Viva Executive Assistants Unveils 5 SMART Goals to Boost Efficiency for Startup Executives
SAN FRANCISCO, September 18, 2024 (Newswire.com) - Viva Executive Assistants, a leader in remote executive assistant subscription services, has released a guide on setting SMART goals for executive assistants. These actionable goals aim to streamline operations and support effective growth for startups.
Implementing SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—helps executives boost productivity and efficiency. These goals improve communication and set clear expectations, keeping assistants aligned with the company's priorities.
The Power of SMART Goals for Executive Assistants
Executives often struggle with managing time and tasks effectively. Setting SMART goals for executive assistants eliminates guesswork, allowing assistants to support their leaders with precision.
Here are the 5 SMART goals every executive should set for their assistant:
1. Streamlining Email Management
A cluttered inbox can cause miscommunications and missed opportunities. Vague instructions often lead to inefficiency.
- Bad example: "Make my inbox better."
- Good example: "Organize my inbox with folders and flags by the end of the month. Respond to urgent emails within 24 hours, reducing unread messages by 95%."
With clear direction, executive assistants can keep inboxes organized, avoiding email chaos.
2. Optimizing Calendar Scheduling
Time is the most valuable resource for any executive. Without clear scheduling goals, important meetings can be overlooked.
- Bad example: "Manage my schedule."
- Good example: "Categorize meetings by priority (high, medium, low) by Friday each week. Deliver a report on which meetings could be delegated or canceled monthly."
This SMART goal ensures time is reserved for high-value activities, reducing unnecessary meetings.
3. Enhancing Meeting Productivity
Meetings can become inefficient if not well-managed. A clear, actionable goal can turn them into productive sessions.
- Bad example: "Help with meetings."
- Good example: "Create detailed agendas for meetings and send minutes and action items within 24 hours. Track all follow-up tasks until completed."
Well-planned meetings lead to better decision-making and execution.
4. Simplifying Travel Planning
Travel can be stressful without proper planning. By setting a clear travel goal, executives can ensure seamless trips.
- Bad example: "Plan my trip to New York."
- Good example: "Plan my trip with all bookings completed a week in advance. Include preferences for flight times and hotel locations in one email that’s easy to find in my inbox and star it."
This ensures every trip is organized with precision, reducing last-minute issues.
5. Improving Team Engagement
Team engagement is crucial, especially in startups. Without clear guidelines, engagement efforts can fall flat.
- Bad example: "Remember team birthdays."
- Good example: "Implement a system to track special events (work anniversaries, birthdays, important milestones, etc.) and help me research a gift and draft a message each time it’s needed."
With this SMART goal, assistants can boost morale and ensure consistent team recognition.
Why SMART Goals Work for Startups
For startups, every task matters. Time and resources are often limited, so setting SMART goals for executive assistants maximizes efficiency. These goals provide clarity, eliminate confusion, and allow assistants to take ownership of key responsibilities.
SMART goals also align the EA’s work with the executive’s long-term vision, ensuring progress is measurable and impactful.
About the company
Viva Executive Assistants is the strategic EA partner of 100+ executives at fast-growing companies in the U.S. We provide the highest-quality, most proactive, and resourceful EAs, ensuring leaders thrive in their roles. With 92% of clients experiencing increased focus and productivity in the first week, Viva ensures seamless onboarding, and their customers see results within <1 week.
Source: Viva Executive Assistants