How to plan an executive assistant's first week

Prepare the workflow

Start by documenting the first systems, people, routines, risk boundaries, onboarding owner, and check-ins. Keep the scope precise enough that a trained assistant knows what complete input looks like.

Name the operational owner, decision owner, source of truth, and expected timing. Clear boundaries let support staff move work forward without taking authority that belongs to the executive.

Operate with a clear record

During normal work, combine controlled access, observation, documented preferences, small tasks, and daily questions. Record status where primary and backup owners can find it.

Close each handoff with one owner and one next action. Reliable executive support depends on visible commitments rather than memory, private notes, or repeated follow-up.

Handle exceptions deliberately

When the normal rule does not fit, state the consequence, viable options, recommended response, and person who can decide. Sensitive information stays in its approved controlled system.

Urgency should narrow the decision required, not erase access controls or conceal which existing commitment will move.

Review and improve

Review repeated questions, missed handoffs, unnecessary escalations, and delays. Update the smallest rule that prevents the same failure while keeping the workflow usable.

Connect improvements to the executive office operating rhythm and executive priority intake process.