The Real Cost of a CEO Doing Administrative Work
The Real Cost of a CEO Doing Administrative Work
The Situation I See More Often Than You Think
I recently spoke with a highly capable CEO.
Technical. Disciplined. Strong work ethic. Built a business with deep roots.
He also books his own travel. Manages his own inbox. Handles details most would delegate.
Why?
Because he can.
Because it is fast.
Because sometimes it feels easier than trusting someone else to get it right especially when confidentiality is involved.
On the surface, that sounds efficient.
It is not.
Let Us Do the Math
Assume:
CEO salary: $500,000
Executive Assistant salary: $150,000
Hourly breakdown:
CEO ≈ $240/hour
EA ≈ $72/hour
Now take a simple task booking a flight (30 minutes):
CEO cost: $120
EA cost: $36
That is an $84 difference on one task.
Now multiply that:
Multiple tasks per day
Across a full week
Over the course of a year
You are not saving money.
You are quietly losing it.
The Cost That Does Not Show Up on Paper
This same CEO is working 14-hour days.
His leadership team follows suit, long hours, high loyalty, pushing to keep pace.
That is not just culture. That is a signal.
Over time, it leads to:
Burnout at the top
Increased healthcare utilization
Slower, less effective decision-making
Strain on family and personal life
Leadership fatigue that impacts the entire organization
There is a cost to this.
It just does not show up neatly on a P&L.
What an Exceptional EA Actually Does
An Executive Assistant is not there to “help.”
They are there to protect your time and sharpen your focus.
A strong EA:
Filters what deserves your attention
Owns the details so you do not have to
Runs your day with precision
Anticipates needs before they become problems
This is not task delegation.
This is operational efficiency at the highest level.
The Bottom Line
Every time you choose to do work your EA should own, you are making a decision:
What is your time worth?
The most effective CEOs understand this clearly:
They do not operate in the details.
They trust the right person to manage them.
So they can lead, grow, and scale the business.
A Final Thought
It is in the details where efficiency is either lost or protected.
If you are still doing $36 work, it is time to take a closer look. You, your team, and your family will thank you for it!
If you are considering adding an Executive Assistant or upgrading the level of support around you, I would welcome a confidential conversation.
Diane Steele
CEO & Founder, Steele Recruiting
📍 Minneapolis-based | National Search Firm
📧 diane@steelerecruiting.com
🌐 www.steelerecruiting.com
We specialize exclusively in placing Executive Assistants, Chiefs of Staff, and Personal Assistants who support CEOs and Presidents.
