"Why Executive Assistants Should Report Directly to the CEO: Benefits and Drawbacks of Reporting Structures"

In the evolving corporate world, executive assistants (EAs) often report to various roles, such as a Chief of Staff (COS) or Office Manager, rather than directly to the CEO. While this approach can streamline specific processes, it also has distinct drawbacks. Drawing from industry insights and my personal experience, this blog will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each setup and why I firmly believe that direct reporting to the CEO offers the most value for both the EA and the executive.

The Advantages of Reporting to a Chief of Staff or Office Manager

Increased Coordination Across Teams

When an EA reports to a Chief of Staff or Office Manager, there is often a more substantial alignment with overall company processes. A COS typically focuses on large-scale operational tasks, project management, and long-term strategy, coordinating across departments to meet company goals. This can improve efficiency by reducing silos and streamlining communication throughout the company.

Greater Focus on Strategic Initiatives

A COS handles a company's strategic initiatives, allowing the CEO to concentrate on high-level decision-making without getting bogged down by operational details. This enables EAs to focus on their administrative duties while the COS ensures that large projects and cross-functional tasks are kept on track.

Additional Buffer

The COS can act as a gatekeeper, ensuring that only the most critical issues reach the CEO’s desk. This provides a level of filtering that can benefit both the EA and the CEO, reducing the day-to-day noise and distractions.

The Disadvantages of Reporting to a Chief of Staff or Office Manager

Diluted Communication

One major drawback of having an intermediary between the EA and CEO is that communication becomes diluted. Information passed through a COS or Office Manager risks losing nuance and critical context, impacting how tasks are handled. In my experience, hearing directives straight from the CEO leads to better clarity and understanding of their expectations.

Decreased Influence and Trust

Reporting directly to the CEO allows an EA to build a more trusting relationship with the executive through direct communication, helping the EA anticipate the executive’s needs and preferences. This rapport is more challenging when reporting to a COS or Office Manager, and the EA’s full potential to influence and support the executive may be stifled.

Missed Opportunities for Professional Growth

Another downside is that their contributions may go unnoticed when an EA reports to an intermediary. Direct reporting provides an opportunity to showcase problem-solving skills and initiative. This can enhance the EA’s visibility and provide opportunities for career growth within the company.

Why Direct Reporting to the CEO is More Effective

I’ve found that reporting directly to the CEO in my career enables a stronger working relationship. With no intermediary, I can quickly understand how the CEO operates, their priorities, and how they like things done. This direct line of communication allows me to anticipate their needs better, align my work with their strategic vision, and offer suggestions that would otherwise be filtered through a COS or Office Manager.

Direct reporting fosters a sense of partnership, where the EA isn’t just a support role but a trusted collaborator. This partnership enhances efficiency because tasks are understood in full context and can be completed faster and more accurately. Moreover, the EA’s ability to step in and solve problems independently is far more visible, allowing the executive to rely more heavily on their assistant, ultimately maximizing productivity.

While there are advantages to an EA reporting to a Chief of Staff or Office Manager—such as increased coordination and a more strategic focus—these benefits often come at the cost of diluted communication and missed opportunities for building trust. Reporting directly to the CEO offers the best chance for the EA to fully realize their potential by fostering a direct, effective, and trusted relationship with the executive. In my experience, this direct line of communication leads to better results and a more fulfilling partnership between EA and CEO.