How to Spot the Difference Between a Good EA and a Great EA

There is no shortage of good Executive Assistants. They are organized, dependable, and able to keep a busy person on track. But in the world of high pressure schedules, shifting priorities, and fast moving business lives, a good EA is not the same as a great one. The gap between the two is wide, and once you have worked with someone truly exceptional, you can never go back.

A good EA manages tasks. A great EA manages outcomes. Good EAs operate from a checklist. Great EAs understand what you are solving for and make decisions through that lens. They see the larger picture and anticipate what is needed before anyone has to ask. You will notice that you feel less overwhelmed and more supported, because they are thinking three steps ahead instead of reacting in real time.

Communication is another dividing line. Good EAs relay information. Great EAs shape it. They know which details matter, what decisions need to be made, and how to deliver information in a way that saves you time. They protect your attention and build structure around your day, so you can stay focused on the highest value work. Their emails, updates, and follow through are clear, complete, and thoughtful. You do not have to explain things twice.

Emotional intelligence is what elevates an EA into an indispensable partner. A good EA is polite. A great EA reads people and environments with ease. They know when to step in, when to pull back, and how to be a steady presence during stressful moments. They understand the personalities that orbit your world and adjust their approach to match. This is the kind of assistant who can gracefully navigate executives, staff, talent, and vendors without leaving a trail of friction.

Great EAs also understand the rhythm of both business and life. They create order, reduce chaos, and keep everything moving with intention. They notice what you do not have time to see. If a project is drifting, they bring it back. If a detail is missing, they fix it before it becomes a problem. They move with quiet confidence and take ownership of every touchpoint connected to you.

The biggest difference is this: good EAs support you. Great EAs liberate you. They give you back your time, your clarity, and your ability to think at a higher level. You feel the shift in your stress, your productivity, and your sense of control. It is not about perfection. It is about care, judgment, and a deep understanding of what makes your world work.

Clients often ask how to identify this level of talent. The answer is simple. You know within the first week. A great EA makes your life noticeably easier, smoother, and more organized. They remove obstacles before they land. They ask the right questions. They make you feel like you can breathe again.

For leaders who want to scale their lives, their companies, and their impact, investing in a great EA is not a luxury. It is a strategic decision. The right person becomes the engine behind everything you do, which is why spotting the difference is essential.