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susan silva
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« on: November 05, 2009, 01:31:14 am » |
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What do you think are the top 5 challenges that PAs/EAs/AAs (and all the other various job titles!) face? (If you can only think of one, list it, but lets us know what you thin.)
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Chatham Lady
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« Reply #1 on: November 05, 2009, 11:55:20 am » |
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Hi Susan Here 's one: Having to literally "think" on your feet when those unexpected meetings, tasks, visitors etc suddenly appear on/at your desk and what you had planned to do with your day does not happen at all.  Regards ChathamLady |
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gee4
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« Reply #2 on: November 05, 2009, 03:00:16 pm » |
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This is quite difficult as the role of a PA has a lot to do with common sense and more importantly communication. We all provide support for individuals at different levels, so some PA's will be challenged more than others.
I think what I find the most difficult is, when individuals assume you already know about something, when in fact you don't.
Last minute changes regarding travel/meetings/hospitality don't really bother me, as long as those requesting the changes understand that I neither have a crystal ball nor a magic wand.
When I'm tasked with a particular job, I always try and ascertain when it is needed by or how much time I have to complete the request. Giving me 10 mins to re-create a document in Visio will only result in a hap hazzard job.
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Atlanta Z3
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« Reply #3 on: November 05, 2009, 04:13:32 pm » |
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1. Being glue and lubricant at the same time
2. Confidentiality
3. People skills
4. Technical skills - staying current
5. Psychic capabilities
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peaches2160
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« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2009, 07:39:37 am » |
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I have to agree with Atlanta on her comments above. In addition, I find it frustrating when others just take it upon themselves to schedule urgent meetings (in their opinion) and send electronic mtg notices without even consulting if the boss is available. To me it is common courtousy to inquire. Managing frustration lately has been a challenge for me at times. I have found myself on more than one occassion drafting e-mail and saving it, to reread later and edit, taking deep breaths, getting up and walking for a few minutes to regroup before responding, or delaying my response until the next day on some issues. I keep telling myself "I am a duck, let it roll off of your back".
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BeckyA
Newbie
Posts: 32
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« Reply #5 on: November 13, 2009, 01:00:34 am » |
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Recognition of the profession as career that commands respect.
Continued Education and keeping up on the latest technologies as we are the first in the office many times to learn new programs and equipment
I do agree with Atlanta, Psychic capabilities, which means being as proactive and not reactive as possible.
My last two, are more personal.
Time Management, dont drop something on my desk at 5 and expect it done by 4:30! Give realistic expectations.
Lack of communications, for me not between my boss but his subordinates, they like to by pass me and interrupt his schedule.
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peaches2160
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« Reply #6 on: November 14, 2009, 12:09:58 pm » |
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I have to agree with Becky A in regards to folks with no respect for others time and trying to bypass me when it comes to contacting my boss. In this age of cell phones and blackberry phones, they just call his cell. I alos have the challenge of those that just randomly send meeting notices without checking with me first to see if he is available, or can be available for a meeting. We are the Guardian of the Gate, but it is a challenge some days keeping that Gate closed.
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