Are You Under-Delegating to Your Executive Assistant?

Why “Small Tasks” Matter More Than You Think

One of the most common hesitations we hear from senior leaders when we introduce the PEAS Executive Leverage Framework sounds something like this:

“I don’t want to insult my EA by giving them menial tasks.”

It’s said with good intentions. Leaders don’t want to appear dismissive or disrespectful. They assume that asking an Executive Assistant to handle inbox triage, calendar changes, document formatting, or routine emails might feel demeaning.

But here’s the irony.

In many cases, the opposite is true.

The Hidden Cost of “I’ll Just Do It Myself”

When executives hold onto small or routine work, it’s rarely because those tasks are important - it’s because they feel:

• It’s quicker to handle themselves

• It’s “too small” to delegate

• Their EA has “more important” things to do

• They don’t want to seem demanding

On the surface, this might sound considerate. In practice, it creates three problems:

1. Leaders stay stuck in low-value work instead of focusing on strategic priorities.

2. Executive Assistants are under-utilized, operating below their capability.

3. True partnership never fully develops, because work isn’t being shared in a way that builds trust and alignment.

What looks like kindness can actually be a form of under-leveraging your support.

Delegation Is a Leadership Skill - Not a Favour

This isn’t just our point of view. Leadership experts widely agree that delegation is core to effective leadership, and that many high-performing leaders struggle with it.

Harvard Business Review and other respected management publications frequently highlight that delegation isn’t about assigning unwanted tasks, it’s about multiplying leadership impact by creating the conditions for others to contribute meaningfully and grow.

In other words, delegation done well isn’t demeaning. It’s empowering.

When leaders avoid delegating because a task feels “too small,” they may unintentionally signal a lack of trust, or block their EA from fully understanding their priorities and pressures.

What Executive Assistants Actually Think

We recently heard this from a leader:

“I was worried I’d insult my EA by asking her to take on some of my admin tasks. When I finally did, she told me she was glad I asked, she felt more trusted and more involved in my world.”

We hear this sentiment again and again.

Executive Assistants don’t typically categorize work as “high” or “low” value the way leaders do. They think in terms of context, influence, and access:

• Understanding how their executive works

• Anticipating priorities

• Protecting focus time

• Managing logistics so the executive doesn’t have to

Those “small” tasks often form the foundation of strategic support and operational insight.

Leverage, not load.

The PEAS Executive Leverage Framework is built on a simple idea:

Your EA’s role is not to reduce your work load one task at a time, it’s to increase your leadership capacity.

That starts with clarity, trust, and intentional delegation.

When you delegate routine or administrative work with purpose, you are not lowering the value of your EA’s role. You are:

• Giving visibility into your priorities and pain points

• Building operational alignment

• Freeing your time for strategic leadership

• Helping your EA step into a proactive and impactful partnership

Avoiding delegation because something feels “too simple” often keeps both of you operating below your full potential.

A Simple Reframe

Instead of asking, “Is this task too minor to give my EA?” try asking, “Does holding onto this task prevent me from operating at the level my role actually requires?”

If the answer is yes, it’s a leverage opportunity.

And chances are, your EA will be ready, and even grateful to help.

Ready to Tap into Real Executive Leverage?

Delegation isn’t just a leadership skill; it’s a strategic advantage. If you want to amplify your impact, reclaim high-value time, and build a truly strategic partnership with your Executive Assistant, the PEAS Executive Leverage Framework can help.

Learn more and get started by visiting the PEASExecutive Leverage Framework webpage.