When starting a new role, from the outset it is imperative to ensure you gain a good knowledge of the business your boss is in and that you are in.
The best PA’s are often very different from the people they manage. They know that the relationship is a partnership and understand there’s a kind of Yin/Yan philosophy behind it. For example an extrovert, flamboyant executive might be better suited to a PA who is quieter and task focused whereas a quiet number crunching executive would be better suited to an extrovert PA who can deal with all the bits they would rather not.
Once you are in role, it’s just as important to keep asking questions. As one PA recently put it:
“My role is to know as much as I can about what is happening in the business and to make sure I know everything that is going on around me within the divisions so I can make my boss aware of the key issues and develop action plans.”
Polish up your communication; how do you sound, slow down, keep communication simple and get to the point. Once you have polished up your language, the next tip is to practice your assertiveness on a daily basis. Assertiveness is a way of confronting the unpleasant or difficult without getting squashed or squashing others in the process. When you use assertiveness you can negotiate reasonable changes by stating directly what you think, feel and want.
Your role is to manage someone. To do that you need to communicate with them about what you are doing and what they are doing. Often executives get caught up in their day and forget about the PA who’s holding it together back at the fort. So, top PA’s know that from the outset they need to schedule two important meetings into the busy executive’s diary. One is first thing in the morning and one last thing in the evening.
Your boss should feel that you can be trusted to be truthful and use discretion, not repeating what you hear to anyone. You are going to hear a lot of confidential information so be prepared to keep it to yourself. Breaking that confidence will seriously damage your career.
Most importantly, successful PA’s know that it is important to make time for themselves. Don’t forget to have some ‘me’ time, do a gym class, yoga or meet a friend for coffee.
Silverglen Virtual Assistants 