“Where do I start when it comes to developing a more strategic partnership with my executive?”
I get asked this question a lot!
While I certainly have a good number of boots-on-the ground strategies that will help you build trust, improve communication, and keep your executive on track, there’s one overlooked area that’s crucial for your success:
Developing a more strategic mindset.
Truly strategic business partners differentiate themselves in several ways:
- They stop being everyone’s “yes person”, and aren’t afraid to give a strategic “no”
- They show up in service of the work, not solely to placate their executives
- They use their voice and ask insightful questions in order to strategically align with their executives
All of these things require a leveled-up and more strategic mindset.
Building Evidence
Start by pinpointing what is already working well in your partnership.
Have you developed excellent communication protocols with your executive? Are your time management and productivity skills on point?
Once you have an understanding of your strengths, you can build upon them toward a more strategic partnership.
Challenging your Beliefs
Assess your thoughts and challenge outdated beliefs that are hindering your evolution as a strategic business partner, such as:
- Beliefs that keep you from using your voice to point out holes or blindspots
- The belief that risk taking and failure are “bad” and should be avoided at all costs
- Beliefs that keep you stuck in a reactive firefighting mode
There are so many strategies I can share with you, but until you begin to see yourself as a more strategic partner very little of it will stick.
If you are interested in learning more (including solid boots-on-the-ground strategies) about strategic partnering, I’d like to invite you to join me on May 16 at 1:00 CDT for a free masterclass I’m hosting:
Unlock your Executive Assistant Badassery: 3 Steps to Developing Your Strategic Partnership
During our hour together I’ll outline three surefire ways to strengthen the relationship with your executive. To learn more and register, click here.

Annie Croner (Guest Writer for TA)
Annie helps executive assistants unlock their badassery. To schedule your complimentary coaching discovery call, click here. To learn more about Annie please check out her website WholeAssistant.com.