Executives: Use These Tips to Elicit Admins’ Ideas

Dear executives: Are you getting the most of your executive assistants or administrative staff? Here a few tips to begin eliciting their valuable feedback and involvement in organizational projects.

Ask for your admins’ ideas

Many leaders do not think to ask their administrative professionals to contribute ideas, which is a huge mistake given their organizational knowledge and expertise. If you haven’t asked your admins or EAs for ways to help the company — what are you waiting for? 

Make your questions specific

Questions like, “How can we do better?” are too vague. Be more specific. For example:

• “What is our problem in getting the marketing report out on time?”
• “What more can we do to keep client Y satisfied?
• “How can we help the budget process move along faster?”

Listen carefully 

When an admin offers an idea or solution, don’t interrupt. Hear them out, then repeat their idea back to them to ensure you got it right. If you don’t listen, they won’t have any incentive to share. 

Don’t dismiss “bad” ideas 

Don’t put down ideas that seem off-base. Even a not-so-great suggestion can have a kernel of truth that leads to a productive discussion and strong solutions. 

Offer several ways to submit ideas

Let your admins and EAs know you’re always open to listen to their ideas. Give them options: Slack, brainstorming, one-on-one meetings, email. You want to ensure everyone has a chance to contribute in a way that’s comfortable for each individual.

Praise admins for ideas that make a difference 

Thank everyone who has contributed to a successful solution, so they can realize the benefits of speaking out. They’ll feel proud to have helped you, their department, and the organization. Also, the more valued their feedback has been, the more likely they'll be to offer strong ideas and contributions going forward.

It will also make a huge difference at your organization to nurture admins' ideas at the executive level and give them the space and the safety to share them.