Supporting high-demand executives means working with leaders who often have big expectations, strong personalities, and a fast-paced approach. Think of your role like being a stage manager: you keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes, coordinating moving parts and handling last-minute changes so the show goes on without a hitch. By navigating these dynamics with professionalism and tact, you build trust and become the steady partner your executive can rely on.

Here are some ways you can work effectively in building trust with your executive:

• Provide honest feedback with empathy
• Clarify direction and manage competing priorities
• Remain grounded and calm when things get intense

Trust is the foundation of your relationship with any executive — especially those who move fast and expect a lot. High-demand leaders need people who are both efficient and candid. When you see something that could have unintended consequences, it’s your job to thoughtfully speak up. Below are some common situations, examples of what you may want to say, and how you should phrase it to be both honest and empathetic:

The thoughtful, empathetic alternatives are direct but respectful. It shows you care about your executive’s success and their relationships. Your honest perspective helps them see beyond their own viewpoint, especially when emotions are high.

Here is how it looks in action:

• Victoria: The meeting with the board ran long, and I’m worried I may have come across as impatient. What did you think?
• Jake: I noticed the discussion got a bit tense toward the end. Maybe a quick follow-up note to the board could help reinforce your key points and keep the tone positive.
• Victoria: That’s a good idea. I’ll draft something now. Thanks for your perspective, Jake.

Executives often juggle a lot and may send you a flurry of urgent requests. Your role is to help them focus on what’s realistic and make sure nothing gets missed.

For instance, when you're handled multiple priorities, clarify and negotiate by saying, "I understand these are all important. To ensure quality, which would you like me to prioritize for today, and which can wait?" Clear, proactive communication prevents misunderstandings and helps your executive make better decisions.

Along with competing priorities, urgency and emotion are part of the territory when supporting high-demand leaders. Your ability to stay calm and professional is crucial — not just for your own effectiveness, but for your executive’s confidence in you.

When emotions run high or your executive is frustrated, you can use the LEAD framework to respond effectively:

• Listen actively – Let them express their concerns without interrupting.
• Empathize – Acknowledge their feelings and show you understand.
• Assume responsibility – Take ownership of the issue or your part in it.
• Direct toward solutions – Focus on what you’ll do next to address the problem.

For example, if you hear, “This keeps happening! Why can’t we get it right?”
A response using the LEAD framework might be:
“I understand your frustration, and I’m on it. I’ll review what went wrong and make sure it’s corrected immediately.”

By consistently responding with composure and empathy, you become the reliable anchor your executive needs. This reputation for steadiness will make you indispensable, even in the most demanding environments.

You’ll have a chance to practice these skills next. In the upcoming tasks, you’ll navigate real-world scenarios to help you build confidence and master supporting high-demand executives.