Think about how much smoother everything could be if you and your executive assistant were on the same page. You’d both know exactly what needs to be done, and your EA could prioritize tasks and anticipate your needs better. And it all starts with setting clear executive assistant goals.
To help you with this, we’ll share 15 winning executive assistant goals you can set to boost their productivity. We’ll also discuss metrics you should track and how you can get started.
5 Must-Prio Executive Assistant Goals You Should Set
These 5 goals set a strong foundation, and prioritizing them will guarantee your EA performs at their best.
| Goal | Category | Why Prioritize | How Achievable (★★★★★ Easiest) |
| Organize & digitize all executive documents and files | Skill Building – Getting Organized | Keeps your information easily accessible & saves time | ★★★★☆ |
| Complete a professional communication course | Skill Building – Communicating Better | Enhances your interactions & decision-making with clear communication | ★★★☆☆ |
| Implement time-blocking techniques | Productivity & Efficiency | Makes sure your tasks are managed efficiently & deadlines are met | ★★★★☆ |
| Establish a daily routine that includes exercise & meditation | Work-Life Balance | Helps maintain their well-being to better support you | ★★★☆☆ |
| Attend 3 professional development workshops or conferences | Career Growth | Brings new skills & insights to better support your needs | ★★☆☆☆ |
15 Most Important SMART Goals Every EA Should Set
Supercharge your executive assistant with these 15 vital SMART goals. Find out why they’re essential, how to get started, and the metrics that matter.
Skill Building
This focuses on improving your EA’s abilities. Developing these skills boosts their performance, effectiveness, and speed to get things done.
Getting Organized
1. Organize and digitize all executive documents and files within the next 3 months
When your EA organizes and digitizes all your documents, it improves your efficiency. Making every document just a click away saves up to 30% of the time typically spent searching for files. This reduces stress and increases productivity.
In addition, digitizing files strengthens security since it guarantees better access control. Plus, this simplifies file sharing, allowing for faster decision-making. Overall, this is a game-changer for your workflow if your EA perfects this.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Audit and categorize all existing documents and files within the first 2 weeks of taking on this goal.
- Key Result 2: Digitize 50% of physical documents and files within the first 6 weeks.
- Key Result 3: Implement a digital filing system with standardized naming conventions and folder structures within 2 months.
- Key Result 4: Ensure 100% of documents and files are digitized, organized, and easily accessible by the end of 3 months.
How to Get Started
- Audit & Categorize Documents
- Gather all physical and digital documents.
- Sort them into categories like financial, legal, operational, and personal.
- Create an inventory list to track the documents.
- Digitize Physical Documents
- Use a high-quality scanner to digitize physical documents.
- Scan documents in batches to guarantee clarity and readability.
- Save scanned documents in PDF format for easy access and searchability.
- Implement a Digital Filing System
- Choose a reliable cloud storage solution (ex. Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive).
- Set up a clear folder structure with consistent naming conventions (ex. financial, legal, operational).
- Establish a routine for regularly updating and maintaining digital files.
- Maintain & Secure the Digital System
- Regularly back up digital files to prevent data loss.
- Set up access controls to make sure only authorized individuals can access sensitive documents.
- Schedule periodic reviews to keep the digital filing system organized and up-to-date.
2. Set up a new task management system to cut down executive task backlog by 30% in 6 months.
A clear system prevents tasks from piling up and becoming overwhelming. With this, you and your EA can easily track progress, deadlines, and who the key players are per task. It also reduces the risk of tasks being overlooked.
Additionally, a task management system breaks down large projects into manageable steps.
For example, launching a new product feature can be broken down into steps like:
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Research and select a task management system within 2 weeks.
- Key Result 2: Identify and prioritize all pending tasks within 2 weeks of choosing a system.
- Key Result 3: Migrate 100% of current tasks into the new system within the first 6 weeks.
- Key Result 4: Reduce the task backlog by at least 5% monthly for 6 months.
How to Get Started
- Research & Select a System
- Identify the needs and goals for a task management system. For example, if you need a simple, mobile-friendly tool for smaller-scale tasks, use Todoist.
- Research popular systems and read reviews to create a shortlist.
- Schedule a demo, if available, for each product on the shortlist.
- Choose a system that fits your budget and requirements.
- Identify & Prioritize Tasks
- List all pending tasks across projects.
- Categorize tasks by urgency and importance (ex. high-priority, medium-priority, or low-priority).
- Set deadlines and assign priorities.
- Migrate Tasks to the New System
- Enter all identified tasks into the new system and input deadlines.
- Organize tasks into appropriate categories and projects (ex. marketing, sales, operations, and admin).
- Set reminders and notifications for deadlines.
- Monitor Progress & Adjust
- Conduct weekly check-ins to review task status.
- Adjust priorities and deadlines as needed.
- Track progress towards reducing the task backlog by at least 5% monthly.
Communicating Better
3. Complete a professional communication course and start using new techniques to improve meeting coordination and emails within 6 months.
Improved meeting coordination guarantees everyone is on the same page. Similarly, better email skills make messages clear and concise, reducing back-and-forth exchanges. This reduces misunderstandings and saves everyone time and effort. Investing in communications skills also builds your EA’s confidence and professionalism.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Research, select, and enroll in a professional communication course within 1 month.
- Key Result 2: Complete the communication course within 3 to 4 months of starting.
- Key Result 3: Implement new email techniques within one month of course completion.
- Key Result 4: Improve meeting coordination using new strategies within 1 month of completing the course.
How to Get Started
- Research Communication Courses
- Look for reputable online courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera.
- Review each module’s content or lesson to see what will be taught.
- Check reviews and ratings to guarantee quality.
- Determine how many hours per week the course will require until completion.
- Look into whether it’s free or paid. If it’s the latter, you or the company should pay for it.
- Enroll in the Course
- Sign up and complete the registration process.
- Mark course dates on the calendar.
- Prepare any required materials in advance.
- Participate Actively
- Attend all sessions and engage in discussions.
- Take detailed notes on key techniques.
- Ask questions to clarify any doubts.
- Practice New Techniques
- Tell your EA to implement what they learn in daily tasks.
- Start applying techniques to emails, like adding bullet points for clarity.
- Gradually use new skills in meeting coordination.
- Evaluate Progress
- Track improvements in communication efficiency.
- Seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors.
- Adjust techniques as needed for better results.
4. Hold monthly feedback sessions with you, the executive, to enhance communication and fine-tune support strategies.
Regular feedback helps identify what’s working and what needs improvement. It lets your EA adjust their approach in real time. Plus, addressing issues promptly prevents them from becoming bigger problems. These sessions also create a safe space for the EA to voice concerns or suggestions.
Here are the do’s and don’t of feedback:
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Schedule and hold the first feedback session within the first 30 days.
- Key Result 2: Document and review key points from all feedback sessions.
- Key Result 3: Make at least one improvement based on feedback within 2 weeks after each session.
- Key Result 4: Achieve a 20% improvement in communication efficiency within 3 months. Look at reduced email response times to measure this.
- Key Result 5: Increase the executive’s overall satisfaction with support strategies by 25% within 3 months. Use satisfaction surveys to measure results.
How to Get Started
- Schedule Monthly Sessions
- Choose a recurring date and time each month.
- Block the time on your calendars.
- Make sure there are no conflicting commitments during the chosen slot.
- Prepare for the Sessions
- Create an agenda with key discussion points.
- Encourage your EA to list topics they want to discuss.
- Conduct the Sessions
- Talks about past feedback and progress before each meeting.
- Then, start with a new agenda or discussion.
- Encourage open and honest feedback from both sides.
- Document the Discussions
- Take notes during the session to record key insights.
- Highlight actionable items and areas for improvement.
- Tell your EA to share the meeting notes with you afterward.
- Follow Up on Action Items
- Set deadlines for implementing the changes discussed.
- Monitor progress on agreed-upon actions. For this, use a shared Google Sheet to list actions and update progress before each feedback session.
- Review the outcomes in the next feedback session.
Tech Know-How
5. Learn a new project management tool (like Asana or Trello) by taking an online course and use it daily within 3 months.
These platforms organize tasks, set priorities, and track progress to boost your EA’s productivity. They help reduce missed deadlines and streamline communication. For your EA, taking an online course ensures proper use to maximize their benefits.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Research and select an online course for Asana or Trello in less than 1 week.
- Key Result 2: Complete the selected online course within 1 to 3 weeks.
- Key Result 3: Implement daily use for the chosen tool within 1 week after completing the course.
- Key Result 4: Achieve a 30% increase in task completion rate within 3 months of using the tool daily.
How to Get Started
- Select & Enroll in a Course
- Pick a tool based on your needs. For instance, Asana is better for larger projects and teams. For simpler, cost-effective project management, choose Trello.
- Choose an online course with good feedback and relevant content.
- Check the details like fees, certifications, and how long it lasts.
- Enroll in the selected course within 1 week.
- Complete the Course
- Dedicate time each day to complete the course.
- Aim to finish the course within 1 to 3 weeks.
- Take notes on key features and best practices.
- Implement the Tool
- Set up your account and explore the interface.
- Create sample projects to practice.
- Begin using the tool daily within 1 week of completing the course.
- Review & Adjust
- Monitor task completion rates and overall productivity.
- Hold weekly check-ins to review progress.
- Adjust usage strategies based on what works best. For example, if organizing tasks by project in Trello speeds up workflow, keep doing it. If not, try organizing by deadline instead.
6. Master advanced Excel functions to make reporting easier, reaching proficiency within 4 months.
Your EA can create detailed, insightful reports if they are good at using Excel. It also reduces time spent on manual calculations and improves reporting accuracy and efficiency. Advanced Excel functions also make data analysis faster. These all support better decision-making.
For instance, if your EA achieves this, they can create quarterly sales reports in 2 hours instead of the usual 4. This speeds up your review process and sales strategy adjustments.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Enroll in an advanced Excel course within 1 week.
- Key Result 2: Complete the Excel course or tutorial within 1 month of starting.
- Key Result 3: Apply advanced Excel functions to at least 3 reports each week.
- Key Result 4: Reduce reporting time by 25% at the end of the 4-month timeline.
How to Get Started
- Select and Enroll in an Excel Course or Watch Tutorials
- Research advanced Excel courses online or find quality YouTube tutorials.
- Choose resources with good reviews and relevant content.
- Enroll in a course or start watching tutorials within the first week.
- Dedicate Time for Learning
- Schedule regular study sessions each week.
- Follow the course syllabus or tutorial playlist and complete all exercises.
- Aim to finish the course or tutorials within two months.
- Practice Advanced Functions
- Apply new Excel functions to real work tasks.
- Focus on functions like VLOOKUP, pivot tables, and macros.
- Create sample reports to practice these functions.
- Implement & Review
- Use advanced Excel skills in all relevant reports.
- Track time spent on creating reports before and after the course.
- Note improvements in efficiency and accuracy.
- Collect feedback and refine techniques for continuous improvement.
Productivity & Efficiency
Explore these goals to implement to streamline tasks and achieve peak performance.
7. Use time-blocking techniques to finish 90% of daily tasks within set time slots to improve efficiency in 2 months.
Time-blocking techniques increase focus and reduce multitasking. Plus, it helps your EA prioritize critical tasks and avoid distractions. Overall, these techniques create a structured workflow for higher productivity.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Identify and categorize all daily tasks within the 1st week.
- Key Result 2: Implement time-blocking for critical tasks within the first 2 weeks.
- Key Result 3: Achieve a 20% reduction in task-related distractions within the 1st month, monitored using productivity apps like WorkTime.
- Key Result 4: Improve task efficiency by 25% within 2 months, measured by time spent on each task.
- Key Result 5: Achieve at least 90% daily task completion within set time slots for 2 months and beyond.
How to Get Started
- Identify & Categorize Tasks
- List all daily tasks for a typical week.
- Categorize tasks by priority and urgency. For instance, categorize preparing daily reports as high-priority and organizing digital files as medium-priority.
- Set Up Time-Blocking Schedule
- Allocate specific time slots for high-priority tasks.
- Combine similar or quick tasks into single time blocks to save time.
- Implement Time-Blocking
- Track & Adjust
- Track completed tasks daily and note any distractions.
- Use productivity apps to measure focus and efficiency.
- Review progress at the end of each week.
- Adjust time blocks based on what worked and what didn’t.
8. Cut email response time to under an hour during business hours by setting up an email management system within 3 months.
Quick responses show professionalism, reliability, and better organization. An efficient system also reduces email backlogs and prevents important messages from getting lost. Plus, your EA’s prompt responses improve your reputation as an executive, as they represent you directly.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Audit and categorize all existing emails within the first 2 weeks.
- Key Result 2: Set up an email management system within the 1st month.
- Key Result 3: Achieve a 50% email backlog reduction by the 2nd month’s end.
- Key Result 4: Cut average email response time to under 1 hour during business hours within 3 months.
How to Get Started
- Audit & Categorize Emails
- Gather all existing emails from the inbox and folders.
- Sort them into categories like urgent, important, and routine.
- Create an Inventory List
- Use a spreadsheet to track the categorized emails.
- Enter each email’s subject, sender, and category.
- Note the date received and any follow-up actions needed.
- Set Up an Email Management System
- Choose an email management tool or software that fits your needs (e.g., Gmail and Microsoft Outlook).
- Configure the tool to sort incoming emails automatically.
- Set rules for prioritizing emails based on categories.
- Implement Time-Blocking for Emails
- Allocate specific time slots each day for handling emails.
- Dedicate separate time blocks for urgent, important, and routine emails.
- Set reminders to check and respond to emails within these time slots.
- Audit & Refine
- Track email response times daily to make sure they are under one hour.
- Adjust the time blocks and rules based on the effectiveness. For example, if morning email blocks are more productive, shift more email tasks to that time.
- Review the system weekly to ensure continuous improvement.
9. Create and stick to a priority matrix to tackle high-impact tasks first, enhancing support for the executive within 6 months.
A priority matrix helps your EA focus on what truly matters and achieve more important goals faster. Additionally, prioritizing tasks improves time management and productivity. In 6 months, this results in better decision-making and support for you.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Develop and implement a priority matrix within the 1st month.
- Key Result 2: Achieve 80% adherence to the priority matrix by the end of the 2nd month.
- Key Result 3: Complete 90% of high-impact tasks within their deadlines by the 4th month.
- Key Result 4: Increase overall productivity by 40% within 6 months, measured by task completion rates and your feedback.
How to Get Started
- Identify High-Impact Tasks
- Compile all tasks and projects done during a typical week.
- Identify tasks with the most significant impact on goals.
- Create the Priority Matrix
- Use the Eisenhower Matrix (Urgent and Important, Important but Not Urgent, Urgent but Not Important, Not Urgent and Not Important).
- Create a simple grid to organize these tasks visually.
- Implement the Matrix
- Schedule time blocks for high-impact tasks first.
- Allocate specific time slots for each category daily. For instance, block 9-11 AM for Urgent and Important and 4-5 PM for Not Urgent and Not Important.
- Identify High-Impact Tasks
- Compile all tasks and projects done during a typical week.
- Identify tasks with the most significant impact on goals.
- Fine-Tune System
- Use a spreadsheet to record and track the tasks completed each week.
- Note any adjustments needed for the matrix.
Work-Life Balance
With work-life balance goals, your executive assistant can manage their time effectively and maintain productivity without burning out.
10. Build a daily routine that includes 30 minutes of exercise and 15 minutes of meditation to stay healthy, starting now.
Regular exercise boosts energy and reduces stress. On the other hand, meditation enhances focus and mental clarity. Together, they help guarantee that your EA stays healthy (mentally and physically) and performs their best.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Complete 30-minute exercises at least 5 days a week starting this month.
- Key Result 2: Start practicing 15 minutes of meditation daily within this week.
- Key Result 3: Track exercise and meditation sessions every day in a journal.
- Key Result 4: Report increased energy and reduced stress levels after one month through a self-assessment survey.
How to Get Started
- Set a Schedule
- Choose a consistent time each day for exercise and meditation.
- Block out 45 minutes in the calendar for both activities.
- Set reminders or alarms.
- Prepare for Exercise
- Tell your EA to select exercises they enjoy, like yoga or sit-ups.
- Gather necessary equipment, including workout clothes, a mat, or weights.
- Prepare for Meditation
- Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
- Choose a meditation method, like guided sessions or silent meditation.
- Track Your Progress
- Use a journal to record daily exercise and meditation sessions.
- Remind your EA to note how they feel before and after each session.
11. Set clear boundaries to stop work-related tasks after 7 PM on weekdays, achieving better work-life balance within 1 month.
A clear boundary prevents burnout and guarantees your EA has time to recharge. This balance improves focus and productivity during work hours since they’re well-rested. Plus, this also promotes mental health. With this routine, your partnership with the EA becomes more sustainable.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Set a 7 PM cutoff for work tasks in the next 2 days.
- Key Result 2: Reduce after-hours work emails by 90% within 1 month.
- Key Result 3: Achieve 80% adherence to the 7 PM cutoff, measured by daily self-reports.
- Key Result 4: Report a 30% improvement in work-life balance and a 25% reduction in stress levels in a self-assessment survey after one month.
How to Get Started
- Set a Clear Boundary
- Decide on a firm 7 PM cutoff for ALL work tasks.
- Inform the team and colleagues about this boundary.
- Adjust Schedule
- Prioritize and plan tasks to be completed before 7 PM.
- Use a calendar to block out time for high-priority tasks.
- Record & Review
- Record any instances of work past 7 PM and why.
- Review your journal entries at the end of each week.
- Identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to your schedule.
12. Take one full day off every weekend to relax and spend time with loved ones, starting this month.
This goal aims to let your EA recharge mentally and physically after 5 working days. This prevents burnout and improves their long-term productivity. Additionally, spending time with loved ones gives them strong emotional support. Ultimately, making this a habit results in a healthier, happier lifestyle that can increase their work quality and job satisfaction.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Take a full day off every weekend for 4 consecutive weeks.
- Key Result 2: Report a 30% reduction in work-related stress levels in a self-assessment survey after 1 month.
- Key Result 3: Achieve a 20% increase in overall job satisfaction after one month, measured by a self-assessment survey.
How to Get Started
- Plan Ahead
- Prioritize tasks to be completed before your day off.
- Tell the plan to the executive (you) and colleagues to set expectations.
- Disconnect from Work
- Turn off work-related notifications on all devices.
- Plan enjoyable activities with loved ones or solo relaxation time.
- Keep a Wellness Log
- Encourage your EA to journal their weekend activities and how they feel.
- Note any changes in stress levels and overall well-being.
Career Growth
These goals are all about helping your EA navigate their career path and reach new milestones through mentorship, continuous learning, and guidance.
13. Attend 3 professional development workshops or conferences related to executive assistance within the next year to improve skills and network.
This goal provides your EA with fresh insights and enhances their skills, making them more productive and efficient in supporting you. Meanwhile, networking opens doors to valuable contacts and resources. Also, participating in these workshops balances professional growth with personal fulfillment as it ensures continuous learning and advancement in their role.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Register for the first workshop within the first 3 months.
- Key Result 2: Attend 3 workshops or conferences within the next year.
- Key Result 3: Implement at least 2 new skills or best practices from each event within 1 month of attendance.
- Key Result 4: Increase professional network contacts by 10% after each event.
How to Get Started
- Identify Relevant Workshops & Conferences
- Research workshops and conferences related to executive assistance on sites like LinkedIn and Eventbrite.
- Choose 3 events that offer skill development and networking opportunities.
- Prioritize events based on their relevance and timing.
- Register & Prepare
- Register for the first workshop within the next 3 months.
- Schedule time in your calendar for each event.
- Review the event agenda and identify key sessions to attend.
- Attend & Participate
- Actively participate in all sessions and workshops.
- Network with other attendees during breaks and social events.
- Take detailed notes on new skills and best practices.
- Implement New Skills
- Identify at least 2 new skills or practices from each event.
- Apply these new skills to your daily tasks within 1 month of attending.
- Monitor these changes’ impact on your productivity and efficiency.
- Expand Your Network
- Collect contact information from at least 5 new professionals at each event.
- Follow up with these contacts after the event to build relationships.
- Track the growth of your professional network and seek collaborative opportunities.
14. Earn a certification in executive assistance (like CAP or PACE) within the next 12 months.
A certification increases your EA’s skills and credibility. It also demonstrates their commitment to excellence and professional development. Plus, it opens doors to new opportunities and increases their value to your organization.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Register for the certification exam within the first 3 months.
- Key Result 2: Complete 50% of the required study materials within the first 6 months.
- Key Result 3: Achieve at least 80% on practice exams by the 9th month.
- Key Result 4: Get a passing score on the certification exam within 12 months.
How to Get Started
- Research Certification Options
- Compare certifications like CAP and PACE. For example, review the CAP certification benefits, like industry recognition. Then, compare them with PACE to see which fits your career goals better.
- Remind your EA to choose the one that best aligns with their career goals.
- Create a Study Plan
- Break down study materials into weekly goals.
- Allocate specific times each week for study sessions.
- Register for the Exam
- Complete the registration process within the first 3 months.
- Mark the exam date on your calendar and set a reminder.
- Gather Study Materials
- Obtain recommended books, online resources, and practice exams.
- Organize materials in a dedicated study space.
- Join a Study Group
- Find or form a study group for support and motivation.
- Schedule regular meetings to review and discuss materials.
- Document Progress
- Use a checklist to monitor completed study topics.
- Take practice exams regularly to gauge understanding.
15. Find a mentor who’s a senior executive assistant for career advice and guidance within 3 months.
A senior EA can offer valuable advice and guidance based on their lengthy experience. This mentor relationship helps your EA navigate challenges and develop skills. Additionally, this can provide them with ongoing support for professional development.
OKR/Metrics to Track
- Key Result 1: Identify and reach out to at least 5 potential mentors within the 1st month.
- Key Result 2: Secure a mentor relationship with at least 1 senior executive assistant within 3 months.
- Key Result 3: Schedule and attend at least 1 mentoring session per month for the next six months.
- Key Result 4: Implement at least 2 pieces of advice or strategies within 1 month after the first mentoring session.
How to Get Started
- Identify Potential Mentors
- Research senior executive assistants in the same industry.
- Use LinkedIn, professional organizations, and company directories to find candidates. Your EA can also look for another EA internally.
- Reach Out
- Draft a concise, polite email expressing your interest in mentorship.
- Send the email to at least five potential mentors within the 1st month.
- Prepare for the First Meeting
- Brief your EA to list specific areas where they seek advice and guidance.
- Prepare questions to discuss your career goals and challenges.
- Schedule Regular Sessions
- Set up a recurring monthly meeting time.
- Ensure each session has a clear agenda.
- Implement Advice
- Take notes during each session.
- Implement at least 2 pieces of advice within 1 month after the first meeting.
- Track progress and adjust strategies based on feedback. For example, after implementing the mentor’s time management advice, review weekly productivity. If there are improvements, continue. If not, discuss adjustments with the mentor in the next session.
- Review & Reflect
- Assess the impact of the mentorship after 3 months.
- Decide on the next steps, whether to continue with the same mentor or seek additional guidance.
What Makes A Strong & Actionable EA Goal?
Discover key elements of strong, actionable EA goals and find examples for inspiration on creating effective ones.
A. Specific
Clearly define what needs to be achieved. A specific goal removes ambiguity and sets clear expectations. It also gives your EA a clear target to help them focus and make it easier to track progress.
Example: Organize and digitize all executive documents and files within the next 3 months.
B. Measurable
Make sure the goal has measurable outcomes to track progress. With this, you and your EA can do regular check-ins and timely adjustments if needed. Plus, measurable goals guarantee accountability and help highlight achievements.
Example: Digitize 50% of physical documents and files within the first 6 weeks.
C. Achievable
Set realistic and attainable goals based on available resources and constraints. This guarantees your EA has the time, tools, and support needed to reach their goals successfully. Additionally, achievable targets encourage steady progress, build your EA’s confidence, and prevent frustration.
Example: Complete a professional communication course within 6 months.
D. Relevant
Align the goal with the executive’s needs and overall business objectives. Relevant goals guarantee your EA’s efforts contribute directly to the company’s success. For instance, implementing a task management system improves the team’s workflow efficiency and collaboration.
Example: Implement a new task management system to reduce the executive’s task backlog by 30% in 6 months.
E. Time-Bound
Set a clear deadline for achieving the goal to create a sense of urgency. Time-bound goals help your EA prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively. Clear timelines also drive accountability and highlight milestones, making it easier to measure success.
Example: Ensure 100% of documents and files are digitized, organized, and easily accessible by the end of 3 months.
F. Action-Oriented
Focus on actions that drive progress and improvement. This approach guarantees continuous movement toward the goals and maintains momentum to get tangible results. Additionally, clear actions help your EA understand what to do and when.
Example: Use time-blocking techniques to finish 90% of daily tasks within set time slots, improving efficiency in 2 months.
G. Flexible
Allow for adjustments if needed because of changing circumstances or priorities. This flexibility and adaptability ensure that progress continues despite disruptions.
Example: Hold monthly feedback sessions with the executive to enhance communication and fine-tune support strategies.
H. Visible
Make sure progress can be monitored and reported. This transparency keeps everyone informed and accountable. Plus, visible goals help guarantee that any issues are addressed promptly.
Example: Regularly back up digital files and set up access controls for sensitive documents.
8 Strategies to Develop Custom Goals That Fit Your EA’s Needs
Use these 8 strategies to make sure the goals align with your priorities and can enhance your EA’s performance. Keep an eye out for actionable tactics so you can get started.
I. Assess the Executive’s Priorities
Brief your EA to review your calendar and task list to identify recurring high-priority items. Then, discuss these tasks in regular check-ins to confirm their importance and align goals accordingly.
II. Evaluate Current Performance
Conduct performance reviews and tell your EA to get feedback from you and colleagues. This helps them identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Use this information to set specific, targeted goals that improve their overall performance.
III. Set Incremental Milestones
Break down large goals into smaller, manageable milestones to maintain motivation and track progress easier. For example, aim to digitize a specific document category each week.
IV. Leverage Available Tools & Resources
Utilize productivity apps like Trello or Asana to track tasks and deadlines efficiently. Make it a requirement for your EA to incorporate these tools into their daily routine to streamline goal achievement.
V. Seek Continuous Feedback
Tell your EA to schedule bi-weekly meetings with you to discuss progress and adjust goals as necessary. Use this feedback to stay aligned with evolving priorities.
VI. Align Goals with Long-Term Objectives
Ensure short-term goals contribute to long-term career and business objectives. Focus on developing skills and knowledge relevant to future projects or roles within the company.
VII. Adapt to Changes Quickly
Be flexible and ready to revise goals as circumstances change. For instance, if a new project arises, reassess and adjust existing goals to align with new priorities.
VIII. Use Data to Drive Decisions
Base the SMART executive assistant goals on data and analytics to make sure they are grounded in reality and performance metrics. Also, analyze past performance data to set realistic and achievable targets for improvement.
Conclusion
Go over these SMART executive assistant goals with your EA and talk about the steps needed for each one. Make sure you both understand and agree on your plans. This way, you’ll set clear expectations and responsibilities for both sides.
If you are looking to hire a top executive assistant, Genius can help you. With our on-the-ground sourcing strategy and strict selection process, you’re sure to have an EA who meets your expectations. Plus, you’ll save up to 80% in salary costs, freeing funds for other initiatives. We can’t wait to hear from you, so sign up now.
FAQs
1. How can I involve my EA in goal-setting?
To involve your EA in goal-setting, discuss their career aspirations and align them with business objectives. In addition, encourage their input on what goals they believe will enhance their performance and satisfaction.
2. How can I celebrate the achievement of these goals with my EA?
To celebrate your EA’s achievement, acknowledge their accomplishments in team settings or through personalized notes. You can also offer a reward when they’ve achieved a specific milestone, like completing 30% of all goals.
3. What are some common challenges in setting SMART goals for EAs?
Common challenges in setting SMART goals include:
- Making sure goals are realistic and attainable within their workload.
- Aligning goals with the EA’s career development and the company’s objectives.
- Maintaining consistent tracking and adjustment due to changing priorities and unexpected tasks.
4. What resources can assist in setting and achieving these goals?
Resources that can assist in setting and achieving these goals include:
- Productivity apps
- Goal-tracking software
- Regular feedback sessions
- Professional development courses
Using these helps monitor progress, provide support, and ensure continuous improvement.
