Avoiding Assumptions When Supporting a New Executive

Stepping into a new Executive Assistant role is exciting, and let’s be honest, sometimes a little intimidating. You’re ready to prove yourself, support your executive, and build a relationship that works. But sometimes, before you’ve even logged in for your first day, there’s chatter.

Coworkers pull you aside with warnings about the “difficult” boss, the “demanding” VP, the “impossible” expectations. Suddenly, you’re carrying baggage that isn’t even yours.

Here’s the truth: You don’t have to take it on. You get to decide how you show up and how you see the people you support.

One of the greatest strengths of exceptional EAs is emotional intelligence. You know how to read people, adapt your communication style, and build trust in your own way. Just because someone else struggled with an executive doesn’t mean you will.

Everyone brings their own energy to a relationship. What didn’t work for one person might click for you. But if you go in expecting friction, you’ll likely find it — whether it was ever really there or not.

How to Keep the Gossip at Bay

Whether you’re starting a new EA role or stepping into any new professional relationship, try this approach instead:

1. Don’t Carry Someone Else’s Baggage
   Past dynamics are just that — past. Let your own interactions guide you.
   
   
2. Be Curious, Not Judgmental
   Ask questions. Listen. Observe. Make your own calls based on your experience.
   
   
3. Give People a Fair Chance
   Assume the best until proven otherwise. Often, you’ll be surprised how much that optimism pays off.
   
   
4. Trust Your Instincts
   You’re in this role for a reason and your judgment is a strength. Lean on it.
   
   
5. Distance Yourself From the Whisperers
   If a colleague’s main contribution is gossip, it’s time to set some boundaries. That energy rarely comes from a place of genuine support.

Build the Relationship You Want

At the end of the day, your success as an EA comes down to the relationships you build directly, authentically, and on your own terms. Let people earn your opinion. Don’t borrow someone else’s.

When you shut down the whisperers and stay focused on your own interactions, you create space for real trust, better communication, and a working relationship that works for you.

Ready to Strengthen Your Skills Even More?

If you want to boost your confidence and sharpen the communication and relationship-building skills that set top EAs apart, ASAP’s Digital Training Library has you covered. Explore webinars, courses, and resources designed to help you navigate even the trickiest dynamics with professionalism and ease.