The role of PAs and EAs is still widely misunderstood and many people think theyβre simply glorified secretaries. However, it has become a valuable career with progression opportunities, according to Sarah Daffy.
Sarah, writing for her employer News Corpβs Australian Daily Telegraph, says people should never underestimate the power of the executive assistant. βThe job requires a high level of intellect, professionalism and resilience,β she comments. βOften times your intelligence needs to match that of your boss and you need to be three steps ahead of them at all times. Itβs just as rewarding as it is exhausting.
She believes the digital era has been the driving force behind the evolution of the role, with large companies tripling productivity and reshaping the way in which they operate. Because of this, an executive needs somebody they can depend on to work alongside them.
βThe secretary who used to sit on the end of the phone opening mail and making coffee doesnβt cut it anymore,β Sarah says. βPower players need a smart assistant they can rely on to oversee much larger responsibilities. Someone who can think for them and de-clutter their brain.β
Successful EAs know what their boss is thinking before theyβve thought it, according to Sarah, and itβs their job to offer help before a request is made. They have to be their execβs shadow and will become an indispensible part of their bossβs daily life.
So the next time somebody says youβre βjust a secretaryβ, be sure to tell them what youβre really worth to your company.
Read Sarahβs original article at bit.ly/1STrKnf
