6 skills to make you shine 1
A high level of EQ “Mastery ofEQenables clarity of our
feelings and thoughts in all situations,” explains Dr Granville D’Souza, Director of Six Seconds (
www.6seconds-sea.com). “While EQseems like a mastery of skills that are associatedwith peak performers,we can muster the necessary skills to keep us constantly effective in challenging life sit- uations and at work. EQ raises our self- awareness and builds inner resilience to help tackle difficult situations. It enables us to to maintain meaningful relation- ships through empathy, self control and possibility thinking,” he explains.
2
A passion for presentation It’s not all about technical skills; cre-
ative PAs with event management and presentation skills are alsoindemand. Sen- ior leaders are hosting ever more board- room lunches, networking events and presentations and it often falls to the PA to be on top of things.Having the knowl- edge on howthis is all put together – and even better a passion for it –will standyou in good stead in the office. Knowing how to put together a presentation is increas- ingly becoming a critical skill, as is expe- rience in organising events.
3 A head for finance If you want to pick up sought-after
skills in your current role, then turn to the finance department. A good under- standing of the relevant systems and financial software used is a specialist skill – and one that is highly regarded.Having skills in the finance arena is a great addition to your CV and if the opportu- nity arises to pick up some of this knowl- edge then go for it!
4
An ability to work networks Someskills never go out of fashion,
and a flair for networking is one of those – after all you never knowwhere a poten- tial linkwill present itself and time spent networking is a valuable investment in your career. Networking does not nec-
46 2012 ISSUETWO |
WWW.EXECUTIVEPA.ASIA
Magazine asks what skills, old and new, make an assistant exceptional HOWTO
The skills that make a great PA are always evolving. Executive PA
Some skills never go out of fashion, and a flair for
networking is one of those – after all you never know where a potential link will present itself and time spent networking is a valuable investment in your career
essarily involve conferences and formal events – make the most of your current opportunities by taking the time to socialise with co-workers. Company events are a great place to catch upwith your network and, if you are organising, to showcase your skills.
5
An abundance of life skills It’s not just time at your desk that
counts. An exceptional EA or PA also enjoys life outside the office and isn’t afraid to let people know. Whether it’s playing sport, arts and crafts, or master-
ing new skills such as learning a lan- guage, be sure to list your hobby or interest on yourCV. Volunteering is par- ticularly noteworthy to showcommitment to your community but any extracurric- ular activities show you are a balanced, well rounded individual.
6 The confidence to try For aPAto reachtheir potential, they
need not just skills but the confidence to use those skills, according to Sue France, author of TheDefinitivePersonalAssistant & Secretarial Handbook. “I think the main thing holding back many PAs is a lack of
confidence.Most are highly skilled and capable, but need to push them- selves forward.”Abold attitude is her tip forPAs: “Don’t be afraid to take chances, and remember that not every effort goes right first
go.Beopen, flexible, take on new projects and challenge yourself – you can’t fail. Even if you make mistakes, it’s OK as long as you learn from them.” E
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