Communication
Issue: March / April 2015

Pushing Back, Appropriately and Diplomatically

By - March 25, 2015

Adam Fidler explains how to say “no” (without actually saying it!) Do you ever say “no” to your boss? Do you ever push back and tell your boss that you’re too busy? These questions might alarm you – but I am being serious. They are the questions I ask, deliberately, to the delegates on my... Read more »
Communication
Issue: March / April 2015

The Powerful Duo of Listening and Empathising

By - March 25, 2015

Lindsay Taylor details the two skills that combine to create a formidable approach Listening Listening is the key to creating and maintaining rapport. Combine it with empathy and you have a powerful duo to ensure a great working relationship with your manager and team. Let’s consider each in turn starting with Listening. Listening is a skill... Read more »
Communication
Issue: March / April 2015

Managing Your Boss

By - March 25, 2015

Time and time again I hear from PAs how they struggle to find a way to work with their executives. With the constant demands and complexities of your role, the last thing you need is a resistant executive, who slows you down, and obstructs your ability to assist and work with them to the best... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: March / April 2015

Ultimate Secrets for Career Success

By - March 25, 2015

Sandy Geroux shares the crucial habits and mindsets that can help you move from success to significance
Career Development
Issue: March / April 2015

Have a Goal? Get a System!

By - March 25, 2015

Most admins have personal and professional goals. However, many are missing a crucial component to accomplishing them: a system. James Clear, an author and habits expert, says, “Forget goals. Focus on systems instead.” And he is right. Systems are procedures with a built in repetitive plan of action for how you get stuff done. Part... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: March / April 2015

Create a “Mindset Spiral” to Become Powerful

By - March 25, 2015

One of the key determinants of the life we lead and what we get out of life is our beliefs. Self belief, belief about what’s possible, belief in what we can achieve and contribute to others and the world. A term that’s often used to describe these kinds of beliefs is “mindset”. People with a... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: March / April 2015

Why Use a Coaching Approach as a Line Manager?

By - March 25, 2015

Coaching cultures The use of coaching within organisations, whether formally (through structured internal or external coaching arrangements) or informally, as an element of a style of conversation, is becoming recognised as a powerful tool for individual and organisational development. Organisations are increasingly seeking to develop “coaching cultures”. What is coaching? Coaching is used as an... Read more »
Technology
Issue: March / April 2015

Subject Line, not Surprise Line

By - March 25, 2015

Shirley Taylor explains how to create better email subject lines that get your emails opened
Technology
Issue: March / April 2015

Social Media and the Job-hunter

By - March 25, 2015

According to research carried out by the company I work for, Randstad Business Support, just two in 10 job candidates tailor their LinkedIn profile when going for new jobs. But more than three-fifths remember to make their CV relevant for specific posts. Three-quarters of applicants are comfortable with future employees viewing their online profiles.  ... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: March / April 2015

Preparing for Retirement

By - March 25, 2015

The period leading up to retirement can be one of the most stressful times of our lives but is now widely recognised as a time of greater risk of stress-related illnesses such as stroke, heart disease and depression. Consumers’ Association Which? state the number of people in the UK who work beyond state pension age (currently... Read more »
Editor's Letters
Issue: January / February 2015

The Way Forward

By - January 26, 2015

So that’s it! The International Year of the Secretary and Assistant is no more. After a year of speaking, writing, campaigning and generally stirring up the world’s Assistants and Executives it has all come to an end. PAFSA in South Africa will be collating all the results over the next couple of months in order to take a view... Read more »
Cover Story Processes & Procedures
Issue: January / February 2015

Creating an Assistant Network Within Your Organisation

By - January 25, 2015

Cathy Harris leads the way with her comprehensive guide to creating an Assistant Network within your organisation
Communication
Issue: January / February 2015

Creating Powerful Partnerships

By - January 25, 2015

Trust is the foundation of all powerful - and successful - partnerships says Peggy Vasquez
Leadership
Issue: January / February 2015

Three Locks That Hold You Back

By - January 25, 2015

Life has no limitations except the ones you make. – Les Brown The story is told of master magician and locksmith Harry Houdini on one of his European tours and how he found himself locked in by his own thinking. After he had been searched and manacled in a Scottish town jail, the old turnkey... Read more »
Communication
Issue: January / February 2015

Winning Beginnings – Opening Your Speech With Impact

By - January 25, 2015

Lyn Roseaman shares her tops tips on opening your speech when speaking in public
Personal Development
Issue: January / February 2015

Choosing Your Attitude

By - January 25, 2015

It can be a challenging time when our world as we know it shifts beneath our feet. One of my favourite quotes is: Don’t worry about having the carpet pulled from under your feet; learn to dance on a shifting carpet. That’s the key right now, and it all depends on where your focus is... Read more »