Executive support capacity conversation
A structured conversation for adjusting support scope when demand changes.
In this guide
- Define the executive support outcome
- Match role scope to leadership cadence
- Use a structured selection process
Define the role
Bring recent work, interruptions, response windows, and missed handoffs to the conversation. Specific examples make capacity concerns easier to discuss than a general sense of overload.
Set the operating model
Separate more work from different work. A role may need a new priority, a clearer exclusion, or a changed escalation path rather than more tasks added to the same queue.
Choose with care
Record the agreed scope, review date, and unresolved tradeoff. Revisit the decision after the team has used the new rule in ordinary work.
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