PA of the Year Sharon Huckstep stresses the worth of PA and Secretarial Jobs
Sharon Huckstep is no ordinary PA. A passionate crusader of the value that PA and secretarial jobs bring to the business world, she sits on the Business Improvements Board at URS Corporation and represents all the admin staff in the UK and Ireland.
“PAs contribute greatly to any organisation and their efforts need to be recognised,” says Sharon. “It’s not an easy task but my aim is to raise the profile of my fellow admin staff and question preconceived notions.”
Hays.com managed to find a slot in the 2008 winner of the Times Crème and Hays Secretarial PA of the Year Award’s diary. Sharon is PA to David Bennison, UK & Ireland MD, based in Bedford.
What’s it like living up to the ‘PA of the Year’ tag? Feeling the heat?
SH: It’s very exciting for me but challenging in terms of managing people’s expectations. I’ve had tremendous support and emails of congratulations from my colleagues in as far away places as Australia, which has been fantastic.
What are your three biggest priorities at this moment in time?
SH: Organising my boss so that he is doing the things he needs to do; then organising myself and the tasks that need my attention; finally, working with other PAs and admin staff to make sure their accomplishments get the credit they deserve.
What does it take to become a top PA?
SH: You need to be exceptionally organised and understand that people need a work-life balance. Knowing when to say ‘no’ is important, not just for yourself but on your boss’s behalf as well.
Imagine the scenario: you’ve shortlisted three equally strong candidates for your position. What would tip the balance in favour of your would-be successor?
SH: I’d be looking at the person that isn’t afraid to speak out. He or she would need to acknowledge the value of admin and support staff. It’s important to remember that everybody is equally as important as anyone else, no matter what your job title.
Are employers doing enough to retain their PAs?
SH: Some are but it’s an uphill struggle to get the recognition and rewards they deserve. It will take a long time to change perceptions but events like the Times Crème and Hays Secretarial PA of the Year Award are a step in that direction.
Do PAs receive the right training and development?
SH: In some respects, employers are starting to do more – in-house training courses for PAs and Executive Assistants are more commonplace. For example, I recently organised an away day for senior PAs.
What are the most enjoyable parts of your job?
SH: The variety makes it so stimulating. Sitting on the Board also means that I can have a very real input into organisational matters – what we’re doing and how we’re doing it. Trying to challenge internal perceptions of admin staff is the biggest reward.
If you could change anything about your job, what would it be?
SH: I actually wouldn’t change anything! I wouldn’t have won the Award otherwise.
Do you think PAs get the credit they deserve?
SH: I don’t think they do and that’s one of the main reasons why I wanted to enter the competition: to raise our profile both nationally and internationally, as it’s something that is in serious need of correction.
What are the biggest challenges facing the PA today?
SH: Getting your work-life balance right. It’s not just about your personal needs but those of your boss as well. Effectively, you’re trying to do right by two people.
Will there be more PAs in senior leadership positions, shaping business strategy?
SH: I’d really like to think so and it would be great if there were. The wealth of knowledge and skills that these people have is vast and I see no reason why this would not be achievable, given the right assistance and opportunity afforded by the employer.
What do you think makes a great leader?
SH: Somebody that can inspire, that you’d look at and think, ‘I want to be like that’. A leader must be a respected figure, who’s not be afraid to make difficult decisions and put their foot down when they need to.
So, what’s next for Sharon Huckstep?
SH: I don’t know, haven’t really thought about it. I’m still in shock at having won the PA of the Year Award. I’d like to carry on what I’ve been doing, and continue to champion our cause in the wider environment – if I can make a difference by raising awareness of the work we do, that’ll do me.
