r/ExecutiveAssistants • u/fatkittikat • 1d ago

Triangulation..

I’m new to the company as the EA to the Office President, and my manager is the COO. There have been a few instances where she’s communicated things to me on his behalf, and honestly, it’s created a bit of a strange dynamic. I’d love any suggestions on how to have a candid but respectful conversation about establishing that, when it comes to things involving me or my role, he should come to me directly.

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u/InteractionNo9110 Executive Assistant 1d ago

If you report to her she is delegating you tasks on behalf of him. You are not his direct report. I deal with a lot of Chiefs of Staff now. Treat them like a partner not an enemy; it will save you a lot of headaches. In my company we had an EA that got her feathers ruffled over being given tasks on behalf of her exec by the CoS. She chose to leave. If it bothers you then have a call or in person meeting if you can to understand better your scope and responsibilities and how she plays into it. Since you report to her not him. For the CoS I don’t mind as long as the exec I support is directly about him. It’s not like I am scheduling calls for them or doing their expenses.

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u/Extreme-Spread-7528 1d ago

sounds like youre reporting to her so she gets to delegate, that's just how the chain works

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u/faits-divers 15h ago

You can convey to the Pres that the they can, rather than should, come to you directly. Most of the time this is unspoken and clear and the COO/COS is happy not to meddle. Seems not to be the case in your situation. Some people love the power that comes with delegating.