In our line of business we often hear that hiring the right paralegal /executive assistant is a challenge, because of the personal chemistry and one-on-one dynamics that are so important in this role. For this reason, executives will take our paralegal/ executive assistant with them from job to job.
At Beyond Paralegals we understand this dynamic very well and know just how crucial a good paralegal /executive assistant is to your overall productivity. Over the years our team has learned the best way to increase your productivity— is to protect your time. Here are 4 tips we use.
Learn To Delegate
Whether you’re a team leader, an entrepreneur, or in some similar position of authority, delegating is going to be key to maximizing your productivity and keeping yourself sane during tight deadlines or large workloads.
Smart and efficient leaders adopt the 70% rule. The 70% rule says that if the person you’d like to perform the task can do it at least 70% as well as you can, you should delegate it.
Use Delegate, Delete, Defer Method
Ever wonder why some people get more accomplished in a day than others? Most executives have adopted this easy tip. Every morning they prioritize emails by delegating, deferring, and deleting tasks. Then they are only left with things they actually have to do.
Have An Ambassador
Ever wish you had someone to tackle projects the way you would; but isn’t you? An executive assistant can and should be your ambassador — someone to think like you and able to confidently make decisions as you would.
To serve in this capacity, your assistant not only needs to know what needs to be done; but how and why. Learning your values and beliefs (and how they align with the organization’s mission, vision, and values) will give them a solid base from which to act.
Learn When To Say “No” To Meetings
Many people spend the majority of their work week attending meetings; leaving them very little time to complete actual work. So if you don’t know why you should be at a meeting, and organizer can’t tell you either, then say “no” until they can. Also, ask yourself if you are really needed in person? If not, attend by phone, or send your ambassador — so you can focus your time on more productive work.
Another tip to consider is reducing the length of meetings you control. For example, a 30-minute meeting, as opposed to a 60 minute one, encourages attendees to get to the point rather than engage in small talk.
If you can get in the habit of practicing these simple tips you will find yourself with more time to focus on actual work— like building client relations.
For more helpful tips visit our Resource Center.
Related articles: Tips To Managing Your Inbox; 5 Effective Tips For Managing Your Calendar. 4 Pro Tips For Increasing Your Productivity; 8 Tips for Effective Delegating, and 4 Tips To Foster Company Culture.
