Getting the core skills of PAs and EAs right is your brand reminds Adam Fidler, trainer and education of Executive Support Professionals in his latest column for PA Life print magazine, also published in our Winter 2024 Issue…
“We spend a lot of time at Adam Fidler Academy talking to our students about the importance of broadening their roles, and demonstrating wider value-added and responsibility as a PA or EA. An Assistant requires high competence in the foundation or โcore skillsโ, and by that, I donโt just mean technical skill (MS Office). I mean more basic skills expected of an outstanding Assistant”.
Getting the foundation skills right as a PA or EA
Write it down: There is an old phrase: โNever go in to see your boss without a pen and paper in your hand.โ No, you wonโt remember it, and writing it down helps you to retain information. Sorry, everyone, but a laptop is no replacement for a stylish pen and notepad.
Be punctual
Most of our students arrive on time for classes. Being late once is okay, but being late a second time is all that we may remember about you, no matter how good an EA you are.
Dress appropriately
What image are you trying to portray? Who is your audience? Think about image as it really is very important. I donโt care what others are wearing โ I care about you. It may be old-fashioned, but you only get seven seconds to make a first impression.
Smile
Hereโs a new phrase: โDo you like your job?… well, you might want to tell your face that!โ. I am not here to offend, but non-verbal signals say more than we actually say verbally. And, for goodnessโ sake, smile in photographs, especially if theyโre on social media! Have humility: No one likes a cock-sure sure EA. By all means, be assertive, and confident, but balance it with a good dose of humility. With humility, people will warm to you, and wonโt think youโre trying to take over.
Never answer the phone with โHelloโ
I recognise people donโt use the phone as much as they used to, but whether youโre using a company mobile or desk phone in the office, letโs ban the word โhelloโ. It means nothing. Answer with a polite โGood morning/afternoonโ followed by your company name, and even your own name so the caller knows theyโve reached the right place. The basics are never too basic. They reinforce professionalism, commitment and an awareness of high standards. Build your brand on that, and youโll always be a top EA!
Find out more about Adam Fidler Academy and their courses and programmes.
Adam Fidler writes a career development column for PA Life.
