Top talent is necessary for more than just your executive team. The best assistants can be a significant asset not only to the CEO, but to the organization as a whole.
You should be spending as much care and attention on hiring and developing your assistant as any other important hire.
View your assistant is part of your CEO "brand". As the gatekeeper and frequent first point of contact, your assistant is often the initial impression others have of you and your organization. With that understanding, it's not hard to realize that your assistant's work style and capabilities should enhance, not detract, from you and your brand.
First, it's essential to use an experienced recruiter who specializes in executive support. Focus on finding someone who is a great personality fit and is professionally trained to be an executive assistant. Don't be afraid to spend the money to attract the most talented assistant possible who is a match to your requirements.
Second, develop and train your assistant. Meet on a weekly basis to plan your time and then daily to check in and make sure both of you are on track. An effective assistant will help you set appropriate boundaries to manage your priorities so be sure he or she understands those priorities. Ask your assistant for feedback regularly and let him or her know whether your expectations are being met.
Last, don't let a great assistant get away. Make sure you say thank you always and acknowledge his or her efforts daily. Compensate well and recognize the significant contribution your assistant makes to your success.
Read more... Additional Reading: Who's Got Your Back: The Breakthrough Program to Build Deep, Trusting Relationships That Create Success--and Won't Let You Fail by Keith Ferrazzi. Disregard the myth of the lone professional "superman" and the rest of our culture's go-it alone mentality. The real path to success in your work and in your life is through creating an inner circle of "lifeline relationships" - deep, close relationships with a few key trusted individuals who will offer the encouragement, feedback, and generous mutual support every one of us needs to reach our full potential. Whatever your dreams, Who's Got Your Back will give you the roadmap you've been looking for to achieve the success you deserve. | 
