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Your Executive just left. Now what?
Published 1 day ago • 3 min read
Wednesday
1st April
No: 61
Your Exec has left the building. Now what?
If your Exec leaves… here’s what actually matters
If you’ve ever had that moment where your Executive tells you they’re leaving, or you hear it through the grapevine before anything is official, you’ll know how quickly everything starts to shift.
One minute, you’re running a normal week. The next, you’re in the middle of leadership changes, unclear decisions, and a lot of people asking you questions you don’t have answers to yet. On top of the fat you know full well people are having conversations about your future that you might not be involved in.
So, rather than jumping ahead to “what does this mean for my job?”, this week's newsletter covers where to focus first.
When your Executive leaves, it can feel strange to suddenly be the one waiting for answers, or depending on how they leave, completely blindsided by events. In this article, we will explore what actually happens when your Executive leaves, what to focus on in those first few days, how to protect your role, and how to think about your next move.
Let’s talk about onboarding a New Executive, a task that can be challenging but is also an opportunity for us, as EAs, to showcase our skills and add real value. Onboarding requires careful planning, clear communication, and a proactive mindset. In this article, we’ll explore Diana Brandl’s 10-point strategy plan for onboarding a new Executive.
What to do in those first few days after your Exec announces they are leaving
Get clarity on your position early You don’t need every detail, but you do need to know where you stand. Speak to HR or your Executive’s manager and ask directly what happens to your role in the short term.
Work out who is actually in charge now There is usually an interim structure, even if no one has explained it properly. Who is covering your Executive’s responsibilities? Who is making decisions? Who do approvals now sit with?
Keep the day-to-day running There will still be meetings, emails, approvals, and people needing direction. This is where you add a lot of value. You are often the only person who can keep things moving while everyone else is working out what is going on.
Manage expectations around you People will come to you for answers. It’s completely fine to say you don’t have them yet. What matters is that you stay calm, keep communication clear, and don’t guess or fill in gaps when you don't know for sure.
Give yourself a minute to process it Even when it’s expected, it can feel strange. You might have worked closely with this person for years. It’s fine to take a step back and process it, while still keeping things steady professionally.
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