The Perfect PA's Guide to Being Completely Indispensible

Are you a PA currently contemplating your future?  Are you unsure as to how to keep your job, and feel confident you will stay employed until the recession rights itself?  Here are 13 Top Tips to become an asset to your organisation, rather than a liability – because every small action no matter how trivial could make a massive impact on your boss’s success and therefore the success of his or her business.

Dress for work as if you mean business!  Turn up every day with the right attitude and looking like you 100% committed to your job. Be willing to take on extra responsibility by taking the initiative. Notice areas where you could make your boss’s life just that bit easier. Even those at the top of the tree like a bit of encouragement now and again – nobody’s perfect. Help them plan their week and offer to talk them through that annoying pile of paperwork on their desk Don’t wait until you’ve made a mistake which could have been avoided. When trouble strikes you will be well placed to diplomatically handle issues on his or her behalf. Notice when a problem is about to become a major headache and give your boss advance warning so they aren’t caught unawares Keep your boss informed on important issues – never leave things until they find out from a third party You are part of a team so don’t let your ego or hurt feelings undermine the relationship long term. Save the whinging and moaning for days when you’re not at work – always think solutions, even if it is their fault. If you can think of an easier way of doing something, say so diplomatically. If a disaster has occurred – hold a post mortem meeting and document what went wrong to prevent the same thing happening next time All that will achieve is that when you return your boss will be so stressed they won’t want you to go away on holiday ever again.