The finalists for WashingtonExec’s 2023 Pinnacle Awards were announced Sept. 25, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person Nov. 16.
Next is Ann Tiller, executive assistant at Leidos, who’s Executive Assistant of the Year, Private & Public Companies, finalist. Here, she shares what has made her successful in her role and career advice.
What has made you successful in your current role?
The relationships I have cultivated throughout my career are truly where my success comes from. It may sound like a cliché, but don’t ever underestimate the power of relationships. When you are juggling multiple projects and need to get certain pieces together quickly, you need to know who you can go to in a pinch. You need to have developed enough of a relationship to trust they’ll be there to support you because you’ve done the same for them.
Very often, the ability to get things done quickly really does rely on those relationships within the organization. It seems like a simple answer, but I honestly can’t imagine having made it as far as I have without the wonderful people who have supported me along the way.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
The job of an executive assistant can seem like it’s only a support role, but the truth is that you have to see yourself as more of a strategic partner. Yes, you’re supporting an executive directly, but you’re also working alongside them to solve problems they don’t necessarily always have time to juggle. If you work alongside them as a partner, you become an invaluable member of their team.
My other best piece of advice is to translate company objectives into areas you can influence. It may within your role or outside of it, but if you find a way to make yourself integral to the business, you become important to overall culture and business within your organization.
Also, when you align yourself to your company, its objectives, goals, missions and values, you can truly represent your leadership within the office environment. People will know who you report to. People will know who you work alongside every day.
You, in so many ways, represent them to the outside employees who don’t interact with them every day. Use those opportunities to build more trust and respect for yourself and leadership.