Getting the core skills of PAs and EAs right – that is your brand!

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 ‘core skills’, and by that, I don’t 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: “Never go in to see your boss without a pen and paper in your hand.” No, you won’t 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 don’t care what others are wearing – I care about you. It may be old-fashioned, but you only get seven seconds to make a first impression.

Smile

Here’s a new phrase: “Do you like your job?… well, you might want to tell your face that!”. I am not here to offend, but non-verbal signals say more than we actually say verbally. And, for goodness’ sake, smile in photographs, especially if they’re 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 won’t think you’re trying to take over.

Never answer the phone with ‘Hello’

I recognise people don’t use the phone as much as they used to, but whether you’re using a company mobile or desk phone in the office, let’s ban the word ‘hello’. It means nothing. Answer with a polite ‘Good morning/afternoon’ followed by your company name, and even your own name so the caller knows they’ve 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 you’ll 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.