Historically, and even in today’s working world, there are several misconceptions and incorrect assumptions about the Executive Assistant role. The most common ones are:
- The Executive Assistant role is easy and anyone can do it.
- It's just a glorified secretary position.
- All they do is make coffee, answer phone calls and print reports.
Sadly, there are more, and consequently, these misconceptions can significantly impact how the career is regarded and may also affect the degree of respect the role has, or, sadly, lack of it in some cases.
So, why is it that the public still cannot quite grasp the role of an Executive Assistant or the importance of it?
Well, the media is the main place I will be pointing a finger at!
Media representations of Executive Assistants (EAs) within films and TV programmes often perpetuate misconceptions about the role. If you think of any film or show with an EA in the plot or within the cast, I would guess they are portrayed as gatekeeping, scheduling meetings, or fetching coffee (think Devil Wears Prada). These representations massively undermine the role whilst failing to capture the strategic importance and complex responsibilities of modern EAs.
The reality is EAs today are people who are essential in decision-making, crisis management, and optimising executive efficiency. They attend Board meetings, manage projects, make decisions on their Executive’s behalf, and even represent in place of their Executives in some instances. They are strategic business partners and a true extension of the person(s) they support.
This distorted portrayal continues to damage the perception of an EA's actual value, ultimately resulting in a lack of understanding and acknowledgement of their crucial role and their vast contributions to an organisation's success.
However, we can’t just pin the blame solely on the media, as other factors have contributed to the misrepresentation of the EA role, such as an overall lack of awareness of the career as a whole. The sheer nature of the position means that a lot of the work undertaken by an EA goes unnoticed by the public, resulting in many people being unaware of how much an EA can contribute to strategy and overall business success. Sadly, the perception is often that EAs are just ‘support staff’ rather than critical members of the Executive team, which in today’s market, they are more often than not.
So, to get a more accurate representation of the EA role and the vital impact it has on an Executive and broader business, we should challenge these preconceptions and do our best to educate people on the tremendous value the EA role brings, which is what we always aim to do at Lily Shippen.
Furthermore, it is essential to focus on gaining insight from those who have seen the value of an excellent EA and can appreciate it. Over the years, there have been several high-profile and well-known CEOs who have been highly vocal about their EA:
Peter Jones, Entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den Investor, said, "An excellent Executive Assistant is more than just a gatekeeper; they are an integral part of my decision-making process and help manage the chaos that comes with being an entrepreneur. Their support is invaluable in ensuring I stay on top of my game." In addition, Dame Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV, echoed similar thoughts: "My Executive Assistant is a vital part of my daily routine and strategic planning. Their ability to anticipate my needs and handle complex scheduling allows me to focus on the bigger picture and drive the business forward."
In conclusion, the misconceptions surrounding the EA role are deeply rooted in outdated stereotypes and misrepresentations in the media. These misunderstandings diminish the value of EAs and overlook their significant contributions to organisational success. EAs today play a crucial role in ensuring businesses' smooth operation and executives' effectiveness. To change these misconceptions, educating the public about the true scope and impact of the EA role is essential. By highlighting the experiences and endorsements of high-profile individuals who have greatly benefited from their EAs, we can begin to shift perceptions and give EAs the recognition and respect they deserve.
At Lily Shippen, we are committed to showcasing the immense value that EAs bring to their organisations. We are doing our best to advocate for a more accurate and appreciative understanding of this vital career and role.
