Is the Executive Assistant era over? Heck no! EAs are here to stay.
With the introduction of AI and workplaces changing in this new digital age, I’ve seen fear-mongering headlines threatening the end of the Executive Assistant (EA). At Juno, we’re here to put a stop to this nonsense – and argue the opposite: Executive Assistants and their human abilities are more important than ever to keep businesses running.
We can’t ignore the obvious advantages technology has brought to the workplace, especially for administration and scheduling. Sure, tools like Zoom, Calendly, and Slack, for example, allow even our farthest connections to feel close and make scheduling meetings and administrative tasks a breeze. But I’ve yet to find a robot that can replicate human empathy and emotional intelligence – crucial skills needed for a successful and efficient EA. Below are just a few ways EAs outscore AI.
Anticipation
One of the key strengths of an Executive Assistant (EA) is their ability to anticipate and proactively address the needs of their executives. They possess an intimate understanding of their executive's preferences, work style, and priorities, allowing them to navigate complex situations and make informed decisions on their behalf. This level of insight and intuition is not easily replaceable by algorithms or virtual assistants.
Trustworthiness
EAs serve as gatekeepers and trusted confidants for executives. They are skilled at managing and prioritizing communications, filtering out noise and distractions, and ensuring that their executives can focus on what matters most. In an age of information overload, having someone who can distill and deliver critical information in a timely manner is a tremendous asset. (Plus - we all know we need someone we can trust to give us the tea on the people we’re about to step into a meeting with, right?)
Nurturing Communication
Building and nurturing relationships is in and of itself a human trait – and an incredibly important part of the work of an EA. Whether it's coordinating meetings with key stakeholders, organizing networking events, or maintaining important contacts, EAs play a vital role in facilitating meaningful connections for their executives. They possess exceptional interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy, which are essential for effective relationship management.
It’s pretty clear I could go off on a full tangent about the unique skills, adaptability, and personal touch that are needed for a strong EA (and in turn a strong business). But it’s even clearer that these skills and qualities are irreplaceable by technology alone, meaning the Executive Assistant Era is far from over.
P.S. If you’re looking for a strong EA to support your business, you’ve come to the right place. Our administrative recruiters are ready and waiting to ping their network of EAs to help in your talent search.
Meet the Author
Jesse Harootunian
Vice President, Admin & Legal
We know good talent when we see it.
When we say, “Ultimate Connectors,” we mean the best at the talent acquisition game. We’ve built a strong network of top sales and marketing professionals to keep your brand intact and your sales goals exceeding. We’ve placed copywriters and marketing managers to customer success representatives and business development directors.
Our expertise extends across industries, and verticals, with a broad network of professionals at all levels. Whatever your talent needs, we deliver a solution in a way that best fits your unique organization.