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Building the Managing Up Muscles |
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Stop the Busy from Drowning the Important
This week, we’re diving into what managing up really looks like in practice - and spoiler: it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing what matters. If you’re stuck in the never-ending back-and-forth of meetings and endless to-dos, these quick tips will help you reclaim time, think strategically, and show up as the leader your Exec needs.
- Stop Saying Yes to Everything
Just because it fits in the calendar doesn’t mean it belongs there. Start protecting time like it’s gold - because it is.
- Make Space to Think
For both you and your Exec. Planning time isn’t wasted time; it’s where strategy starts. Give yourself permission to step off the hamster wheel.
- Don’t Confuse Loud with Important
Inbox on fire? Constant pings? Step back and ask: “Is this actually moving us forward?” If not, delegate, delay, or delete.
- Lead from Behind the Scenes
Managing up isn’t flashy, but it is a smart move for EAs. Mastering the calendar, carving out focus time, and prioritizing the right things? That’s real power.
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Managing up as an Executive Assistant means creating a two-way, high-trust partnership with your Executive. It’s understanding what they need, sometimes before they do, and setting up systems that support their success and your own. When you manage up well, it transforms how you're seen inside the business.
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Behind every successful Executive, there’s often someone like us working in sync with them, making a pivotal contribution to their achievements. Developing a strong working relationship with your Executive is a critical part of how we maximize our potential and contribute to the organization’s success
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The Power of Project Management Masterclass
LIVE on Friday May 9th, 2025 – 10am EDT | 3pm BST | 4pm CEST
If you’re responsible for supporting or leading projects, you know the importance of having a clear, structured approach that everyone can follow. Our upcoming Masterclass is designed specifically for Executive Assistants who want to manage projects more strategically, work more collaboratively, and confidently drive successful outcomes from start to finish.
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Monday.Com
You’ve probably come across Monday.com, but if you’re not using it to manage work with your Executive, it might be worth a second look. It’s a great tool for keeping track of shared priorities, project timelines, and weekly goals — all in one place. It helps reduce back-and-forth, gives your Exec visibility without the overwhelm, and makes it easier for you to stay ahead, spot issues early, and manage up with confidence.
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This Week’s Managing Up Challenge: Be the Guardian of the Calendar
This week, your challenge is simple (but mighty): every time a new meeting request comes in, pause and ask - Is this busy or important?
Why it matters:
✅ It protects your Executive’s time for what truly moves the needle.
✅ It shows you’re thinking strategically, not just slotting things in.
✅ It builds trust in your judgment - the cornerstone of managing up.
Need a starting point?
When a meeting lands in the inbox, try one of these small actions:
- Ask the sender for an agenda before accepting.
- Suggest a shorter meeting or async update if it’s not a priority.
- Batch similar meetings to protect focus time.
- Politely decline or reschedule if it conflicts with your Exec’s peak energy hours.
We’d love to know: what did you not schedule this week, and what impact it made? Share your smart scheduling moves in The EA Campus Community so we can cheer you on!
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The EA Campus Events Calendar |
May 9th, 2025 @ 10.00am ET | 3:00pm GMT
Project Management Masterclass
In this Masterclass, you will explore the core principles of project management, effective planning, stakeholder communication, and workflow optimization tailored specifically to the unique responsibilities of Executive Assistants. By the end of this three-hour masterclass, you will have a strong grasp of project management fundamentals, an actionable plan for structuring and leading projects, and the confidence to drive successful outcomes. Book now>>>
May 16, 2025 @ 9.00am ET | 2:00pm GMT
Impact Virtual Summit
This Summit will empower Assistants with the skills to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts with confidence, and develop emotional intelligence. By enhancing these interpersonal abilities, Assistants will foster stronger relationships, improve team dynamics, and contribute meaningfully to their workplace, ensuring they excel in every aspect of their role. Book now>>>
May 30, 2025 @ 10.00am ET | 3:00pm GMT
Collaborative Assistant Masterclass
The Collaborative Assistant Masterclass is a comprehensive masterclass designed to enhance your skills as an Executive Assistant in today’s fast-paced business environment. This masterclass is tailored to equip you with the essential tools and knowledge to work seamlessly within your Executive’s inner circle, drive their success, and add significant value to your organization. Book now>>>
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We’d love to hear from you!
Share your feedback and tell us more about your work, goals, and how we can support your career growth. Take a quick survey and help us shape the future of The EA Campus.
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