At the top of its class, the Falcon 7X outperforms its competitors in range, efficiency, comfort, technology and design. The 7X is a heavy jet that delivers on all the promises it makes to both pilots and passengers.
Dassault’s Falcon 7X has revolutionized the business jet market with the industry’s first Digital Flight Control System, backed by Dassault’s 30 years of military experience. Transferred directly from Dassault’s fighter jets, this technology gives more precise handling and reduces workload, improving safety. It also mitigates the effects of turbulence for a smooth and quiet ride.
The Falcon 7X’s cabin is taller, wider and designed for an ideal travel experience with 28 windows, ambient lighting, three spacious climate-controlled lounge areas, and technology that makes the cabin quiet for work or rest. The air inside the cabin is humidified and the cabin pressure at 41,000 feet feels like 3,950 feet. While all Falcon 7Xs come standard with a full galley and lavatory, some also come equipped with a second lavatory or an on-board shower, ensuring passengers have everything they need for a pleasant flight and are ready and rested when they arrive at their destination.
According to Dassault, “the advanced cabin management system provides a full complement of entertainment and connectivity tools in an exceptionally user-friendly format. Work, relax, manage cabin features, track flight progress and communicate — and do it all using your own portable devices from anywhere in the cabin. FalconCabin HD+ also includes Skybox, the media server with vast iTunes video and music capacity.”
This aircraft has a range of around 6,100 statute miles with 12 passengers on board and flies at an average speed of 548 mph. The Falcon 7X has a fuel consumption that is 15 to 30% lower than other heavy jets and is powered by three Pratt & Whitney engines, delivering 6,400 pounds of thrust each. Most impressively, it can fly multiple short and long trips without refueling.
The highly intuitive cabin of the Falcon 7X is very spacious measuring 39 feet in length, 7.6 feet in width, and offering over 6 feet of standing height. This aircraft will accommodate 10-12 passengers comfortably, as well as 2 crew members and a flight attendant. The Falcon 7X also has a generous baggage compartment providing 131 cubic feet of storage space.
Other notable features of this jet include: the fly-by-wire system that gives pilots greater control by limiting the pitch of the aircraft, a completely new wing design and unique aerodynamics allowing it to take-off and land at slower speeds giving it access to thousands of small airports. With all of these state-of-the-art enhancements, it is easy to see why the Falcon 7X is a heavy jet favorite.
To request a Falcon 7X 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 the importance of feedback
between executives and their assistants.
For the past five years, FlyPrivate has been 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: How often should you meet with your EA and provide
feedback about their performance? How important is this to the
working relationship?
Jan Jones: Being honest and respectful does wonders for any
relationship, but especially for the delicate balance that must be struck between an executive and assistant. Feedback should be
ongoing, particularly at the start of the relationship, or if the current assistant is not performing up to standard and adjustments need to be made. If something gets dropped, or mistakes are recurring,
address them quickly so there is no undercurrent of dissatisfaction impacting the relationship. Don’t let the EA assume that everything is OK and then suddenly get hit with the news that you are not
happy with their performance. I shared in my book the example of an EA whose new boss seemed to be annoyed with her and she could not figure out why. At a social gathering she finally asked him. He said he was not a morning person so when she called out “Good Morning!” in a cheerful voice, it irritated him. The discussion about work style should have been on the EA’s priority list at the outset. Since she didn’t ask, and it obviously was an issue for him, he should have said something about it. Instead, uncomfortable months went by during that early period when they could have been building trust, respect and rapport.
When an EA is new in the job, I recommend they ask their executive if everything is satisfactory no later than at the end of the first week. Are there any challenges with communication, or work
performance? A simple “How did we do this week, are there any
issues you’d like to discuss?” should quickly let the EA know how they are faring and lets the executive know the assistant is open to feedback. When I started a new job, on the first day I would tell my boss I wanted to hear immediately if they were not satisfied with anything, no matter how minor, so I could fix it. Executives should be specific when giving feedback. Let your assistant know exactly what the issue is. Don’t beat around the bush and leave them perplexed about what you really mean. Don’t let problems build up. For me, once the relationship was established and I knew I could be candid with my boss, I shared my observations but I was careful to pick my moments. The timing has to be right or you’ll wind up doing more damage than good. Feedback works best when it is communicated sincerely and respectfully, without either party feeling intimidated, or put on the spot. It should be communicated in private because it may start out positively, but it could lead to other issues that should be discussed confidentially.
Schedule time for an informal performance discussion at the end of the first 30 days and a formal performance review at the end of the first 90 days. If things are not going well, don’t wait 90 days to
address them. Similarly, if the assistant has settled in well and you are pleased with their performance, let them know and say thank you. If the executive and assistant are working together
comfortably, they probably have sufficient rapport to be able to talk to each other about performance, expectations or
misunderstandings on a frequent basis, not just at review time. Use your instincts. If something feels uneasy, speak up and get it handled.
All relationships require effort and commitment, and the
executive-assistant relationship is no exception. Develop trust and confidence in each other. It creates a space for both of you to safely share what’s on your mind without feelings being hurt, or intentions misunderstood. When trust and support back up your relationship, it creates a sense of comfort in which you are free to thrive and do your best work.
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 Bombardier Challenger 650 was first certified in 2015 as an upgrade to the Challenger 605, a previous model in the Challenger family of business jets. The Challenger 650 offers many refinements from the earlier Challenger 605 including an updated cabin with two additional executive seats and larger galley appliances to reduce meal prep time. The enhancements make the Challenger 650 a highly versatile aircraft for business and personal travel compared to similar heavy jets.
The Challenger 650 is a powerful aircraft with two GE CF34-3B MTO engines. It can fly with ease from London to New York, or equivalent distances around the globe, while also able to take off from shorter runways and more challenging airports than its competitors. This aircraft has a range of around 4,600 statute miles with 12 passengers on board, at an average speed of 515 mph. “Fly confidently with the Bombardier Vision flight deck. The Challenger 650 aircraft is equipped to meet current and upcoming navigational requirements** and offers the industry’s most extensive baseline feature set including synthetic vision and MultiScan weather radar.” – Bombardier
The highly intuitive cabin of the Challenger 650 is very spacious with 6 feet of standing height and measures over 7.9 feet in width. The cabin space can be configured into a 12-passenger executive seating in club configuration, or have a 4-place divan with berthing capability. Many 650s feature a 4-place conference grouping that includes a height-adjustable single pedestal conference table essential for business meetings in the air. This aircraft will accommodate 10-12 passengers comfortably as well as 2 crew members and a flight attendant. The Challenger 650 also has a generous baggage compartment providing 115 cubic feet of external storage that is accessible during flight.
Other notable features of this jet include: an intuitive cabin entertainment system, industry leading high-speed internet connectivity, plug-and-play entertainment experience with universal HDMI and USB ports and wireless control of the cabin environment and entertainment via personal electronic devices. With an advanced cockpit, a cabin built for comfort and productivity, and a first-class galley, private jet travelers highly recommend the Challenger 650.
To request a Challenger 650 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 2004, Raytheon (the maker of the midsize Hawker series)
renamed their popular light jet the Beechjet 400A, the Hawker 400XP. The move was designed to create brand identity among the light and midsize jets that Raytheon produced.
In addition to the name, Raytheon also imported cabin comforts of the midsize Hawker including: additional shoulder and head room, a refined interior design, as well as a flat floor, making it the most
spacious cabin in its class. The baggage space, airspeed and range of the Hawker 400XP rate at the top of the light jet fleet.
The Hawker 400XP is ideal for short trips and is most impressive in the air. With cruise speeds of over 400 knots and fuel-efficient Pratt & Whitney JT15D-5 turbofan engines, pilots agree that the Hawker 400XP is a reliable, efficient and well-designed aircraft.
Primarily available to whole and fractional owners or members of jet membership programs, FlyPrivate’s customers have been able to
enjoy the Hawker 400XP “on-demand” since 2008.
For many customers the Hawker 400XP is their preferred method of travel and we are proud to offer this great aircraft to our customers at a considerable savings and value.
To request a Hawker 400XP 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.
In this article, Author Jan Jones discusses how executive assistants can maintain some sort of work-life balance when they have no backup.
For the past five years, FlyPrivate has been 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: Do you have any advice for EAs who would like to maintain some sort of work-life balance when they have no backup and have to be available 24/7 for their executives even when taking vacation?
Jan Jones: If work-life balance is a priority for you, don’t take a job that doesn’t give you that choice and requires you to be available 24/7. Whether it’s a priority due to family commitments, or your
desire to have personal time for other interests, you make work-life choices. You have to decide your priorities and find a job that fits them.
For certain types of executives it’s expected that their EA will be on call beyond normal business hours. EAs who are accustomed to
supporting that caliber of executive know what’s required of them. For other assistants, ask about it specifically during the interview. If you are concerned about how it might come across, you could ask about the executive’s work style preferences. If they say that their weekends are family time, you’ll know that you probably won’t be disturbed over the weekend. If they go to the gym, get coffee and catch up on the news first thing in the morning, likely you can have those early hours free for your own routines. If they say “I work all hours”, you’ll know what you are in for. Pin down the executive as best you can in order to determine if you’ll routinely be required 24/7, or whether you can have some guarantee of private time
outside of regular business hours.
Business is constantly changing so even if you were told you won’t be needed 24/7, your hours may start increasing as the business
environment shifts. In that case, have a conversation with your
manager to determine if this will be ongoing or temporary and try to establish some middle ground balance that suits both of you.
One assistant shared that her boss agreed not to contact her
between 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm because that was family time when her kids did homework, ate dinner, relaxed and it gave her time to catch up with her husband. Once her kids were in bed, she would resume working if necessary. So these are the kinds of parameters you can establish with your executive to make sure you have private time, but are not completely out of reach.
I understand that assistants may feel frustrated because they don’t set the agenda and that makes life feel out of control. But even if you don’t set the agenda, you can manage the agenda. Set guidelines with your manager that work for both of you. Negotiate the
parameters as early in your tenure as possible. Know that if you let creep happen and the hours start to get longer and longer, it’s up to you to manage it. Remember though, if you are inflexible you could end up in a strained working relationship and find you are not
invited to participate in brainstorming sessions, or given meatier
assignments. You have work-life choices. Choose wisely and accept the consequences of your choices.
Being on call has been typical for higher-level executive assistants even before email and smartphones invaded the workplace. It’s
simply the nature of the EA role, especially for EAs whose executives partner closely and rely on them. 24/7 is routine for that breed of assistant who, like me, thrives on being central to the action and
appreciates the fluid nature of business. But that work style doesn’t suit most assistants. On-call EAs should remember not to overdo it. Burnout sneaks up on you and at some point even the most
committed assistant needs time to decompress and rejuvenate body and soul away from the business.
For better or worse, these days I don’t know of any
senior-level assistants who go on vacation without checking in with work at some point. If you are going on vacation and have no backup, decide with your executive how they’d like your responsibilities
covered. If they don’t want to bring in a temp, or use one of the other assistants, try not to leave them stranded. Some assistants say they like their manager to experience what life is like when they’re not around. OK, but be prepared in case they also realize what is missing when you are around. I like hearing from executives who tell me how thoughtful their assistants are, that even when the EA is not there, they’ve thought things through and made sure their executive is not left high and dry.
Showcase your anticipation skills and come up with contingency plans for when you are away. Offer to find a time when your
executive can reach you if necessary. Or, set up a time when you will check in to make sure your executive doesn’t have anything pressing they need from you. Let them know if you are able to occasionally check messages if your vacation plans permit. I’m not encouraging you to do this; I’m simply suggesting alternatives if your executive will be left to their own devices while you are gone.
In jobs where I had an assistant, when I went on vacation we set up a time for her to call me every day so we could keep current. If later in the day I had some time to spare, I would give her a quick call just to check in. Even though I had an assistant who covered for me, I
completed or got started on recurring work such as end-of-month reports, meeting agendas, signing purchase orders, etc., so work could proceed in my absence and I wouldn’t be too far behind when I got back. I briefed my executive thoroughly on the status of
outstanding projects, let him know that I would be checking in daily with my assistant, and assured him I was available if he needed to get in touch.
Being a 24/7 EA suited me because my work gives me energy. It’s a means of self-expression. The role allows me to do something I’m passionate about. If your lifestyle preferences cannot accommodate being available at all hours, then choose a job that doesn’t place such demands on your time. Your work should support your life choices and those choices should be made without guilt or anxiety. Then, in the words of Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, you can have work-life harmony.
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.
In 2012, Bombardier announced development of a new light
business jet. The Learjet 70 received FAA Certification by 2013 and flew its first flight in 2014. The Learjet 70 is an enhanced version of the Learjet 40, offering notable upgrades to its predecessor. Learjets have always been synonymous with best-in-class business jets, so it is no surprise the Learjet 70 continues to fulfill that legacy.
The Learjet 70’s performance capabilities are quite impressive. With a range of 2371 statute miles and the capability to reach speeds of 534 mph, this jet can travel to more destinations without a fuel stop.
Another impressive feature of this aircraft is its ability to quickly reach high altitudes above the weather, offering a smoother flying experience for passengers. With precise landing gear, this jet can comfortably handle shorter runways with ease. Powerful engines and a new winglet design are just a few examples of advancements that make the Learjet 70 a great choice for charter.
The cabin of the Learjet 70 measures 17′ 8″ in length, 4′ 11″ in height, and 5′ 1″ in width. This aircraftcomfortably seats 6-7
passengers, has stunning interior details and offers all of the
technology needed to conduct business in the sky. The wider cabin makes for a more relaxing flight with ample legroom to stretch out and relax. Executive tables and pop-up monitors in the forward club section offer passengers a comfortable work environment. In
addition, the Learjet 70 has a redesigned galley with more work and storage space for meal service. There is also an aft lavatory on board with a sink and vanity mirror. The Learjet 70 has an external baggage compartment that provides 50 cubic feet of baggage space and
another 15 cubic feet of internal storage. The Learjet 70 truly
embodies the next generation of light business jets.
Pilots are equally as impressed with the Learjet 70. According to Bombardier, “The Bombardier Learjet 70 business jet offers industry leading avionics that ensure superior value and a superlative pilot
experience in all phases of flight. The result is a spacious, well-organized setting for maximum pilot productivity, safety, and convenience. Everything pilots need to know while flying – data, instruments, systems, avionics functions, maps, and weather – is in view and at their fingertips.”
If the Learjet 70 sounds like the right jet for your next flight, please contact us. We’d love to talk to you about your trip and provide you with a complimentary 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.
Are you heading to the Super Bowl 54? Let FlyPrivate arrange all of your private aviation to the Hard Rock
Stadium in Miami Gardens, FL where the two best teams in the NFL, the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, will compete for the coveted Super Bowl Championship.
If you’re planning to attend Super Bowl LIV, please keep these tips in mind when booking your private jet charter:
Book early. Availability of private jets flying to the
biggest sporting event of the year is limited and jets will book rapidly.
Do your homework up front. Many first-time fliers will be waiting on tickets and accommodations.
Knowing costs and availability ahead of time will save you the hassle later and allow you to book swiftly when you are ready.
Avoid game-day travel. If you can avoid flying in and out of the Miami area airports on Super Bowl
Sunday, February 2, 2020, traveling will be a lot less challenging. The host airport is generally closed to
private jets on Super Bowl Sunday due to lack of ramp space. Additional aircraft restrictions are often in effect even after the game. Alternate airports also fill up quickly and a reservation system for private jets flying in and out of nearby airports will likely be in effect. Keep in mind that your final destination could be hours away from the stadium, but we will try our best to help you to plan accordingly.
Plan on the weather. This goes without saying in
February, but weather can cause unexpected delays. Due to winter weather across the country, deicing may be required and further delays may be experienced due to the demand for deicing services. The crew and FBO will be working diligently to make sure your flights fly as close to schedule as possible. Be aware the de-icing fees will be an added expense. Avoiding game-day travel will help ensure that you don’t miss a minute of Super Bowl action.
If you’re planning to see the league’s top teams battle it out, consider FlyPrivate to get you there and back with out unique and flexible “pay as you fly” business model. There are no deposits required to join. Find the best
aircraft values through our valued partnerships, all with the top-notch service you deserve.
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 executive assistants often feel like they are always “putting out fires”.
For the past five years, FlyPrivate has been 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!
“An utterly frustrated assistant asked me “Why is everything last minute? Why am I always putting out fires?”
The nature of business is that situations change constantly and rapidly. Things happen and they have to be dealt with, whether it’s clients who have last-minute issues, a boss who is stranded en route, or technology that is malfunctioning. The executive assistant is the go-to person, so that’s who people go to. On a daily basis you wear many hats and you will be asked to put on any number of those hats at a moment’s notice. Knowing this, realize that flexibility is key. To quote management guru, Gary Hamel, you must be “as nimble as change itself.”
Businesses are not static. They are alive and constantly
recalibrating, so you, dear assistant, have to constantly recalibrate with it. The assistant’s role is not for the faint of heart. You have to develop a stomach for uncertainty and learn to thrive on the
challenge. But that doesn’t mean you have to live with apprehension about what fire will erupt next. There are things within your control and your job is to take control in order to lessen the chance of fires flaring up unexpectedly.”
Read the rest of Jan’s blog on LinkedIn and follow her to see future blog content for Executive Assistants.
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.
At FlyPrivate we act as your agent to “shop” and provide you the best options for your trip. We have developed the most valuable and easiest to use charter program in the country.
Congratulations on accumulating the means to use private aviation, it is a very exclusive club. You are deserving of an equally
accomplished service partner to provide your aviation service.
During those 18 years, we have gained the experience to navigate a very fluid and complex marketplace filled with multiple variables.
When you attempt to do your own charter shopping online, through an app that claims to make the process easier, or engage multiple brokers, you can seriously do yourself a disservice. Our experience has shown that in the long run you will not only realize a better
value, but you will save yourself many valuable hours when you
“surrender” and leave the “shopping” to us. When you work with us, you will make the final choices, but you are protected from the following:
The more you shop, the less the charter operators care about your trip. The charter community is very small. When you engage multiple people to “shop” for your trip, the entire market knows it, and therefore become less likely to negotiate on price. This is especially true if they are getting several requests for the same trip. Charter operators are also less likely to absorb after trip costs such as hangar, catering and de-icing fees when you shop and squeeze every nickel out of a trip. You also unwittingly
expose your trip to being the first trip to be cancelled by an
operator when there is a crew or scheduling issue. Brokers who are known to operators as having trips that are “heavily shopped” do not develop strong relationships with the operators and do not receive top tier treatment. Many will see an itinerary and not even quote it. Is it worth it? We don’t think so.
You don’t know all the planes. There is a secondary
market of aircraft (unknown to most charter brokers and programs). Knowledge of this market produces better aircraft, at better price than you will get on your own.
Know exactly who you are working with. If either the charter brokerage management or their experience is not easily
obtainable on their website or app, what are they hiding? Is it a part-time operation? You should know who is responsible for the sourcing, service and ultimate delivery of your charter trip and experience.
Jet charter is not a commodity. Despite billions of dollars of
investment and many attempts, the air charter business cannot be commoditized due to these 4 uncontrollable variables:
There is a limited supply of aircraft.
Weather has an effect on supply and schedule.
Maintenance (scheduled and unscheduled) interrupt the
supply and performance capability of aircraft.
Private jets are operated by human pilots, who have regulated availability, unforeseen unavailability and are subject to supply limitation.
In short, to fully realize the value and freedom you have earned with your ability to use private aviation, you should leave the shopping and service delivery to professionals. You will be happy you did.
At FlyPrivate, our best customers are experienced private fliers who have owned aircraft or been members in other jet charter programs. What they have learned is that they need quality aircraft, run by an excellent crew, delivered by a trusted and experienced team, with clear upfront pricing.
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.
For the past five years, FlyPrivate has been 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!
In this article, Author Jan Jones discusses robust communication
for executive assistants.
The idea that an executive assistant is a “business partner” with their executive is widely held and enjoying popularity today. Of course, astute executives have forged successful working alliances with their stellar assistants for eons, by understanding the immense
talent an exceptional assistant brings to the table.
How often have you heard it said about an exceptional assistant “she runs the place?” Have you ever wondered how these assistants came to “run the place” and have the self-assurance to do it? I was
fortunate to be one of those nurtured talents known to “run the place”, so may I share first-hand that we didn’t do it by sheltering behind e-mail and voicemail when our executives were sitting in an office beside us. We didn’t send text messages to our
executives instead of getting in front of them to have a conversation about things.
Assistants who “run the place” understand that the responsibility for developing communication with our executives is in our hands, so we take every opportunity to be in personal proximity to them
because we know that to gain their confidence and respect, and help them run the business we need to:
Know what they know
Think like they think
Sound like they sound
Experience their emotions, body language, verbal cues in order to be clear on how they feel about things, and act on their behalf accordingly
Use the terminology they use so they know we understand what they are talking about.
Executives need big-thinking assistants with a wide range of talents, who give them the edge in a hyper-competitive global economy.
Getting this in today’s technology-dependent environment may be another matter because of the way many assistants are choosing to interact with their executives and teams.
When the practice of assistants texting and e-mailing their
executives who are sitting right next to them came to my attention, I reacted with disbelief. How, I asked, does an executive tolerate such a thing, but more importantly why would an assistant not take the opportunity to get face-to-face with their executive so they are
constantly on their executive’s radar?
“My boss doesn’t let me” is a common refrain from assistants. On closer examination, often it is because the assistant did not
previously step up, became complacent, or got discouraged and stopped trying after initial approaches failed. One executive told me, “She better try harder to get my attention”. I urge assistants to
remember your success or failure is always in your hands. Persist, but be smart about it so your executive doesn’t see you as a
nuisance. You are responsible for taking the initiative because you have the most to lose in terms of opportunities, job satisfaction, growth and advancement if you don’t.
Assistants, your executive is your best advocate and integral to your success. If you’ve been passive in your communication, if you’ve been cloistered behind electronic communication, or relying too much on AI and technology to increase your value and skills, then forgive your boss for forgetting you exist. If your boss rarely
interacts with you in person, you won’t spring to mind when an
exciting project comes up that you’d be ideal for. They won’t use you as a sounding board, treat you as a confidant, rely on your counsel, or consider you their “eyes and ears”. You’ll struggle to be an
influencer and won’t have credibility because you haven’t
established it.
If your relationship with your executive is to function as a dynamic partnership, and not just today’s feel-good buzzword, begin taking steps to spend time in each other’s company as frequently as
possible. Schedule time to meet and catch up, even briefly. Pop your head in the door and ask that question you might otherwise text about. Often, when I did that, my executives would invite me in to discuss further, or ask my opinion about something they were
working on. Those exchanges established rapport. I discovered my opinion mattered to my executive. In those one-on-one sessions I learned far more than I realized at the time. They helped me
become expert at my job and grow in stature as a valued assistant. It was not a mere partnership, it was a dynamic partnership –
compelling, productive and effective. Listening and learning directly from my executives set the foundation for the business know-how I apply in my own business today.
Now, I’m not saying don’t e-mail or text your executive. Electronic communication is the lifeblood of business and the convenience and practicality is irreplaceable in today’s workplace. What I’m saying is use your discretion. When you can communicate face-to-face, do so. If your executive is away and you have a challenging situation, pick up the phone, or use FaceTime, etc., to talk it through. You’ll quickly gauge where things stand when you hear tone, agreement,
disagreement, pleasure or frustration. From that you’ll learn how to handle a situation the next time it arises. Over time, your confidence and independence will flourish and your value to the partnership will be strengthened.
Commitment is paramount. If face-to-face communication has not been a frequent practice your executive may object, so you’ll need to persist. Pick your moments, but keep getting in front of your
executive. Make your presence known. Elevate your profile. Earn their confidence. They may feel confused by your new-found desire to take charge and expand your influence. But if you explain that you want to develop a proactive partnership, your executive will
probably welcome your initiative. Always be clear with your
executive that you are not claiming you are their “partner”, but rather you desire to function in a partnership, like allies working together. It will make a difference to those executives who feel
hostile to assistants who claim they are a “business partner”. Yes, many don’t like it, especially if the assistant has not yet proved themselves in their executive’s eyes.
Every executive who wishes to be more effective will appreciate a proactive, resourceful assistant who wants to learn and contribute more. Once you and your executive experience the value of frequent, face-to-face communication and commit to it, you will start functioning in a true alliance, sharing vision, responsibility, knowledge and experiences that enhance your performance and keep you productive, energized, engaged and fulfilled by your work.
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.
