Best Practice ~ Being Flexible and adaptable

Adaptability and Flexibility

As I mentioned in my last article, best practice isn’t about following a strict set of rules. For EAs, flexibility and adaptability are essential, but what matters most is finding what works best for both you and your executive. Every executive has unique needs and preferences, and those will shift over time. An EA’s flexibility is key to adjusting smoothly when those styles, priorities, and the business changes.

The first part of adaptability is knowing how your executive prefers to work. Do they like detailed updates or a quick summary? Are they highly structured, or more spontaneous? The better you understand these details, the easier it is to adapt and support their working style.

Being flexible doesn’t mean you have to respond to every single request immediately. It’s more about anticipating what’s coming and being ready to adjust your approach to meet their needs. For instance, if your executive often has last-minute changes, try building in buffer time where you can. It makes the day smoother for both of you.

Embrace Change

As an EA, you know that change is just part of the environment. Priorities shift, unexpected challenges pop up and executives come up with “urgent” requests out of nowhere! The best EAs are those that can roll with the punches and get on with it. 

When a new system or process is introduced, think about how it can improve efficiencies and benefit the team. If it seems challenging, dive in and learn it inside-out. You’ll be better able to help others navigate the changes and transition with ease.

Prioritise Effectively

Flexibility also means staying ready to re-prioritise, and knowing what tasks can move or wait. When new requests come in, take a moment to evaluate. What’s urgent, and what can be rescheduled or delegated? Flexibility isn’t about handling everything at once; it’s about focusing on what matters most while staying responsive to changes.

Boundaries 

Adaptability doesn’t mean saying “yes” to everything. It’s important to set clear boundaries so flexibility works for both of you. Make sure you're available without letting yourself burnout. It’s completely fair to be up front about your workload and your limits.

Communication 

Keeping open lines of communication ensures that you and your executive are on the same page. If something feels off or isn’t flowing, bring it up. Ongoing communication helps you find practical ways to keep things running smoothly.

Stay Proactive

Adaptable EAs are proactive. They anticipate needs and challenges instead of just reacting to them. The more you know your exec’s habits and the demands of the role, the better you can stay ahead of potential hurdles. Whether it’s spotting an upcoming deadline or planning for a busy season, your proactive approach is one of your best assets.

At the end of the day, adaptability and flexibility come down to knowing your exec, staying proactive, and keeping your priorities balanced. 

There’s no one “right” way -  find out what works for you and embrace that.