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If only it were as easy as a couple of fingers to the forehead!
What we really need as busy entrepreneurs is a VA who is in our brains, who can follow through on directions, do what you didn't ask but should have, anticipate what's coming next and take the initiative and do that too.
There's only 1 way to get there...a SHORT communications loop! Here's what I learned (by trial and...error).
Start by Assigning Small Tasks
You've got 2 objectives here. You've got to learn:
- How they respond to your instructions. How are they thinking. Are you getting it done on time and to your level of quality?
- How you are communicating. Before you give them "constructive feedback", first go back to your written instructions. What didn't you say clearly enough? What did you imply? (I've found this to be very enlightening...not in a comfortable way, for me!)
Give Positive Feedback First
Build up their confidence that they do have the ability to please you. Then give a course correction or an "and next time could you also..."
Bring Them Into Your Mind
So, when you reviewed your written instructions and you learned where you "fell short" of what you meant - bring that to light. Show them what you wrote and what you meant. This helps them to start to learn how you think and what your short hand is.
Anticipation Education
For me, the best assistants work in partnership with me. They don't just do the job, they see the bigger vision so they can anticipate what comes next. That means:
- You've got to tell them your big vision for your company, event, product or the area they are working on.
- If they don't think ahead, have the conversation about: "Great job! Now, if I were to think ahead, I'd think like this...Next time, let's work that. Run it by me first and I'll let you know if we're in sync."
This is huge and this is where you are doing the Vulcan Mind Meld. They learn how you think - and what you think about - and what's a priority for you. Once they've got that, they'll start doing it.
It's a beautiful thing when it happens. Next time, I'm asking 3 of my remote workers for their advice & tips for you. Let's see what they have to say!
Jenn
