It’s a bird, it’s a plane….no, it’s an Executive Assistant and Chief of Staff working seamlessly to produce incredible results!

Effective partnership between these two roles is not a given. In fact, there are plenty of potential hiccups on the way to finding that sweet, sweet coordinating rhythm.

I wrote about the unique leverage you can expect from the EA and CoS roles here.

I’m firmly in camp: let each role be its own thing.

I’m also very firmly in camp: these two roles, working hand in hand, produce magic.

So how do you unleash that magic partnership?

I asked some of my favorite EAs and Chiefs of Staff for their advice.

Loud and clear: investing in the relationship is critical

At the top of the list for everyone was to have an actual relationship. Get to know each other beyond the surface level. You need to trust and be able to rely on each other.

• This is such an important relationship to foster.

• Invest almost all of your time upfront to really get to know each other. It could feel like a lot, but this upfront investment will solve so many other things and ensure your success.

• On either side of the relationship I think the key is understanding how one another works and thinks.

Next: have, and respect boundaries

Like any partnership, knowing who is going to take care of what and what things are off-limits helps you produce value as a team.

• Honesty, transparency, clear understanding of boundaries are key elements.

• There need to be boundaries that both parties respect and an honest and open line of communication.
  

Work through challenges as they arise

You’re in a fast-paced environment and even though you are aiming for the same goals, there will be friction from time to time. The key is to address issues as they come up so you can move forward.

• If something is bothering you, do not hold it in.

• Talk about how to make it better the next time if you run into problems during a project.

Have each others’ backs

Both roles can be stressful, emotionally taxing, and full of stakeholders who want different things. Recognize when the other person is past their limit and throw them a life vest.

• Both need to feel heard and cared for. 

• Make offers if you see the other person struggling, they will do the same when you’re overwhelmed.

Invest in the relationship. Have boundaries. Talk through issues. Support each other. Sounds like the recipe for any solid relationship to me :)

Thanks so much, Gena Womack and others for your contributions to the list!

EA and CoS friends - what else would you add? What has made your partnerships effective (or ineffective!) in the past?