What skills and attributes are needed to make a successful Private PA?

I am often asked this question and hence thought I would jot down some pointers, listed below.  No doubt there are many more so feel free to e-mail me your thoughts and I will happily add them!

• A flexible approach to outside commitments such as pets, partners or houseplants!
• Pragmatism; there is a solution to every problem. Being resourceful.

• A yearning to please or having a serving heart

                        Interesting antitheses

• Having a thick skin or being resilient      

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Always looking for new and innovative ways of doing things better/more efficiently
• Being non-judgemental
• A great memory
• Articulate
• Ability to maintain a professional working relationship with a Principal in a small office environment – NEVER CROSS THE LINE – you are not a friend or relative, you are an employee 

• Good time management
• Calm and able to work under pressure, must be unflappable
• Ability to manage ever-changing schedules and priorities
• Willing to be contacted on call/after hours
• Able to adapt to other cultures and customs
• Familiar with business and social etiquette
• Self-starter and detail orientated
• Discreet and trustworthy
• Clean driver’s licence is always a bonus
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills as you may be liaising with lawyers, accountants, family, friends, colleagues – some of whom will be VIPs or in the public eye
• Have the courage of your convictions in decision making, often nobody else to consult
• Knowledge of the industry and key players in your employer’s field of discipline
• Ability to anticipate needs and plan ahead
• Tech-savvy to a high standard as often no IT support in smaller offices
• Superb organisational skills
• Good writing skills
• Patience