What's Keeping Your Wheels Northbound? - Organizational Leadership

In this episode of Northbound, Chris highlights the critical role of office assistants as organizational linchpins. He explores how assistants often run the culture, operations, and communication hubs of an organization—even more than some executives realize. This episode provides practical guidance for leaders on giving assistants authority, building trust, preventing burnout, providing fair compensation, and fostering a culture of respect. Discover why supporting your office staff isn't just kindness—it's essential leadership.

• Office assistants are organizational linchpins, keeping both culture and operations running smoothly.

• Authority, trust, and access are key: assistants must be empowered to lead within their roles.

• Effective communication from leadership is crucial for office staff to succeed.

• Monitoring burnout and providing proper compensation (monetary and cultural) protects your organization.

• Assistants set the tone of the office and influence loyalty and culture more than many leaders realize.

1. Respect and authority: Give assistants real authority and don't undermine them.

2. Trust and access: Allow assistants to act and provide them the tools they need.

3. Prevent burnout: Watch for stress absorbed from all directions and intervene early.

4. Compensation and value: Fair pay, benefits, and a positive culture reduce turnover and increase loyalty.

5. Culture and leadership: Assistants often enforce and reflect organizational values; they are vital to long-term success.

6. Ask yourself: If your assistant quit tomorrow, would your office survive?