Aug
06
2015
PA essentials… Or the Essential PA?
By Gill Dandy.
Today’s technology enables us all to be independent and connected 24/7, and enables us to take charge of how and when we do business:
- Smart phones with apps for everything
- iPods and tablets that enable you to create and access anything
- Satnavs to get you anywhere
- Skype for that virtual communication anytime.
So, do businesses really need Personal or even Executive Assistants?
Using technology effectively
If the increasing number of delegates coming on the Centre’s two-day Executive PA course is any indicator of need then businesses need PAs and EAs now, more than ever.
Technology may have given us all the tools, but having the tools and using them effectively is not the same.
CEOs, Directors and Senior Management are paid to manage and profitably run their organisations for the benefit of its stakeholders; not to Google the cheapest flights, tinker with PowerPoint or Doodle-poll next year’s Board and SMT meetings. Yes, we have the technology; but that doesn’t mean that everyone has to use it.
Freeing up CEOs, Directors and Senior Management to get on with the business of running the business and doing their job successfully is essentially what a good PA and EA is there to do.
Help us help you!
On our Executive PA course we asked Personal and Executive Assistants alike for their top tips to help them help their bosses do their jobs better – and this is what they had to say:
Talk to us
Good communication is key in any organisation but good communication between the PA and boss is vital. The more a PA knows about what’s going on the more effective their support will be. So make time to meet together face-to-face. Have regular daily meetings and keep in touch when you are out of the office.
Talk to each other; don’t just stay in touch electronically. Email might be a really effective communication tool but it’s not always the best way to be in touch: remember, it’s good to talk!
Trust us
Trust is an essential part of any successful relationship, and a good CEO/PA relationship is one that is built on mutual trust. One could argue that in business, where money, reputation, success and more may be at stake, you can’t afford not to trust each other. So trust your PA to do the job and let them champion your cause, too.
Ask…and listen to us
PAs are a mine of information. Their professional skills and knowledge are their business currency, and they can make the connections you need to get the job done. So, whatever the problem or the question ask your PA. You can be sure that if they haven’t already anticipated what you need, and have the information at their fingertips, they soon will.
Let us…help you do your job
Trust your PA to get on and do their job – don't micro-manage them. The time management, planning and organisational skills a good PA has are indispensable - let them use these skills to get your job done.
Personal and Executive Assistants are often referred to as the ‘face’ of an organisation. Their professionalism, expertise, efficiency and knowledge make them brilliant ambassadors for you, your organisation and your work. Let them help you. Work together, because together you will be stronger.
Gill Dandy specialises in communications, personal development and administration courses including Presentations skills, Communication in the workplace, Time management for managers and The Executive PA.
