As a PA, your relationship with your boss is one of the most important aspects of your career. But that doesnβt mean you have to say βyesβ to everything. In order to feel more empowered in your work relationships, psychotherapist Noel Bell has set out some simple steps to take.
Adopt positive body language
Your posture says a lot about how youβre feeling. When weβre anxious we tend to βshrinkβ ourselves to take up less space. Take a few seconds before every meeting to empower yourself by straightening your back and widening your stance. Control your breathing. All of this decreases the stress hormone cortisol.
Do your least favourite tasks first
If thereβs a particular part of your job that stresses you out, try doing it before tasks you enjoy. Tackling difficult activities early on gives you more confidence to complete the rest of the day.
Stick to the facts
If youβre nervous about what to say around your boss, donβt resort to small talk. Simply stay polite and make positive, factual statements that donβt necessarily need a reply.
Preparation is key
Anticipate all possible situations so you can empower yourself to handle them with certainty. Self-confidence isnβt about having all the answers; itβs about conveying poise when sharing what you do know and acknowledging what you donβt.
Seek neutral settings for face-to-face meetings
Where possible, set up meetings in a neutral space β one that his neither his, hers, or yours. Ensure youβre all either sitting or standing so nobody has the βhigher groundβ or an excuse to not be fully engaged in the conversation.
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