Q & A - Sue France, Times Crème 2006 winner
With the Times Crème and Hays Secretarial PA of the Year Award taking place in May, Hays.com caught up with last year’s winner Sue France who is a member of the 2007 judging panel.
What impact has winning the award had on your professional and personal life?
SF: I’ve become involved with more training, which is something I really enjoy. I get to speak at conferences and I will be giving a talk at The Times Crème Executive Secretary and PA Event [Olympia, London, 15-17 May] entitled ‘You too can be the PA of the Year – find out how!’
What are the key criteria that you will be looking for as a judge?
SF: All the basic secretarial skills are a given. Hopefuls must be proactive and demonstrate that they have that little extra that others don’t. I think that my involvement with the EUMA [European Management Assistants] helped me. They must also be able to communicate effectively as a phone interview is part of the selection process.
What are the qualities and skills that make an exceptional PA?
SF: Organisation, flexibility and a willingness to learn are all pivotal skills. You must be good at building and maintaining relationships. Self-motivation and a propensity to act on one’s initiative are fundamental elements. Also, learn to be accountable and don’t shy away from responsibility.
What are the most difficult aspects of the job and how are they overcome?
SF: Working with difficult people and the ability to manage conflict. PAs need to be diplomatic, assertive and possess a hefty dose of common sense. In some cases, they might have more than one boss so time management is equally important. To multi task without getting stressed is the winning combination.
What advice would you give the budding PA embarking on their career and to the more seasoned PA looking to advance his or her career?
SF: The [budding] PA must absorb everything like a sponge and grasp every opportunity to take on more responsibility. Enhance your experience and be open to suggestions and don’t be defensive. Don’t ever think you know everything – be aware of developments and learn. You might want to join a network such as EUMA where you can share information and exchange knowledge and ideas.
Is there any specific training that you would recommend?
SF: Time management and soft skills training. For example, PAs must learn to be assertive – not aggressive – and be able get their point across to ensure a ‘win win’ outcome. Remember to actively listen and ask questions and never make assumptions. Ask yourself, ‘Is this fact or am I assuming that it is?’ Also, any ‘extra-curricular’ skills that you can introduce into your work are always beneficial.
Do you think that PAs get the credit that they deserve?
SF: Many do. The sheer volume of nominations for the PA of the Year award bears this out. Perhaps bosses should nominate more. On the whole, PAs are appreciated although they are maybe not recompensed as much as other jobs because of the support nature of the role.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the PA of today?
SF: Work-life balance. PAs work longer hours and some are even on 24-hour call. They feel that they don’t want to let anyone down but this is counter-productive. They should be more assertive and look at the bigger picture.
How has the role of the PA changed?
SF: Many bosses do more of their own typing and admin work. PAs are more heavily involved in the management side of things and often have supervisory responsibilities. They typically attend board meetings and offer advice and support - some even have their own secretaries!
Are there any other tips or general advice that you would like to share?
SF: PAs must remember that body language and first impressions really do count. A shining personality is a great help and fellow colleagues must feel that they can be relied upon and trusted. PAs must also bring ideas to the table and make suggestions. Confidence is very important.
For more information about the the Times Crème and Hays Secretarial PA of the Year Award 2007, click here.
