Lucy Chamberlain, the founder and CEO of C&C Search, explains how changing one’s mindset can help PAs unlock super powers in order to make a difference and add value in their business.
In today’s business world, you very rarely luck into things. The rise of the gig economy and multi-hyphen careers means PAs need to leverage emotional intelligence, actively seek out opportunities for personal growth and think big in terms of our next career steps.
When you make a conscious decision to become that game-changer in your business, it’s about getting out of your own way and creating successful habits – in the office and beyond.
Know your why
This is the first step to really taking ownership of your game-changing role. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day to-dos, we forget to take a step back and think about our bigger picture career goals. What makes you come alive? What are your innate strengths? Where do you add the greatest value?
By understanding these purpose-led questions you can map out your career priorities and how this impacts how you show up within your organisation. It will also help you fall in love with your role – even more! If connecting with people in your team is what lights you up, look at ways to bring more of this in your day-to-day. Volunteer for social committees for example. If recognition factors highly, ensure you’re working towards that and consistently highlighting your successes to those around you.
Know your worth
This goes beyond asking for that next level pay rise. Knowing your worth is as much about how you treat yourself as others do. The reality of the role sometimes means we experience people’s less appealing qualities.
“Too often we fall into the trap of worrying about what everyone else thinks of us.”
But by taking care of yourself, you’re already creating your base-line. Practically, in this role too, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care’s great; if it’s not realistic this week, know what gets you to ok. Is it that coffee with your friend before the day or your lunchtime walk around the block? Taking those steps to be the best version of yourself powers your self-belief which spills out into your role.
Build your support network
Again, the nature of the PA role – as the lynchpin in a team, a communicator, a front of house – can mean it’s a very visible role. Too often we fall into the trap of worrying about what everyone else thinks of us; we never stop to consider what we think of them. It’s not about whether or not someone is “good enough” to be our friend within the workplace, but instead, it’s about what kind of value they add to our lives.
They say you’re the sum part of the five people you spend your time with. Think about the support you need to help reach your goals as a game changer. Seek out positivity over complaining, empathy instead of advice, compassion over critique. This will ripple into your relationships, bringing you that supportive connection you need in your day-to-day.
In conclusion, PAs focus outwardly – we’re busy anticipating our team’s needs, creating brilliant systems to deliver brilliant performance. Knowing yourself is a superpower. By taking time to get clear on our goals, building that into our roles, we deliver more value and reach that next level of recognition and reward as a game changer.
