Building Trust as the New Executive Assistant
When you’re stepping into a role once held by a standout assistant, it can feel like you’re walking into someone else’s rhythm. Building trust as the new executive assistant in this kind of transition is both a challenge and an opportunity. Your predecessor likely had a strong EA-executive relationship built on years of understanding, subtle cues, and a fine-tuned dynamic. Now, it’s your turn to learn your executive, anticipate their needs, and develop your own way of working together.
Building Trust as the New Executive Assistant Starts with Listening and Observing
It’s tempting to dive right in, make improvements, and demonstrate your skills early, but the most effective way to earn trust is by listening first. What are the systems already in place? Which tools and workflows were working well? What mattered most to your executive in the last partnership? Don’t just ask what they want—look for what they need, even if they don’t say it directly.
The new executive assistant who pays attention to nuances—tone, timing, pace—builds trust more quickly than the one trying to prove they’re better than the last EA. Respect the legacy you’re stepping into, but don’t try to replicate it. This is about building something new.
Ask intentional questions:
- What’s something your last assistant did that made your day easier?
- Are there pain points you’re feeling right now that we can address early?
- What does a productive day look like for you?
You’re not asking to compare yourself—you’re gathering intel. That insight lays the groundwork for a strong EA-executive relationship going forward.
Understand Your Executive’s Leadership Style
Every leader has a unique style, and knowing your executive’s approach to leadership will help you anticipate their needs. Whether they’re a visionary thinker, someone who values autonomy, or more hands-on with day-to-day tasks, understanding their preferred way of working will help you adjust quickly. If they like to manage the big picture, you may find that they trust you to handle the details. On the other hand, if they’re more involved in day-to-day operations, clear communication and regular check-ins might be important.
The key is to pay attention to how they operate and then adapt. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—whether it’s about how they like to receive updates or what their decision-making process looks like. Knowing this will allow you to stay a step ahead and tailor your support in a way that fits their leadership style.
Establish Consistency Early On
Executives don’t just trust titles—they trust results. If you want to start building trust as the new executive assistant, consistency is non-negotiable. Follow through on what you say you’ll do. Meet deadlines. Come to meetings prepared. Deliver updates without being asked.
This kind of dependability isn’t flashy, but it’s what earns you credibility. Your executive may still be adjusting to the absence of someone they relied on heavily. Your calm and steady presence can help stabilize that transition.
Remember, you don’t have to know everything right away. The strongest new executive assistants are learners first. Use the first 90 days to understand the landscape, ask thoughtful questions, and notice the patterns in how your executive works and thinks. This isn’t just about logistics—it’s about alignment.
Don’t Let Comparison Steal Your Confidence
Taking over from a beloved assistant can be intimidating. Your executive might refer to their previous EA often, or compare how things used to be done. Don’t let that shake your sense of value. It’s human nature to compare during change.
You weren’t hired to be a copy of someone else. You were hired for your strengths, your intuition, and your ability to create solutions your way. Building trust as the new executive assistant means giving your executive a new experience of partnership, one that’s rooted in what you bring to the table.
Own that. Instead of trying to live up to someone else’s style, focus on what makes you effective:
- Are you naturally strategic and forward-thinking?
- Do you shine in high-pressure moments?
- Are you the calm in the chaos?
These are traits that build trust over time. A new executive assistant who can confidently bring their own skill set to the role often earns lasting respect.
Build the EA-Executive Relationship with Intentional Check-Ins
The foundation of every strong EA-executive relationship is communication. Don’t wait for feedback—invite it. Set up weekly or biweekly check-ins where you can align on goals, talk about what’s working, and address any gaps before they become frustrations.
Use those meetings not only to update your executive but to share insights:
- “I noticed your calendar is packed with back-to-back meetings—do you want a buffer added between sessions?”
- “You’ve had a lot of evening events lately. Would it be helpful to shift your morning start times next week?”
These aren’t just administrative adjustments—they show that you’re thinking ahead and that you care about how your executive feels day to day.
The more you show that you understand their preferences, patterns, and pressures, the more natural the trust will become. In time, that trust will be the core of your new strong EA-executive relationship.
Master the Art of Anticipation
One of the most valuable skills you can develop as an executive assistant is the ability to anticipate your executive’s needs before they even ask. Anticipation shows you’re proactive, dependable, and that you truly understand how your executive works. Whether it’s preparing documents ahead of time or flagging potential issues before they arise, being ahead of the game is a huge asset.
You can improve this skill by observing your executive’s habits and priorities. Pay attention to patterns—like the type of meetings they usually have, the way they communicate, and what often slips through the cracks. The more you understand these nuances, the easier it becomes to anticipate what they need and when.
Respect the Legacy—but Don’t Stay in Its Shadow
It’s worth honoring the systems, habits, and dynamics that came before you. They were part of what made your executive successful. But clinging too tightly to them can keep you from building your own identity in the role.
You might find areas where the previous EA had a great system, but it doesn’t fit how you work best. Or where a task was done a certain way for years, but the need behind it has changed. As the new executive assistant, it’s okay to question those things—gently, and with thoughtfulness.
Building trust as the new executive assistant doesn’t mean resisting change—it means introducing it in ways that support the executive’s goals. When you innovate with purpose, not ego, your executive will begin to rely on you for more than just task completion—they’ll look to you for partnership.
How to Make the Most of Feedback and Grow into the Role
Starting fresh in any role means there’s always room to grow, and feedback is a great tool to help you get there. As the new assistant, you may not know everything right off the bat, and that’s okay. But asking for feedback regularly shows you’re invested in the role and committed to becoming a trusted partner.
Ask for specific feedback after completing tasks or projects. Was there anything you could have done better? Are there any areas you could improve? This feedback will not only help you hone your skills but also show your executive that you’re taking initiative and striving for continuous improvement. The more feedback you receive and apply, the faster you’ll gain confidence in your role and build trust with your executive.
You’re Not Filling Someone Else’s Shoes—You’re Bringing Your Own
Building trust as the new executive assistant after someone exceptional doesn’t mean you have to match them. It means showing up with clarity, empathy, and consistency. Over time, you’ll create your own rhythm with your executive—one that’s grounded in mutual trust, honest communication, and shared momentum.
Transitions are never seamless, but they don’t have to be chaotic. With intention, self-awareness, and a commitment to service, you can step into your new EA role and build a partnership that’s just as impactful, if not more.
