The Cessna Citation Bravo was certified as an upgrade to the best-selling Citation II. With a number of improved features, this light jet is a favorite among customers looking for convenience and comfort.
The Citation Bravo has a long range when compared to other light jets, able to travel 1484 statute miles non-stop, easily flying from New York to Miami for example. The Bravo cruises at average speeds of 459 mph and offers impressive short runway capabilities, allowing it to be chartered in and out of smaller airports closer to your destination. While its costs are similar to the Citation II, it surpasses it significantly in performance, using far less fuel per hour. The heightened performance of the Citation Bravo is largely due to the Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines and the Bravo was the first light jet to be equipped with them. New landing gear also makes landings much smoother than comparable jets, even on uneven pavement.
In terms of comfort, the Citation Bravo is at the top of its class. The engineers designed the Bravo to have a quiet cabin with insulation and isolated interior shell to eliminate engine noise, while a seal on the cabin door eliminates wind noise. The Bravo can accommodate seven passengers with club seating, and has a partial galley as well as a lavatory on board. The cabin measures 15′ 10″ in length, 4′ 9″ in height and 4′ 10″ in width. The baggage space in the Citation Bravo is generous at 74 cubic feet and can hold several suitcases and gold bags. There is also additional storage in drawers under the seats.
Citation Bravos are well liked among pilots because they are an easy jet to fly and can be flown solo. Pre-flight, service and maintenance procedures were also designed to aid the flight crew, while the cockpit is equipped with systems to relay traffic information, radar to watch the weather and digital maps. Between the unmatched operating costs and passenger comforts, it is easy to see why the Citation Bravo is a passenger and pilot favorite.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
In this article, Author Jan Jones discusses the traits executives look for in their executive assistants.
FlyPrivate is a proud partner and associate of Jan Jones. Jan brings valuable, actionable information to EAs across the globe. We hope you enjoy her blogs as much as we do!
FlyPrivate: What traits do executives look for in their executive assistants? Does the list change over time or does it remain fairly consistent?
Jan Jones: I’ve noticed that executive assistants are like CEOs in that the list of traits these two groups apparently must have, keeps growing and growing.
The traits that make up the core strengths executive assistants need for the job, don’t exist in isolation. These traits serve as building blocks that go hand-in-hand with each other, resulting in a robust EA professional. As we discuss some of the traits, it will be obvious that they reinforce each other. They’ve withstood the test of time, serving assistants of previous eras well, and they continue to be vital in today’s business environment. An assistant won’t go too far in the role without having at least a handful of these core capabilities, and some are more crucial than others. We’ll discuss the list of characteristics executives emphasize more today, due to the tempo and nature of business, including before and during the current pandemic situation.
Apart from what executives are looking for, I’ll share some traits I see as crucial to the EA’s playbook, that are underestimated or missing in some EAs. Being intangible, they are harder to define and executives don’t always clearly articulate a desire for them.
In The CEO’s Secret Weapon, I devote 3 chapters to the Crucial Characteristics of an Exceptional Executive Assistant, and why they should matter to the CEO. I categorize the traits into “Tangible” and “Intangible” because I’m certain that the Intangibles are what differentiate an exceptional EA from other EAs. Intangibles are hard to quantify. They can’t be taught, but can be developed with practice.
Two characteristics I view as inseparable are Anticipation and Resourcefulness. They are fundamental to the EA’s repertoire and one without the other will make the EA less effective. Since they are vital to the EA’s toolkit, let’s discuss them before going on to the other traits.
Anticipation: Executives, managers and assistants themselves all list anticipation as the most essential skill for an assistant. It’s the top skill cited today and it’s been the most desirable skill that executives have craved from their assistants for decades. They crave it because it gives them a sense of security that someone is watching out for them and they won’t be blindsided, or unpleasantly surprised by events. Ironically, this is also the skill that executives say is the hardest to find in an EA, so let’s give it some attention here and improve the odds of executives finding it in future.
To excel at anticipating requires that you thoroughly understand what your executive and the business are trying to accomplish. Brad Weimert, CEO of PayDirect defines this as “understanding the intent of the mission. Knowing the intent gets you to the end goal,” and plays a key role in your ability to anticipate. Anticipation means the ability to look ahead, so assistants must become adept at identifying what can go wrong, and make sure it doesn’t. It requires you to think forward. Envision scenarios, consider possible outcomes, what are the pros and cons of doing things a certain way? You must constantly be in evaluating mode so you can spot trends, anomalies, disruptions and opportunities.
To excel at anticipation also requires you to look backwards. What helpful insights did you gain from similar situations previously and how can you apply them? What went right? What went wrong and how do you make sure it doesn’t happen again?
Are there situations that are outside of the EA’s control? Sure there are. So the EA’s job is to diminish the likelihood of those situations and make them the exception, ultimately eliminating the majority of them.
Resourcefulness: From all my time and experience as an executive assistant and as a business owner, I cannot separate anticipation and resourcefulness. They are fast friends and you try to separate them at your peril. Anticipation alerts you to the pitfalls. Resourcefulness shows you how to get around them. Anticipation shows you the opportunities. Resourcefulness shows you how to capitalize on them. Resourcefulness helps you to fix the problem once you identify it. Resourceful EAs use whatever ways and means are available to them to produce results. They see what needs to be done and they make it happen. They are quick on their feet. Publisher Steve Forbes told me his assistant is “always figuring out how to get things done.” That’s what makes a resourceful assistant so valuable.
You ask why executives don’t always list Resourcefulness on their list of must-haves. It’s because they expect their assistant to get the job done. How the assistant gets the job done is of no concern to the executive. If you want a reputation for getting things done, make Resourcefulness your faithful companion.
Let’s look at the executives’ list. We can’t discuss it all, so let’s examine some of the traits executives said were a requirement when surveyed before Covid-19. They include Creativity, Critical Thinking, Curiosity, Communication, Decision-Making, Inter-Personal Skills (EQ), Organizational Skills, Problem-Solving and Time Management.
During this pandemic, executives are particularly appreciating traits such as anticipation, communication, organization, detail-minded and problem-solving, to keep work flowing smoothly and uninterrupted.
With the possible exception of Curiosity, there’s nothing on the executive list that is unique to 2020. Curiosity is about having an inquiring mind, venturing out, asking questions, being interested in the vastness of life. When you are curious, you are flexible and open to alternatives. Your work is a part of your life, so if you are curious about life, you’ll bring that curiosity to your work. If you are creative in your life, you’ll bring that creativity to your work. You are a holistic being. You can’t compartmentalize yourself. Bring all of yourself to work and you’ll start to see results you never imagined.
Decision-Making Ability: If you want to be seen as an executive on your own merits, beyond being a representative of your executive, this is an invaluable skill you must develop. It’s timeless, it’s what separates great EAs from good EAs and it doesn’t come easy. You will have to work for it. It requires patience, dedication, commitment and desire to know the “big picture” perspective about the business and your executive. You must know it so thoroughly that the credibility of your decisions never comes into question, and is not second-guessed by your executive or others. Frequent, meaningful communication with your executive is imperative so you are in no doubt about what they would say and do in a given situation, because that is what you will say and do. Electronic communication has its place. For decision-making certainty, especially at the start of the relationship, in-person communication is superior because you can pick up the nuances that technology can’t deliver.
Critical Thinking: A much-requested topic in my presentations, I’m repeatedly asked about Critical Thinking by EAs, particularly when their executives push them to start thinking critically. I see the need for critical thinking in my business dealings with high-level executives whose assistants exhibit flawed thinking and lack problem-solving ability. It is also evident on social media where I observe minimal analysis. If the topic is popular, if they like the writer, or if the writer offers a smattering of praise for EAs, that’s good enough for assistants to pour on the ‘likes’, no questions asked. That can’t be the criteria for evaluation. To think critically you have to set aside your personal biases, likes and dislikes and focus on the issue. Dissect, analyze, verify, determine its relevance, and draw your conclusion. Develop independent thinking. Verify your sources and question their claims. Broaden your horizons by getting your news and information from a variety of sources so you have a diversity of opinions from which to compare, contrast and draw your conclusions.
To be a genuine Critical Thinker, you must have Courage. You have to look fearlessly at all sides of the argument, even if the thread is taking you away from where you feel mentally safe, away from the familiar ideology that insists you conform. After due consideration of the facts, you must have the courage to call it as you see it. If you can’t do that, you diminish your usefulness to your executive. They need to hear the truth from you. Be careful how you deliver it, but be a trustworthy and reliable source for your executive when they need to know the truth. Practice courage in your daily life and you won’t hesitate to do the same at work.
Organizational Skills: You can’t manage an executive or a team if you can’t manage yourself. The ability to create and keep order is a vital skill for an executive assistant who must be able to put their hands on whatever they need at a moment’s notice. In addition to an orderly workspace, all record-keeping must be up-to-date, the status of all projects must be readily known, work inflow and outflow handled quickly, bottlenecks cleared, outstanding issues followed up and status updated or finalized.
Participation: Adam Fidler, the UK’s preeminent EA trainer shared with me that increasingly his executive clients are telling him they want to see more participation from their assistants. They want their assistants to take part and contribute, instead of sitting passively in the background. Adam says assistants who don’t participate are reinforcing the old ‘secretarial’ stereotypes by not getting involved, showing any interest, or making a contribution. Adam cautions assistants, “If you act like a secretary, you’ll be treated like one.” Speak up, let your voice be heard, share your opinions, your observations and show your ability to problem solve.
Confidence: I heard someone say they’d like to give EAs confidence. Sorry, assistants, confidence is not something someone can bestow on you. It’s something you have to work at every day to acquire. It takes practice. How do you suppose those superstar athletes have the confidence to play their game with such certainty, taking risks and going for the gold? They train hard every day to develop their expertise. After winning the championship they get right back on court and practice some more. Their signature shot, their signature move, they practice until it is second nature. Kobe Bryant in an awards acceptance speech said, “Those times you stay up late and you work hard. Those times when you don’t feel like working. You’re too tired. You don’t want to push yourself, but you do it anyway.” That’s what you have to do in your job. Push yourself to mastery. As you do, you build your confidence and your credibility. You develop a sense of certainty about yourself and your performance. No one can argue with it and they won’t think of disrespecting you. Confidence is a gift you give yourself. Once you acquire it, no one will be able to take it away from you.
There are numerous other tangible and intangible skills that make up the executive assistant’s arsenal. Passion and enthusiasm for the job are high on that list because without them, the will and energy to do this challenging job would be missing. Detail-oriented, responsible, resilient, trustworthy, diplomatic and a whatever-it-takes approach, along with the other desirable traits I discuss in my book, are the tools of the EA trade that keep the EA and the role vital and alive. It’s what makes this profession the indispensable, but often unsung, champion of global business.
Want more from Jan Jones? Check out her Q & A Series!
Jan Jones is the author of “The CEO’s Secret Weapon How Great Leaders and Their Assistants Maximize Productivity and Effectiveness”. The book debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in the Office Management Category. It has received widespread acclaim from executives and executive assistants worldwide. Jan spent 20 years as an esteemed international executive assistant to well-known business people, including personal development icon and author Tony Robbins. Jan is passionate about the executive assistant role and continues to champion the profession through speaking, mentoring and offering timeless, practical advice that is relevant to the day-to-day role of the executive assistant.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
The Gulfstream 550 is a long-range heavy jet and is considered a best-in-value business aircraft. According to the National Aeronautic Association, the G550’s design team was awarded the Collier Trophy for “leading-edge achievement in designing, testing and building an innovative aircraft while incorporating measurable safety enhancements and far-reaching advances in aerospace technology….”
The G550 is an ultra-long-range business jet that can travel non-stop over 7,282 statute miles at a cruise speed of 614 mph, able to travel from New York to Dubai non-stop. The Gulfstream 550 leaves passengers wanting for nothing. Cabin amenities generally include: a full-service galley, Wi-Fi, power outlets, video monitors, telephone/SATCOM, a fax machine, a CD/DVD/Blue-ray player, an Airshow System, noise-canceling headsets, and cabin speakers. This jet offers a fully enclosed lavatory and 169 cubic feet of ample baggage space.
The Gulfstream G550 sets the standard for reliability, comfort and performance. The spacious interior of the G550 is 1669 cubic feet, with a cabin height of 6’2″, width of 7’3″ and length of 50’1″. This heavy jet can seat up to 16 people at max capacity in the large stand-up cabin and berth up to 8. The cabin is made for conducting business and acts as a fully functioning office in the sky. Advanced soundproofing technologies cut outside noise significantly, electric window shades allow easy visibility of electronic devices, and console tables make the perfect work space. To combat fatigue and contribute to passenger comfort, 100% fresh air is circulated around the cabin every two minutes. The 14 signature Gulfstream oval windows also allow for more natural light in the cabin, letting in the view from every angle.
The technological capabilities in the G550’s cockpit are also quite impressive. “Working with avionics partner Honeywell, Gulfstream in 2003 introduced the PlaneView cockpit, making it the most technologically advanced business jet flight system in existence. Since then, the flight deck has continued to evolve and improve, and by design, easily accepts software upgrades. PlaneView uses four liquid crystal displays to present essential flight data in larger, crisper images that make ever-changing flight conditions easier to analyze.” Equipped with an Enhanced Vision System (EVS) and Head-Up Display (HUD), pilots can easily monitor their surroundings even in low visibility conditions.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
Aside from jet aircraft which range from very light jets to heavy jets, there is another significant player in the charter market. Turboprops are aircraft that utilize a gas jet engine to operate a propeller rather than jet thrust typically used on larger aircraft. Most turboprop engines are manufactured Pratt & Whitney Canada and Honeywell, known in the aviation community for their reliability and power. As a predecessor to turboprops, the twin-piston aircraft are also a viable choice. Piston aircraft are typically smaller aircraft, seating up to 6 passengers. The piston aircraft are powered by piston engines (or reciprocating engines), and use heat to produce steam pressure, which in turn is used to generate a rotating motion that powers the engine.
How do turboprops compare to jets? Turboprops are a great solution for trips less than 500 miles (300 miles or less for twin-piston aircraft) and for trips into airports with shorter runways inaccessible to larger jets. Unlike jets, many turboprops can easily land on shorter airstrips and can even land in grass airfields vs. needing a traditional runway. While jets can travel at faster speeds than turboprops, having more options in regards to places to land, enables turboprop passengers to get closer to their destinations, often saving time and money.
Turboprops are generally less expensive to operate than jets. Fuel costs and other expenses like maintenance tend to also be lower for props, making them a great option for shorter trips. Seating varies by aircraft model from 4-8 passengers in most turboprops. While a bit smaller than their jet cousins, many turboprops offer comparable cabin comforts and are equipped for both business and relaxation in the air. Contrary to popular thought, modern day turboprops come equipped with resonance technology that almost entirely cancels out the propeller noise, so they are not generally loud in the cabin. As far as storage, many turboprops have comparable baggage and cabin space as their jet counterparts.
There are several factors to consider when choosing an aircraft for your charter needs. Let us help you decide which will be best for your trip. In the meantime, check out our turboprop and twin-piston charter options below and click to view each aircraft’s specifications.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
The Bombardier Challenger 605 is the fifth jet of the Challenger 600 series and it has earned its place in a line of exemplary jets. An upgrade to the Challenger 604, the Challenger 605 offers several enhancements. Challenger 600 models have become the most sought after and versatile jets in the heavy jet category, and the 605 is no exception.
The Challenger 605 is powered with two General Electric CF34-3B engines that allow it to fly coast-to-coast and to many destinations abroad without a fuel stop. This aircraft has a range of around 4,274 statute miles with 8 passengers on board, at an average speed of 515 mph. The Challenger 605 features the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 Integrated Avionics System, a larger display, turbulence detection radar, and fewer control panels to improve pilot efficiency, among other features. The 605 has a 200 lb payload improvement over the Challenger 604 due to better fuel economy, as well as improvements in weight distribution. Maintenance procedures have also been streamlined, allowing for a better overall experience for pilots and passengers alike.
The cabin of the Challenger 605 is very spacious with 6′ 1″ of standing height, 28′ 5″ in length, and measures over 8′ 2″ in width, making it the widest stand-up cabin in its class. Like the Challenger 604, cabin space can be configured into a 12-passenger conference space, in a double-club, forward or half club, or divan arrangement. This aircraft will accommodate 10-12 passengers comfortably as well as 2 crew members and a flight attendant. The Challenger 605 also has a generous baggage compartment providing 115 cubic feet of external storage that is accessible during flight.
The cabin improvements consist of 30% more natural lighting due to the larger, higher windows, larger LCD video monitors, improved work tables, more lighting throughout the cabin, new acoustical insulation reducing interior noise and improvements to the cabin electronic system. The galley offers a better ergonomic design and more storage space. The full lavatory has also been upgraded from its predecessor to improve comfort. It is not hard to see why the Challenger 605 (and all the Challenger jets) are a favorite of private fliers.
The Challenger 605 is a fantastic option for travelers seeking a modern heavy jet that offers unmatched comfort, dependability, efficiency and luxury.
To request a Challenger 605 for your next trip, please contact us. We would be pleased to provide you with a flight quote for your next trip.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
A favorite in the light jet and Cessna family, the Citation V is modeled after the Citation SII with improved features such as a longer fuselage, more powerful engines and increased cabin and baggage space.
When it comes to light jets, the Citation V is known for its reliability, performance and cabin accommodations. This jet is able to take off and land on shorter runways than most light jets, making it a more spacious alternative to turboprops and very light jets with short runway capabilities.
The Citation V is a popular medium-range business jet for many reasons. The cabin measures 17.4 feet long, 4.8 feet in height and 4.9 feet in length. The engineers used the extra cabin space to offer passengers 360 degree, extra-wide rotating seats and additional baggage space both internal and external. Able to carry several suitcases and golf bags, the Citation V is perfect for short trips. It offers unique passengers comforts for a light jet including: two-zone temperature control and a ventilation system used to eliminate drafts within the cabin. Triple-glazed windows and additional soundproofing make this jet one of the quietest light jets available and ideal for both business and personal trips.
The typical Citation V configuration can fit 7-9 passengers comfortably. This jet also offers an enclosed lavatory and a first-class refreshment center comes standard.
The Citation V is also impressive to both passengers and pilots due to its performance features. The cockpit offers 360 degree visibility. The twin Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines provide an impressive 2,900 lbs. of thrust and can maintain a cruising speed of 457 mph at a range of 1404 statute miles.
The Citation V popularity has also extended to several military operations around the world largely due to the impressive comfort features, safety rating and reliability. The Citation V continues to be one of the most sought after private jets on the market today.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
The Falcon 50 is often used as a cost effective alternative to a heavy jet. This jet features a galley with plenty of space for meal service, a fully enclosed lavatory, enough baggage space to accommodate 8 full-size suitcases or sets of golf clubs, and often comes equipped with a cabin attendant and Wi-Fi. The cabin is very comfortable with leather chairs, fold-out tables, and couch seating. The quiet cabin makes the Falcon 50 ideal for business meetings or just relaxing.
The Dassault Falcon 50 is a super midsize jet designed to meet the demand and need for an aircraft that could travel non-stop, coast to coast. The Falcon 50 is the Falcon family’s first transoceanic aircraftbased on the earlier design of the Falcon 20. The Falcon 50 typically seats 9 and can travel 3,430 statute miles at average speeds up to 460 mph. It also offers impressive runway performance, requiring only a short takeoff distance.
The Falcon 50 was produced after a complete redesign of the wings of the Falcon 20 and contains three jet engines instead of the two jet engines on board the Falcon 20. This made the Falcon 50 the world’s first civilian jet with supercritical wings to minimize drag and noise pollution, a breakthrough technology for the time.The Falcon 50 EX, an upgraded version of the Falcon 50, was later introduced and designed to fly a bit higher and faster than the original Falcon 50, while also reducing fuel consumption by about 7%.
To request a Falcon 50 for your next trip, please contact us. We would be happy to provide you with a flight quote.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
The Phenom 300is a light jet, developed by Embraer in 2005 and put into operation in 2009. According to Embraer, “the goal was to bring forth innovative solutions that would redefine the standard for both performance and comfort and offer advanced technologies, from the flight deck to the cabin, that previously were found only on much larger, more expensive jets. The best-selling light business jet in the world seven years in a row, Embraer’s Phenom 300 made waves as the fastest, most efficient and longest-range single-pilot aircraft in the market.”
The Phenom 300 is one of the most requested jets for charter with its impressive range and performance, able to travel 2268 statute miles before needing a fuel stop. The Phenom 300 cruises at average speeds of 495 mph with impressive short runway capabilities, allowing it to be chartered in and out of smaller airports getting passengers closer to their destination. The Phenom 300 is best-in-class for single-pilot jets with its notable design, innovation and technological advancements.
The Phenom 300 can fly with ease from Dallas to New York or Palm Springs to Washington D.C. without a fuel stop. It is able to fly at higher altitudes (45,000 ft. service ceiling to avoid inclement weather) and take off and land from higher elevations than most competitor aircraft. The Phenom 300 offers the lowest fuel consumption in its class and produces significantly less CO2 than both older and newer comparable aircraft. It can also be fueled in just 12 minutes from empty to full!
The Phenom 300’s cabin seats six passengers comfortably. This jet boasts the largest windows and baggage compartment in its class and features beautiful interior design by BMW. Even the lavatory seat has a window, not typical in light jets. Taking a closer look at the cabin, the Phenom 300 showcases clean lines, lots of natural light from the special “Oval Lite” window design and luxurious leather and wooden details. The cabin offers WiFi, an on-board entertainment system, refreshment center and a state-of-the-art glass cockpit with an integrated avionics system by Garmin.
The cabin measures 17′ 2″ in length, 4′ 10″ in height and 5′ 1″ in width. The external baggage space in the Phenom 300 is generous at 74 cubic feet and can hold several pieces of luggage including suitcases, golf clubs and skis.
Phenom 300s are in demand and popular for charter passengers and pilots for their cabin comforts, cutting-edge technology, fuel efficiency and range.
To request a Phenom 300 for your next trip, please contact us. We would be happy to provide you with a flight quote.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
The Bombardier Learjet 60 received FAA certification in 1993 as an improved version of the Learjet 55. The Learjet 60 has a longer fuselage than the Learjet 55 and also contains more powerful engines and several improvements that make it more aerodynamic than its predecessor. The Learjet 60 was designed with an all-new inboard wing cuff, an all-new wing-to-body fairing, and a new engine pylon to accommodate the new turbofan engines.
The Learjet 60 is renowned for its performance. At max weight, this jet can climb to 43,000 feet in less than 14 minutes. The Learjet 60 is also noted for it’s ability to climb quickly to high cruise levels at fast cruise speeds. It has a transcontinental range of 2,453 sm and once at cruise level, it can reach speeds of up to 502 mph. It is not only a very reliable jet, but it is also an economical option compared to other aircraft in the midsize jet class and more comparable to many light jets as far as fuel consumption.
The cabin of the Learjet 60 is the largest in the Learjet family. Typically able to hold 7-8 passengers, the cabin is very spacious with amenities like fold-out work tables, a radio phone, microwave, and coffee maker, amongst others. The Learjet 60 has an external baggage compartment that provides 24 cubic feet of baggage spaceand another 24 cubic feet of internal storage.
Passengers love the Learjet 60 because it offers smoother flights, even when flying through turbulence. The nosewheel steering system allow for better ground handling, and stronger wheel brakes help with landings and ground control.
Production of the Learjet 60 ended in 2007 when Bombardier introduced the current Learjet 60XR model. It is an improved version of the 60, offering more efficient use of the interior space. It is also the first to use PW305 turbofan engines instead of General Electric engine models, helping it excel in performance compared to its competitors. The 60XR also features many design improvements over previous Learjets including: a digital steer-by-wire nosewheel, drag-reducing winglets, and a heated windshield, just to name a few.
Both the Learjet 60 and Learjet 60XR are great options for anyone looking for a cost-effective midsize jet that offers exceptional performance.
To request a Learjet 60 for your next trip, please contact us. We would be pleased to provide you with a flight quote for your next trip.
All flights arranged by Private Business Jets, LLC DBA FlyPrivate are operated by Part 135 Certified Air Carriers. FlyPrivate will act as your agent for the purpose of obtaining charter service.
In this article, Author Jan Jones discusses why smart business leaders are transparent with their executive assistants.
FlyPrivate is a proud partner and associate of Jan Jones. Jan brings valuable, actionable information to EAs across the globe. We hope you enjoy her blogs as much as we do!
FlyPrivate: This question is from an executive and his EA. The executive would like to know how transparent with his business and personal objectives he should be in order to maximize the partnership with his assistant. The assistant wants to be “completely in the loop.” Are there certain things executives should handle themselves and not entrust to an EA?
Jan Jones: Many factors contribute to how fast transparency between executive and EA happens, or if it happens at all. Fortunately, this executive and assistant are committed to a long-term goal of full transparency, but saying she wants to be “completely in the loop” tells me that presently the EA feels left out at some level. Why is the executive not offering full transparency, even though they’ve been together over five years? Let’s explore some reasons why this might be the case.
Communication and trust are always major factors. Why is the executive not trusting fully? Is the assistant yet to prove sufficient maturity in dealing with complex matters that need discretion or special handling? Does the executive have control or trust issues? Perhaps there are things the executive prefers to do himself (because he enjoys them and nothing to do with “transparency” issues). Are they both being flexible enough? Are they working too independently and not as a team? Are they a good fit for each other? Have they discussed their goals and objectives? Are their goals and objectives mutual, meaning do they want the same things, in the same way and in the same timeframe? All these things contribute to our perceptions about trust and transparency.
Your readers may wish to consider their own situations to understand why there may not be full transparency in their own business relationships.
At the start of the relationship it makes sense to proceed with some caution unless you know for certain the assistant is adept at handling high levels of sensitive information. Typically, an assistant to a CEO is privy to more confidential business and personal information than an assistant to a mid-level manager, so it depends on the level of the job and the experience level of the assistant. If the assistant has demonstrated their capability, the executive must share information, allowing the assistant to move into more interesting projects that offer satisfaction from the job. High performing assistants are not going to be satisfied with bits and pieces being doled out to them. They want challenging, invigorating work that uses their brain power.
If the executive owns the company, it’s a safe bet that virtually everything is transparent to the assistant. Since its all part of their responsibility, the assistant knows, sees and does everything. It’s the only way they can manage the executive’s affairs, because rarely does an entrepreneur, small business owner, or celebrity treat their business and personal life as separate entities. It all flows together and transparency is inevitable.
I put this question to CEO Rev. John Pellowe, about transparency with his assistant, Bonnie Pillsworth. He said “I would be squandering the very traits (such as deep thinking) that led me to hire my EA, Bonnie, six years ago, if I were not fully transparent with her. I share everything work-related with her, including thoughts about my own leadership. I process and test ideas, communications, dreams and concerns with her and in return she is an invaluable source of expansionary thinking for me. Bonnie’s valuable contribution to the success of our organization and my own success would be severely diminished if I were not so transparent with her.”
Bonnie added, “The more transparent John is, the better I can do my job. Knowing as much as I can about everything that’s happening in John’s work allows me to have an informed perspective that leads to sound suggestions and support. John and I practice full transparency as an integral part of our work method, and it goes both ways.”
Executives with less-experienced assistants are understandably initially reluctant to completely hand over sensitive information. This is where trust has to be built as you test a little at a time to see how the assistant develops and shows they have what it takes.
Dave Ramsey, the famed financial advisor told me, “Show me two people who trust one another and I’ll show you an effective work relationship.”
When I was a young secretary, our managers mentored and invested hands-on time in developing their people. When my executives placed confidential information in my hands, they explained its value and how they wanted it handled. Because of my inexperience, I appreciated that direction. With their guidance and with common sense, I learned discretion in business matters and grew confident in handling information that required discretion.
In later years, it was customary for me to have confidential discussions with high-level stakeholders. I could easily identify who didn’t have a top assistant, or who had never mentored an assistant. They were the ones who were surprised I had unfettered access to protected information, and could speak confidently for my executive. They didn’t comprehend that the only way I could know as much as I did is because he shared everything with me. I was his deputy. My mandate was to take charge and keep business moving.
Effective assistants are facilitators who make business life easier. They can do this because somewhere along the way, an investment was made in their growth and development. Executives who share information with their assistants set themselves up for long-term success because the assistant can step in as their deputy and save them massive amounts of time. I’ve been saying for over 20 years, “The role of the executive assistant is to give back time to the executive.” This means they take on and manage all matters that distract the executive from their primary purpose of running the business. The only way the assistant can do this is to have full access to information that provides a solid overview of the business, and permits them to make informed decisions.
Discussing his assistant Debbie Gross in my book “The CEO’s Secret Weapon”, CEO John Chambers said “From our first day together I let her know that my office, files and everything in my business life were hers to manage and that I had complete trust in her capabilities.”
Concerning the executive’s personal objectives, one little boy was repeatedly disappointed because “daddy” was missing his baseball games, even though he kept promising to be there. When the assistant found out about it, miraculously the game schedule got on the calendar and Mr. CEO, aka “daddy”, never missed another game if he could help it. Executives who are comfortable with their assistants may share more personal goals and enlist the assistant’s help in keeping them on track. Don’t worry if the goal isn’t something earth shattering. The fact that it is your personal objective is sufficient. One of my executives needed to lose weight. When he came back from the health resort, I made sure there were no meetings that involved meals, and no breakfast muffins, or big slices of birthday cake were placed in front of him. So simple, but much appreciated by my boss in meeting his goal. I kept everything discreet, and he enjoyed the results. Executives should remember their assistant can be their biggest champion and cheerleader. Let them in, give them access and they’ll help you succeed in matters that have major business significance, or are important only to you.
Everything business related that concerns the executive must also concern the assistant. If not, the assistant can’t be effective in their role. And having said that, one area I suggest executives keep separate and to themselves is personal emails, especially from indiscreet friends who don’t realize your assistant has access to your business email. Keep that questionable material away from your business email inbox. If your assistant is joining you on a phone call, let the other parties know your assistant is on the line so they mind what they say. I assure you, there is such a thing as too much transparency, even for a seasoned assistant who has seen, done and heard it all.
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Jan Jones is the author of “The CEO’s Secret Weapon How Great Leaders and Their Assistants Maximize Productivity and Effectiveness”. The book debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases in the Office Management Category. It has received widespread acclaim from executives and executive assistants worldwide. Jan spent 20 years as an esteemed international executive assistant to well-known business people, including personal development icon and author Tony Robbins. Jan is passionate about the executive assistant role and continues to champion the profession through speaking, mentoring and offering timeless, practical advice that is relevant to the day-to-day role of the executive assistant.
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