The Next Step Agency

Before you hire an assistant, do this first.

Too many high-impact leaders hire before they’re aligned with the model of support that will best serve them.

Before you waste time, money, or miss the opportunity to build real momentum—get clear on what kind of support you truly need.

Here are 5 things you must do before hiring an assistant:

1. Clarify what outcomes you need

2. Understand your leadership & communication style

3. Build simple systems for tasks you’re delegating

4. Decide what you’re willing to let go of

5. Shift your mindset—support is strategic, not subservient

Are you ready to build a partnership with executive support that multiplies your time and impact? If so, I can help!

Whether you’re preparing to hire or already have an assistant who’s overwhelmed and underutilized—I can support you and your team through Help Desk®, where I partner with both executives and their administrative professionals to operate in sync, with clarity, structure, and results. Let’s schedule your consultation at workwithfrances.com

There are complexities of having good help.

Are you a thriving leader discovering the journey of team building?

If this question resonates with you, continue reading…

First: Acknowledge the Challenge

Many leaders struggle with delegation and trust because their success has often come from personal control over key aspects of their operations. Adding to this, feelings of imposter syndrome might arise, as leaders sometimes worry that needing help could signal that they worry with some form of insufficiency.

Second: Embrace the Mindset Shift

To overcome these barriers, leaders must adopt a mindset that views assistance not as a sign of weakness, but as a strategic advantage.

Here are 4 focus development strategies that can empower you to embrace change specific to integrating assistants and administrative leaders into your core executive teams.

1. Reframe Delegation as Empowerment

Leaders should see delegation not as losing control, but as empowering their team to operate at higher levels. This allows for enhanced decision-making, strategic oversight, and time management.

2. Trust as a Growth Enabler

Trusting gifted assistants enables leaders to focus on their visionary roles. By allowing assistants to handle essential tasks, leaders have more room to innovate and drive impact throughout those supporting the business.

3. Recognize the Giftedness of Others

Assistants are often deeply skilled professionals who bring specific expertise in executive leadership and company operations. Leaders who acknowledge and utilize these skills create a more effective and favorable working and growth environments.

4. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Leaders can combat imposter syndrome by understanding that needing support does not diminish their value. Instead, it highlights one’s leadership maturity, recognizing that all great leaders build strong teams to drive results and impact.

A successful leader should focus on building trust, allowing assistants the room to thrive, which leads to creating a dynamic environment of mutual growth.

By shifting their perspective, visionary leaders will not only increase their capacity for strategic thinking but will also cultivate a more agile and efficient organization.

Leveraging the expertise of trusted assistants is not just about handling tasks; it’s a key strategy for fostering sustainable growth, driving innovation, and achieving operational excellence.

Thank you for coming to my TedTalk!

The Next Step Agency Help Desk®

BOI report update: If your company existed before January 1, 2024, it must file its initial beneficial ownership information report by January 1, 2025.

Dear Business Owner or Representative:

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) was passed by the United States Congress to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The CTA establishes a beneficial ownership information reporting requirement for corporations, limited liability companies, and other similar entities created or registered to do business in the United States. The beneficial ownership information reports must be filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau within the U.S. Department of Treasury. Reporting companies that were formed or registered prior to January 1, 2024, must file an initial beneficial ownership information report by January 1, 2025. Reporting companies that were formed on or after January 1, 2024, must file a beneficial ownership information report within 90 calendar days of notice of formation. Reporting companies that were formed on or after January 1, 2025, must file a beneficial ownership information report within 30 calendar days of notice of formation. Beneficial ownership information reports are filed at https://www.fincen.gov/boi.

The requirement to report beneficial ownership and other information about the business directly to FinCEN applies to most businesses registered with our office. As it is important for our office to assist businesses in our state, we want to inform you of this new reporting requirement as failure to comply may result in significant civil and criminal penalties. We encourage you to review the information found here: https://www.fincen.gov/boi.

Our office is not collecting this information, nor do we have access to the information reported to FinCEN. The Secretary of State’s staff cannot provide information, advice, or legal counsel regarding FinCEN’s beneficial ownership information reporting requirements. Please contact FinCEN if you have any questions or concerns:

Phone number: 1-800-767-2825
Website: https://www.fincen.gov/contact

Sincerely,

Georgia Secretary of State’s Office

Beneficial Ownership Information - See comments

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