Ask HN: What Makes a Great Assistant?

2 pointsvladmk4y ago2 comments

I'm hiring one, hopefully I do it right, grateful for any tips, ideas and experiences.

2 comments

2 comments · 2 top-level

mswen4y ago

Trustworthy - they will have access to sensitive information.

Articulate - they will communicate on your behalf.

A good dose of common sense.

Comfortable in the role of follower but not a pushover, they will be helping maintain your boundaries.

Willing to do mundane repetitive tasks, content in the knowledge that they are freeing you up.

Consistent, calm and predictable.

Process oriented - help keep things working smoothly.

paulcole4y ago

The biggest challenge will be you.

Are you 100% ready and willing to stop doing things and trust that someone else can get them done well enough even if their method isn’t 100% identical to how you would’ve approached the task?

If not, you’ll either go through a few assistants quickly and change your tune or you’ll always wonder why it’s so hard to find a good assistant.

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