Editor's Letters
Issue: September / October 2015

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others ~ Mahatma Gandhi

By - September 25, 2015

It’s been an extraordinary couple of months. I have only been in London for just over two weeks and three days since mid July and most of the rest of that time was spent travelling in countries with totally different cultures where I had only ever dreamed of going. It has truly been a time where I have... Read more »
Cover Story
Issue: September / October 2015

Executives and Assistants Working In Partnership

By - September 25, 2015

In our fast-moving world, how do we find time to get along? asks Joan Burge
Profiles
Issue: September / October 2015

PROFILE – Florence Katono

By - September 25, 2015

Florence Katono is the Pitman PA of the Year 2015 & Publicity Secretary of the Bank of Uganda Administrative Assistants Association (BUAA)
Communication
Issue: September / October 2015

A Word to the “Whys” – Tips for Choosing Your Words Wisely

By - September 25, 2015

Avoid those language landmines with our word disposal expert, Sandy Geroux
Personal Development
Issue: September / October 2015

Think It, Ink It! How Journaling Enhances Your Admin Career

By - September 25, 2015

A feather quill or SmartPen? Either will do, says Julie Perrine… Journaling. For many, it conjures memories of homework assigned by grade school teachers. But keeping a journal actually has a lot of awesome benefits for adult professionals, especially admins. A journal is a place to capture ideas, work through your thoughts, ideas and experiences.... Read more »
Communication
Issue: September / October 2015

Relationships – When You Both Want to Be Right!

By - September 25, 2015

It’s hard to back down, says Jessica McGregor Johnson, but a “wake-up” phrase can help…   There was a classic moment in my relationship in the middle of a disagreement when my partner said to me “the problem with us is that you think you are right and I know I am right!”   This... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: September / October 2015

Great Expectations

By - September 25, 2015

No job description? Time to get going, says Bonnie Low-Kramen… It is crystal clear to me that many of the problems between employers and Assistants in our workplace could be prevented by a clear set of written expectations. It always surprises me to learn that many Assistants begin Day 1 of their jobs without anything... Read more »
Communication
Issue: September / October 2015

Eight Tips for Taming Terror

By - September 25, 2015

How to transform presentation nerves into confident communication Developing your ability and confidence to speak in public is probably one of the most valuable things you can do both for your self esteem and your career/business. However, overcoming the fear associated with standing up in front of a group of people is the crucial first... Read more »
Communication
Issue: September / October 2015

Apologies That Work

By - September 25, 2015

The power of “sorry” in more ways than one… No one is perfect, and, there will come a time when you need to apologize for something. There is a right way and a wrong way
 Here are a few things to consider. Any apology must be absent any conditions. Too many people apologize, then say... Read more »
Technology
Issue: September / October 2015

The (Not So) Secret Diary of Blogger

By - September 25, 2015

Unravelling the mysteries of online blogging… For some of us, the world of blogging is a myriad of jargon – microblogging, widgets and SEO – just what exactly does it all mean, why should we share our innermost thoughts and just how do people make money out of “a hobby”? More importantly why, as PAs,... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: September / October 2015

5 Administrative Skills and Attributes Every Office Professional Should Have

By - September 25, 2015

An OfficeTeam and IAAP survey reveals some surprising truths about PA success Administrative professionals are valued for their ability to wear many hats. Often their jobs require high-level responsibilities, ranging from planning large-scale events and representing senior managers to creating presentations and analyzing financial data. But what skills and attributes are must-haves for today’s support... Read more »
Business Strategy & Acumen
Issue: September / October 2015

When Your Process Replaces Your People

By - September 25, 2015

Strategy coming before staff? It’s time to talk turkey, says Doug Dickerson… When people go to work, they shouldn’t have to leave their hearts at home. Betty Bender John Maxwell shares one of my favorite stories about a turkey chatting with a bull. “I would love to be able to get to the top of... Read more »
Profiles
Issue: September / October 2015

PROFILE – Paul Pennant

By - September 25, 2015

Paul Pennant is the MD and lead trainer for Today's PA
Personal Development
Issue: September / October 2015

Be True to Yourself

By - September 25, 2015

“Know thyself,” says Carole Spiers, and all will be well in the world… The American poet EE Cummings said, “It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” Most of us grow up in a society in which there is an underlying pressure to act and behave in a way in which... Read more »
Communication
Issue: September / October 2015

How I Messed Up On My First Job – and What You Can Learn From My Mistakes!

By - September 25, 2015

It’s all in the whys and wherefores, says Brenda Bernstein… “Why?” This is a question asked by children incessantly all over the world. “Why” is an essential inquiry into how the world works. It seems some “Why?” questions are acceptable signs of curiosity, whereas others are met with “Because I said so.” As adults, it’s... Read more »
Business Strategy & Acumen
Issue: September / October 2015

Time for a Little Boss Mode

By - September 25, 2015

Adam Fidler explains why today’s Assistants need to do as much thinking as their bosses   I remember my first “proper” job as an Assistant in the early 2000s – it was for a large FTSE100 firm, in their group headquarters, where I supported the CEO’s chief communicator and spin doctor. The bulk of my job... Read more »