What a PA should be doing

Managing Time

• Complete diary control• Maintaining balance – time spent in meetings vs time to action tasks

and outcomes as well as time spent being in / out of the office• Keeping an eye on your bosses emails – highlighting urgent or useful

messages• Screening all calls• Understanding what are today’s priorities? This Week? This Month? • Looking at logistics• Think ahead, plan ahead• Don’t be afraid to re-arrange a non critical meeting • Looking after the ‘whole’ person, don’t forget the human element

too

Become a ‘Natural Connector’

• Being on the ball, be aware of issues and projects as they arise.

• Knowing what is going on with other parts of your company• Building strong relationships with core suppliers and teams,

make friends• Connecting people with others who can help

Being Discreet

• Be discreet – know what can be shared vs confidential or sensitive information

• Listen, don’t repeat

Being Brave

• Be brave enough to make decisions in your boss’ absence• Stand your ground when needed• Chase people on deadlines who promise work to your boss• Don’t be afraid to interrupt a meeting if necessary, but use

your judgement

Being Honest

• Be honest at all times• If you do make a mistake, own it and sort it out• Learn from your mistakes – once is fine, twice is questionable

What makes a great PA?

Aim to become your bosses ‘trusted advisor’…

• Loyalty, to your boss and to the company• Respecting / liking your boss• A sense of humour• The ability to juggle tasks without things falling off the list• Understanding your boss’ priorities and objectives• Staying one step ahead - Confirm everything, twice if needed! • Being able to change tack/direction quickly• Learning from your mistakes• Don’t procrastinate / put things off• Keeping calm as pressure builds

How to work effectively with your PA

What about the bosses role?

• Communicate clearly, provide adequate direction• Let them look after you• Get to know your PAs habits• Trust them 100% • Respect them 100%• Be honest, give feedback, if something isn’t right, fix it• Build a routine – you can’t always stick with it, but it’s there as

the backbone• Keep in regular contact, whichever way

works best for you both• Make sure your PA knows how much you

value them