As someone who has spent years helping clients and their teams grow, I’ve seen one thing repeatedly hold true: the strength of your working relationships determines the success of your business. Whether building trust with your clients, empowering your team, or maximizing your Sidekick partnership, communication and connection are the keys to success.
Our Executive Sidekick Lead, Kristina, embodies this principle perfectly. When Kristina started her journey as an Executive Sidekick, she approached her role with intention and creativity. She discovered that sometimes, the smallest opportunities to connect could turn into the most impactful moments. Let me share her story with you and how her innovative approach—what she calls “Car Time”—transformed her partnership with one of her clients.
The Power of “Car Time”
When Kristina began working with one of her first clients, she faced a challenge that many Executive Sidekicks experience: how to connect consistently with a leader whose time is stretched thin. Her client was constantly on the go. Their schedule left little room for traditional check-ins between meetings, calls, and traveling between locations.
Kristina knew she needed creativity to establish a strong cadence with her client —especially during those crucial early months. That’s when she suggested leveraging what she calls “Car Time.”
While her client was driving—hands-free and fully focused—Kristina used that time to connect, communicate, and prioritize tasks. Together, they would go through emails, discuss calendar items, address hiring updates, and make decisions on outstanding action items.
This carved-out time became invaluable. It allowed her client to stay productive while on the move and gave Kristina the clarity she needed to provide exceptional support.
But “Car Time” was not just about productivity. It became a space for trust-building. Some days, they focused solely on work items. Others were fun personal discussions with little to no talk about work. Through these conversations, their professional relationship evolved into a true partnership.
Why “Car Time” Works
For business owners whose time is constantly demanding, finding a consistent communication cadence can be challenging. “Car Time” worked because it was:
- Efficient: They used time that might otherwise have been “lost” during commutes to tackle important tasks.
- Flexible: Initially used daily, the frequency of these check-ins adapted as their workflow evolved.
- Relationship-Focused: Beyond logistics, “Car Time” created opportunities to build mutual trust and understanding
This creative approach became their rhythm, their “cadence.” It set the tone for how they worked together and communicated—openly, honestly, and purposefully.
Establishing a Cadence with Your Executive Sidekick
If you are a business owner working with an Executive Sidekick, finding your version of “Car Time” can be a game-changer. Here are a few tips to help you build a strong cadence:
- Find the Right Connection Points
- Identify consistent moments to check in with your Sidekick. For some, it might be during a commute; for others, it could be before the day starts or during a short daily tag-up. Find what works best for your schedule.
- Communicate Clearly and Often
- During those early weeks, be sure to over-communicate. Share your expectations, priorities, and workflows. The more precise you are upfront, the more empowered your Sidekick will feel to deliver exceptional support.
- Be Open and Transparent
- Trust is built on openness. Use your check-ins to discuss both professional and personal matters. Your Sidekick is not just there to complete tasks—they are your partner in navigating leadership challenges.
- Reevaluate and Adjust
- Cadence is not one-size-fits-all. As your partnership grows, your communication style and frequency may evolve. Be flexible and willing to adjust as needed.
Lessons Learned
Now, nearly two years into their partnership, Kristina and her client continue to rely on “Car Time.” What started as a way to communicate has become a habit for both and continues to pay off.
The lesson here is simple: investing time in the first 30 days to establish communication, clarify roles, and build trust pays off exponentially in the long run.
Ready to Build Your Cadence?
At Sidekicks, we specialize in pairing business leaders with Sidekicks who transform workflows, improve communication, and help businesses thrive. We are here to help ensure your partnership with your Executive Sidekick is fulfilling and effective, and solutions like “Car Time” can do just the trick.
So, as you reflect on your workday, ask: Where can I find those moments to connect with my Sidekick? It might just be the time that transforms your entire day.
If you are ready to unlock the power of a strong cadence and maximize the impact of your Sidekick, reach out to us today. Let’s work together to help you achieve more.