The personal assistant role is now a career pathway for many, as office professionals develop their multi-tasking skills, become excellent time managers and act as the second brain of their boss. PAs require skills in anticipation, forward planning and strategic thinking. During the 1980s, research into women in the workplace by Professor Susan Vinnicombe at Cranfield School of Management resulted in the finding that executive assistants would make great CEOs, as they can learn from the helicopter view they have of an organisation.
Recent articles in the national press have picked up on the fact that male graduates are now entering the role as the pay is good and it gives them an opportunity to work alongside senior management and develop their career pathway. With rising competition, it is more vital than ever for PAs to develop their skills base.
The Seven Key Skills course devised by the Global PA Network offers executive assistants the opportunity to measure their performance against the seven most important elements of the PA role. Skills in efficiency, mind-mapping your job, analysis of workplace strengths and how to become more productive are included in the programme.
In a recent interview that Rosemary Parr, the founder of the Global PA Network, conducted with Sir Christopher Bland, (former Chairman of BT 2001-2007) he confirmed that in his view the skill of efficiency was a pre-requisite of the PA role, combined with the ability to forward plan.
Being supportive is another vital ingredient key of the PA position. As time and work pressures have increased over the last few decades, PAs are now required to become experts in reading temperaments while maintaining their own positive mindset, together with having a good understanding of emotional intelligence. Developing skills in assertiveness means that PAs can handle complex situations with confidence when dealing with a wide group of business contacts.
Management assistants no longer work in isolation so being part of the team, involved and engaged, is one of the Seven Key Skills. It is understandably natural for PAs to view their role as a supporter of the team, rather than actively engaged in making a contribution. As the workplace evolves into flatter structures with less hierarchy, however, the contribution of the personal assistant to the success of the team will be crucial.
Creating career distinction by becoming an ambassador for your organisation is another of the Seven Key Skills. First impressions count and PAs are often the first point of contact in any organisation. That initial impression will be the one that will reflect on the individual in future, so getting it right first time is crucial for your brand and the reputation of your boss.
The next Seven Key Skills masterclass, which is CPD-certified, is being held on Thursday, 23rd January 2014 in central London. For further information see the website, globalpanetwork.com/Registration-for-Global-PA-Network-Accredited-PA-Masterclass-Programme
