The 8 Essential Traits of an Outstanding Assistant Manager

Great companies thrive because they have great employees. While a visionary general manager is essential, long‑term success hinges on the ability to identify, attract, hire and nurture exceptional assistant managers.

Consider Mark, a respected general manager who excels in his role but spends a significant portion of his time on tasks that could be delegated. Mark’s common excuses—“I’m too busy to hire and train an assistant” and “I can do it myself”—are typical among leaders who overlook the strategic benefits of a capable deputy. By securing and mentoring the right assistant manager, Mark can reclaim time for strategic planning, multi‑year business development, and fostering the next generation of senior leadership, all while improving operational efficiency and profitability.

What attributes do seasoned general managers prioritize when selecting their key assistants?

• Complementary skills: An effective assistant should bring fresh strengths to the leadership team. For example, a general manager who excels at low‑tech processes may benefit from a deputy who masters high‑tech tools, ensuring the organization leverages technology that aligns with its specific needs.
• Practical experience: Formal, industry‑specific education is important, but hands‑on experience is equally critical. Ideal candidates have worked across diverse roles—such as in the mailroom, accounts payable, or other operational positions—within the company or a similar industry, giving them a holistic view of business functions.
• Loyalty: Assistant managers must be unwaveringly loyal to their boss. Office politics may be entertaining on television, but they erode trust and effectiveness in real life. A loyal deputy respects and believes in the general manager’s vision, earning mutual respect over time.
• Strong work ethic: A successful assistant is willing to invest the necessary effort to drive business success. As filmmaker John Frankenheimer famously noted, “the importance of hard‑working assistants cannot be overemphasized.”
• Ambition for future leadership: Today’s assistant manager is tomorrow’s general manager. Candidates who aspire to ascend the leadership ladder bring motivation and a growth mindset that align with the organization’s long‑term goals.
• Passion and enthusiasm for the industry: Genuine love for one’s work fuels commitment. Hall of Famer Ernie Banks once said he would have played baseball even if he never earned a cent—this level of devotion translates into high performance.
• Creative thinking: The best assistants challenge the status quo. Rather than being overly rule‑oriented, they bring industry‑specific common sense and innovative ideas that evolve under a supportive, nurturing general manager.
• Well‑rounded personality: Successful assistants are not one‑dimensional. They cultivate personal interests and activities outside work, which enrich their leadership perspective and prevent burnout.

Regardless of the business size, hiring the right assistant manager significantly boosts long‑term success. Skilled deputies create a more enjoyable workplace, and when employees love their work, productivity, customer satisfaction and profits naturally rise. Investing time in locating, attracting, hiring and mentoring the ideal assistant manager is well worth the effort.

About the author:
Norm Spitzig, principal at Master Club Advisors, is internationally recognized as an eloquent, visionary speaker and private club industry expert. His talks are well received by professional associations, individual businesses, private club leaders and civic groups across six continents. His book 'Perspectives on Club Management' continues to inspire and challenge business leaders worldwide, while newer titles 'Private Clubs in America and Around the World' and 'Murder and Mayhem at Old Bunbury' offer insightful and humorous looks into the private club world. For more information, contact Norm at normspitzig@hotmail.com, 352‑735‑5693, or visit www.MasterClubAdvisors.com.