Plus 5 ways you're sabotaging success with your Executive Assistant...

The Partnership Playbook Heading

Non-negotiable Accountability, Future-Proof Your Career with AI, Yacht Rock

February 6, 2025

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on accountability—or, more specifically, the alarming lack of it among the most influential and powerful leaders.

It’s a troubling pattern: blame first, cover up second, and only admit fault when there’s undeniable proof. And even then, some double down, spinning webs of denial instead of facing the truth.

This behavior isn’t just a bad look—it’s costly.

A lack of accountability erodes morale, lowers productivity, increases turnover, and damages reputations. It creates dysfunction, wastes resources, and hits the bottom line hard.

And here’s the kicker: when leaders refuse to own their actions, they set the tone for everyone else.

The truth is, accountability is non-negotiable.

It doesn’t matter who you are, what your title is, or how big your bank account may be. Leading humans is a responsibility, not a privilege, and owning your actions—good and bad—is the price. Your team, your organization, and the world are watching.

If you’re not willing to be held accountable, don’t take a leadership role. It's not a platform for blame-shifting or excuses. Go yell into the void on X with the rest of the people who think consequences are optional.

Maybe it’s time for all of us—leaders and followers alike—to step up, take responsibility, and do better.

Vague instructions + unrealistic expectations = frustration

In a recent coaching session, a client shared that her executive asked her to do something but didn’t provide clear guidelines on what to include, what not to include, or even what would make this project successful. When she sought clarification, he brushed off her questions, only to later criticize her work.

The result? Wasted time, unnecessary stress, and a strained working relationship.

The solution starts with accountability on both sides.

Action steps:

Executives—make clarity a priority. Provide detailed instructions and create space for questions.

Assistants—document interactions and decisions. This not only creates accountability but also opens the door for constructive conversations about what needs to change.

Leadership isn’t about dictating tasks; it’s about creating an environment where people can succeed. Clarity is not just kind—it’s effective.

Executives—It's Not Them, It's You

Executives usually come to me to hire the right Assistant (which I can…every time 😉😉) because their only explanation for why this “isn’t working” is that they “aren’t hiring the right person.”

From me to you, with love: It’s not them. It’s you.

Here are five ways you’re sabotaging success with your Executive Assistant.

If Your Business was a Football Game...

Executive = Coach
Assistant = Quarterback

Inspired by my beloved Philadelphia Eagles playing in the Super Bowl this weekend, I wrote this bonus blog on the roles of a championship winning team, and how to trust your Assistant like the Eagles trust Jalen Hurts. #GoBirds!

iPhone's New "Send Later" Feature

Apple was fashionably late to this party, but iPhone users can now schedule texts to be sent at a specific time.

While it’s helpful for the sender, this feature is a game-changer for the receiver. No more panicking over a 2:00 AM text wondering if it’s an emergency or if it can wait until morning. With Send Later, executives can take one small, thoughtful step to save their assistants from late-night anxiety.

Brave Enough by Cheryl Stayed

When life knock you down, sometimes all you need is a book of kick-ass quotes to remind you to stand tall and face hard choices. Brave Enough is that book.

A friend gave it to me during the worst breakup of my life. It helped me then and it’s helping me now. It’s a source of strength, a reminder to hold my head high and say: “Hello, fear. Thank you for being here. You’re my indication that I’m doing what I need to do.” (Page 23)

Yacht Rock

I’ve officially gone from loving Yacht Rock to being fully, hopelessly OBSESSED with it.

It's not just a playlist—it’s a lifestyle. As the music of my childhood, it already had a nostalgic hold on me, but listening to it as an adult (and actually understanding what they’re singing about) feels like heaven in my ears. Michael McDonald! Toto! Peabo Bryson! Just saying their names makes me grin like a fool.

If you haven’t yet, drop what you’re doing and check out the Yacht Rock documentary on HBO. And for the cherry on top, dive into Questlove’s playlist tribute to his late friend Anthony Bourdain—it’s a soulful, smooth masterpiece.

This isn’t your typical AI webinar.

This is a powerful, no-fluff session that shifts AI from a buzzword to your newest career ally. We’re tearing down the fears and digging into the real-world strategies that make you irreplaceable.

Hosted by Monique Helstrom and led by AI expert Tal Goldhamer, you’ll learn how to leverage AI tools to supercharge your workflow, streamline decision-making, and amplify your value like never before—all in plain, approachable language.

Join us and make AI your secret weapon for a future-proof career.

Beyond the Buzz

Practical AI for ​Forward-Thinking Assistants

Tuesday, February 25th @ 2pm ET

REGISTER HERE

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