Reggie Love, former personal assistant to President Barack Obama was once labeled the most powerful executive assistant in the world. Now that his career in the White House has come to an end - he’s been able to reflect. His book Power Forward: My Presidential Education was released last week.

The biography shines light on what happens behind the scenes in the White House, and what it's like to be by President Obama's side every single day.

Like most EA’s, he had a hard time describing his job. In a nut shell, he had to tend to all of President Obama’s needs. Even being proclaimed as the "Chief of Stuff" (see featured image above).

Also similar to C-level assistants, his job was hectic and fast-paced. However, there's a great deal EA's can learn from Love's book. I've listed a few things below that I feel set the average executive assistant apart from the Reggie Loves of the world.



What Made Reggie Love Successful?

Walking Dispensary

Love was always prepared. He was known to carry everything from Tide pens, protein bars, throat lozenges, Purell, and even emergency Nicorette. He was able to realize things the President needed before Obama himself knew. Being able to accomplish this is one of the best ways to become indispensable to your boss.

No Task Was Beneath Him

Love never complained - no matter how inferior the task. He always completed it promptly and with a smile.

I’ve always believed that if you have the mindset that nothing is beneath you, then you immediately gain respect and the attribute of a hard-worker. Don't take it as disrespect when someone tells you to do something that may seem beneath your pay-grade. Instead, take it as they're asking you because you're reliable and the hardest working.

Gatekeeper and Liaison

Reggie’s role transformed throughout his tenure with President Obama. After gaining trust within the administration, he became a gatekeeper of information for the president. Even gaining informal control over the president’s time - often deciding which visitors grab a few minutes with the leader of the free world.

Friend

Although Love referred to President Obama as “the boss” his relationship with him did not resemble the norm of boss-personal assistants. An article by CNN noted, “Love became Obama’s personal confidant and friend.” Obama has even gone as far as calling him his “little brother.”

However, this may not be possible or appropriate for the normal personal assistant. Regardless, having a strong respect for each other is crucial for a professional relationship.

Made Mistakes

One thing I found particularly interesting was that even the president’s personal assistant made mistakes. A pretty big mistake I’ll add. The book notes that while Obama was still on the campaign trail in 2007 - Love made the mistake of leaving then senator's briefcase full of debate notes behind with an executive limo service. Obama sat down with the frantic Love and gave him a second chance. One that the later president would look back and be thankful for.

Everyone makes mistakes as an executive assistant, no matter how high up you are on the corporate ladder. You're constantly multi-tasking and sometimes things slip your mind. Being able to minimize your mistakes is where the true benefit lies.

Reggie Love has since earned his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Afterwards, he was able to finish his biography. If you would like to learn more about Reggie’s story and more details about his job I would recommend purchasing the book.

I felt the need to write this blog because picking Reggie Love's brain could help executive assistants perform better at work.

It’s the little things that can make a huge difference.