[Trainerguy]

As a supervisor for years and a development manager 6 to 7 years with another Co. I have always believed that the Office Asst. to the VP or GM was the person I wanted to know. The amount of times I have successfully gotten my message to the big guy and had his full attention I can't count. How many people have the same aproach that I have tried and how many are the Office Asst to a VP or GM that have brought forward good ideas from the lower managers?

[deana79]

As the Executive Assistant to the President/CEO, many members of the management team bring me ideas that they want to pass along to the "big guy." Part of my job is to filter out what ideas are valid and which he really doesn't need to hear. There are also times, that a manager looks to meet with the the Pres to discuss their ideas directly. Either way, it can sometimes helps to expediate the process if you remain on my good side.

Aside from just ideas that a manager may want heard, developing a good relationship with the "big guys" assistant can be very beneficial. I have a good relationship with my boss. He values my oppinion and I can sometimes persuade him. There have been situations when the Pres may have already said no to someone, but after speaking to me and pleading their case if I feel they have a valid point, I will try work with that person to help them get what they need or want from the boss.

[Leah2008]

Ditto! The post by deana79 could have been written by me. It is exactly my postion as Executive Assistant for the Owner/President of the last company I worked at for nearly 11 years, I would have stayed forever, but the business was forced to close.

So you are right in getting on the "good side" of the Exec. Asst. We are normally the eyes and ears of the big guys and they put their trust in us and our opinions.

[Trainerguy]

Thank you Leah, you have confirmed for me the judgement I have been using for years has now been confirmed by two people in the trenches.
I have never shown a phonie interest in the EAs you have got to be honest and looking for a relationship that will benifit the company first and formost. I have made some good friends along the way and I wouldn't change my M.O. even in hindsight.

Thanks again

Trainerguy alias Ken