Why the Highest-Performing CEOs Aren't the Smartest (And How Assistants Help Them Excel)

It's easy to assume that the most successful CEOs are simply the smartest people in the room. However, research and real-world examples consistently show that raw intelligence isn't the primary driver of high performance. In fact, many top-performing CEOs credit their success to a combination of skills and strategies – with the smart use of executive assistants and virtual assistants being a key factor.

The Myth of the Genius CEO

While we've all heard stories of prodigy CEOs with off-the-charts IQs, these cases are the exception, not the rule. Studies show that beyond a certain threshold, higher IQ doesn't correlate with better leadership or business outcomes. So what really sets top-performing CEOs apart?

5 Secrets of High-Performing CEOs (And How Assistants Amplify Them)

1. Grit and Perseverance

Research by Angela Duckworth reveals that grit – the combination of passion and long-term perseverance – is a much stronger predictor of success than IQ or talent. High-performing CEOs don't give up easily, and they use their determination to overcome obstacles.

How assistants help: When you hire an assistant, particularly an executive assistant, you gain a partner in persistence. They can help maintain momentum on long-term projects, follow up on important tasks, and keep initiatives moving forward even when you're pulled in other directions.

2. Growth Mindset

Carol Dweck's work demonstrates that individuals who believe their abilities can be developed (growth mindset) consistently outperform those who believe their talents are innate (fixed mindset). Top CEOs are always learning and adapting.

How assistants help: Virtual assistants can be invaluable in supporting a CEO's growth mindset. They can curate learning resources, schedule time for skill development, and even help implement new strategies learned from courses or workshops.

3. Deliberate Practice

Anders Ericsson's studies on expertise reveal that it's not just practice, but deliberate, focused practice that leads to mastery and high performance. The best CEOs are constantly honing their skills.

How assistants help: An executive assistant can help structure a CEO's schedule to ensure time for deliberate practice in key areas. They can also gather feedback from stakeholders to inform which skills need the most attention.

4. Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

EQ often trumps IQ in leadership roles. The ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as those of others, is crucial for high-level success.

How assistants help: Assistants for CEOs often act as a buffer and interpreter in communications, helping to manage relationships and navigate complex emotional landscapes. They can also provide valuable feedback on a CEO's own emotional responses and interpersonal interactions.

5. Effective Delegation

Perhaps the most critical skill for any high-performing CEO is the ability to delegate effectively. No leader can do everything themselves, and the best CEOs know how to leverage the talents of others.

How assistants help: This is where hiring an assistant truly shines. Whether it's a full-time or remote executive assistant, these professionals take on tasks that don't require the CEO's direct attention. This allows leaders to focus on high-level strategy and decision-making.

The Role of Assistants in CEO Performance

It's clear that assistants play a crucial role in amplifying the performance of top CEOs. Here's why more and more leaders are choosing to hire an assistant:

1. Time Optimization: Assistants handle time-consuming tasks, freeing up CEOs to focus on high-value activities.
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2. Enhanced Focus: By managing distractions and organizing priorities, assistants help CEOs maintain deep focus on critical issues.
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3. Skill Complementarity: A good assistant brings their own set of skills to the table, complementing the CEO's strengths and shoring up weaknesses.
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4. Scalability: Virtual assistants, in particular, offer scalable support that can grow with the company's needs.
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5. Work-Life Balance: By taking on administrative burdens, assistants help CEOs maintain a healthier work-life balance, which is crucial for long-term performance.

Choosing the Right Assistant

When looking to hire an assistant, CEOs should consider:

• Skills and Experience: Look for assistants with a track record of supporting high-level executives.
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• Cultural Fit: Especially for executive assistants, finding someone who aligns with your working style is crucial.
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• Adaptability: In the fast-paced world of CEO leadership, assistants need to be quick learners and highly adaptable.
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• Tech-Savviness: Particularly for virtual assistants, strong technological skills are a must.
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• Discretion and Trustworthiness: Assistants often handle sensitive information, so integrity is non-negotiable.

The highest-performing CEOs aren't necessarily the smartest – they're the ones who know how to leverage their skills, mindset, and resources effectively. A key part of this is recognizing the value of support, particularly in the form of skilled assistants. Whether you choose to hire an in-house executive assistant or opt for the flexibility of a virtual assistant, the right support can be the difference between good and great performance.

Remember, every great leader has a great team behind them. For CEOs looking to take their performance to the next level, hiring an assistant might just be the smartest move you can make.

Ready to amplify your performance with the right assistant? Contact us to learn how we can match you with the perfect executive assistant or virtual assistant for your needs.

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