Being a personal assistant is now much more than the stereotypical 1960s secretary you see in Mad Men. Gone are the days when PAs would spend the majority of their working time typing and re-typing letters. It is now very common for top PAs to also take on HR functions, manage crucial events or conferences, oversee major office moves from one city to another, and the list goes on. PAs are now key members of an organisation and their skills have a huge impact on the success of a business.
As well as taking on many important projects PAs also do have to work closely with executives and build a strong rapport with them. Executives trust their PAs and share very confidential information on a regular basis, sometimes also ask for their valuable advice too. You will often find that personal assistants are aware of classified issues related to the business or staff as well as crucial changes in the company before they actually take place. Working closely with someone is not always easy. PAs often have to manage their director’s expectations as well as failures which often come with bad temper too. The opposite is rare- PAs have to stay professional and composed at all times particularly in moments of crisis, which can be very tricky. They are only human after all.
We are always delighted to meet with clients who really understand how important PAs are to a business; and more and more do now which is great. Being a PA is a wonderful job, stressful at times but so fulfilling if you are matched with the right company. I guess that is when we step in…..
Here’s to all of the personal assistants out there helping businesses and individuals achieve the impossible. You are all heroes!
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