What Does “Setting A High Bar” Mean?

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What Does “Setting A High Bar” Mean?

July 25, 2024

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

Aspect	High Bar	Average Bar
Task Complexity	High-impact projects, important relationships	Basic admin, calendar management
Output Quality	Polished, ready for external use	Rough drafts, internal use only
Autonomy	Proactive problem-solving	Waiting for instructions and feedback
Skill Development	Continuous learning, new competencies	Static skill set
Process Development	Creates systematic, recurring workflows	One-off task completion

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.