What Does “Setting A High Bar” Mean?
Setting a high bar between you and your executive assistant means two things:
- Expecting high-quality output
- Delegating high-leverage tasks
Ideally, setting higher standards should cultivate a partnership that goes beyond simple task completion. A higher bar does not necessarily mean a greater workload. However, it almost always equates to a higher impact of work.
To understand what setting a high bar looks like in practice, it's helpful to contrast it with the average expectations many executives have for their assistants. Let's break down the key differences:
High Bar vs. Average Bar
You are transforming the assistant role from a support function to a productive partnership.
Benefits of raising the bar for your assistant
For your assistant:
→ Accelerated skill development
→ Increased job satisfaction
→ Clear path for career growth
For you:
→ Ability to focus on truly critical tasks
→ Improved overall productivity
→ Development of a high-performing team member
How to actually raise your bar
Now that we understand what setting a high bar means, let's explore two practical methods for implementing this approach:
- The Horse Race Method
- The Moonshot Method
The key to success with both methods is:
→ Patience
→ Clear communication
→ Willingness to invest time upfront
As you and your assistant work through these processes, you'll develop a shared language and understanding that makes delegation more efficient and effective over time.