Every assistant knows the feeling: you start working with a new executive and, within days, you can sense whether this is going to be a strong partnership or an uphill battle.
That’s because the first 30 days of any assistant–executive relationship are critical. It’s during this time that expectations are set, trust is built (or broken), and working rhythms are either aligned or left to drift. And yet, despite how crucial this window is, assistants are often left without structure, guidance, or support on how to maximise the effectiveness of these first few weeks.
It’s still far too common to hear assistants say, “I was thrown in the deep end,” or “No one told me what they wanted, I had to guess.” But the data shows just how high the stakes really are:
✨ 70% of successful long-term working relationships start with strong rapport in the first month – Centre for Creative Learning
✨ 33% of new professional partnerships fail due to misaligned expectations in the first few weeks – Gallup Workplace Research
✨ 60% of managers say onboarding takes a year, but the tone is set in month one – Harvard Business Review
The Real-World Impact of a Strong Start
When assistants and execs get that early alignment right, the impact can be transformational. Priorities are clearer. Communication becomes intuitive. Time is used more effectively. And perhaps most importantly, trust becomes a two-way street.
Take Sarah, a senior EA who was paired with a newly appointed COO at a global fintech firm. Instead of being left to “figure it out,” they spent their first two weeks in structured onboarding sessions, discussing expectations, reviewing workflows, and aligning on what success looked like for each of them. Within a month, they had already implemented changes that improved scheduling efficiency and reduced email volume by 40%. Their relationship is still going strong three years later.
Contrast that with Liam, an experienced PA who joined a high-growth startup. He wasn’t given any onboarding, just a calendar and a vague job description. Miscommunications piled up. Meetings were missed. Trust eroded. Within six weeks, he’d moved teams, and the executive was back to square one.
The key difference between Sarah and Liam? Preparation. Support. Structure.
Why Assistants Deserve Better
The assistant–exec relationship is one of the most high-leverage dynamics in any organisation. When it works, it drives productivity, sharpens focus, and creates space for better leadership. When it fails, the ripple effects are felt across the business.
And yet, assistants are too often expected to simply “get on with it”, without tools, training, or even a proper conversation.
This isn’t just unfair, it’s a waste of potential. Assistants are commercial assets, not administrative extras. But to show up at that level, they need the same level of investment that other critical roles receive. That’s why professional training and support around onboarding practices isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s essential.
Making Better the New Normal
At The Assistant Room, we believe every assistant should have the skills and confidence to build a high-trust, high-functioning partnership from day one.
That’s why we’re hosting a one-hour live masterclass on Friday 13th June at 12pm (UK time):
“How to Onboard Your New Exec Like a Pro”, led by the brilliant coach Abigail Jones.
This session is designed to give assistants the tools they’ve too often had to go without, so they can lead, shape, and elevate the relationships that shape their careers.
Whether you’re welcoming a new exec to the business or stepping into a new role yourself, you’ll gain actionable insights to approach those early days with confidence and clarity.
You’ll Learn:
– Key actions to take in the first week that set up long-term success
– How to quickly understand your exec’s working style and communication preferences
– Where to focus your time and energy during the first 30 days
Takeaway Tools:
– A simplified 30-day onboarding checklist
– A working-style alignment template
– Quick-start conversation prompts to clarify expectations early
Members of The Assistant Room? Register now via your dashboard.
Not a member yet? We’d still love to have you. Click here to confirm your attendance and access your complimentary Assistant Room membership which is included in order to support you with your ongoing training.
Assistants shouldn’t have to guess how to succeed. They should be equipped and empowered to build brilliant partnerships from day one. We look forward to seeing you there!