One of Australia’s richest and most powerful men once had a simple strategy when dealing with people in business. He would simply ask his secretary, ‘did they pass the ‘PA test‘?”  And while it may appear an unusual tactic, personal assistant’s often exert great influence in the business decision making process.

In my former days as a PA I too learned this role carried with it a lot of sway. Because the relationship between personal assistant and employer is like holy matrimony of the workplace. Not only can you read your boss’s mind and pre-empt their every move, but you’re also the gatekeeper and chief secret keeper. It’s a position of privilege and pressure, and people who deal with PA’s should be aware their interactions with them matter more than they may understand.

Rah Gardiner, a seasoned personal assistant with 12 years experience (and founder of the successful Smarter Admins blog) can also attest to this.

 

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