaries for drafting, filing, forwarding
The assistant needs permission boundaries for drafting, filing, forwarding, and escalation. Sensitive topics should have clear rules so support improves speed without creating disclosure or tone risk.
A weekly inbox review keeps the system honest
A weekly inbox review keeps the system honest. Track unresolved priority messages, repeated senders who need a better channel, approvals waiting on the executive, and conversations that should move into a project tracker.
Related resources
Frequently asked questions
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.
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.
Book a consultation