EA Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement: Insights from C&C Search’s Roundtable Event
At C&C Search, we are passionate about fostering the growth and development of EAs, PAs and business support professionals. Our recent EA Lead/Manager Roundtable on Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement for EA Development was a thought-provoking session filled with thought-provoking insights, valuable discussions and practical takeaways for those navigating the evolving demands of executive support.
A Multi-Generational Approach to Leadership & EA Management
One of the central themes of the roundtable was the importance of adapting management styles across different generations. With workplaces now spanning four generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Older Millennials, and Younger Millennials/Gen Z—understanding how to engage and lead effectively is crucial.
Baby Boomers often value hierarchy and structured leadership, preferring clear roles and responsibilities.
Gen X tends to favour autonomy and a results-driven approach, appreciating direct and transparent communication.
Older Millennials are collaborative and adaptable, balancing structure with flexibility.
Younger Millennials and Gen Z expect inclusivity, technological integration and purpose-driven leadership.
The discussion highlighted that EAs must act as bridge-builders, translating expectations and work styles between generations to enhance productivity and collaboration.
Case Studies: How Roundtable Discussions Drive Business Impact
Throughout the session, we explored real-world examples of how structured EA-leadership engagement can transform executive support functions and business operations. Here are some key case studies that resonated with attendees:
1. Regular Roundtables where EAs and executives discuss priorities, challenges & opportunities.
A global investment firm introduced a quarterly EA & Leadership Alignment Forum where EAs shared insights on executive efficiency. This resulted in leadership implementing more structured decision-making frameworks to reduce meeting overload.
2. Leadership Shadowing Programs: Leaders spend time shadowing EAs to understand their workload & how they enable executive performance.
A tech company introduced a "Walk in Their Shoes" initiative where executives spent a half-day with an EA. The leadership team gained a new appreciation for EA workflows, leading to changes in delegation practices.
3. Leadership Involvement in EA Development Programs: Invite executives to participate in EA upskilling programs as guest speakers, mentors or panellists.
A law firm launched an EA Future Leaders program where partners mentored EAs. This strengthened relationships and led to the creation of new hybrid roles bridging administration and operations.
4. EA-Led Innovation Labs: Create structured brainstorming sessions where EAs & leaders collaborate to solve operational inefficiencies.
A consultancy firm formed EA Innovation Labs where EAs proposed new ways to streamline leadership workflow. One initiative implementing AI-driven scheduling reduced meeting coordination time by 40%.
5. Strategic Off-sites & Leadership/EA Retreats: Organise an annual or bi-annual off-site where EAs and leadership jointly plan for operational efficiency & goal alignment.
A private equity firm hosted an offsite where EAs and executives mapped out how to better manage executive bandwidth. This resulted in clearer decision-making frameworks for the leadership team.
6. EA Representation in Leadership Meetings: Designate a senior EA representative to join leadership meetings to provide operational insights.
A financial services firm invited a senior EA to executive committee meetings, leading to better alignment between leadership decisions and support staff execution.
7. Recognition & Advocacy Programs: Implement structured programs where leaders actively recognise & advocate for EA contributions.
A FTSE 250 company launched an EA Excellence Awards where executives publicly acknowledged high-impact EA contributions. This boosted engagement and professional pride within the EA team.
8. Reverse Mentorship Between EAs and Leadership: Pair EAs with executives in a reverse mentorship model, where EAs provide insights into digital tools, workflow efficiency & workplace culture.
A global law firm introduced a Digital Mentorship initiative where EAs taught senior leaders how to maximise productivity apps. This not only improved tech adoption but also deepened trust between EAs and leadership.
Key Takeaways for EA Leaders & Managers
The discussions during the roundtable reinforced the evolving role of EAs as strategic partners rather than simply administrative supporters. Some of the key takeaways included:
Embracing Generational Differences: Understanding and adapting to different work styles enhances collaboration and efficiency.
Proactive Leadership Engagement: Regular forums and leadership briefings empower EAs to contribute strategically.
Investing in EA Development: Upskilling programs and leadership mentorship initiatives strengthen the EA-executive relationship.
Driving Innovation: EAs play a crucial role in identifying operational inefficiencies and implementing tech-driven solutions.
Final Thoughts
The EA Lead/Manager Roundtable was a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences and build stronger networks within the EA community. As the role of executive support professionals continues to evolve, ongoing collaboration between EAs and leadership will be essential in shaping the future of business operations.
If you’d like to be part of our future roundtable discussions or explore C&C Search’s training and development programs, get in touch with us today!
For EA/PA, HR and Business Support recruitment, contact philippa@candcsearch.co.uk
For keynotes, training, workshops and group coaching, contact lucy@candcsearch.co.uk
For C&C Academy, contact anna.r@candcacademy.com
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