Leadership
Issue: January / February 2014

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

By - January 25, 2014

‘If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants’ Isaac Newton The end of every year brings the promise of the new one. Before that happens though, my mind is always pulled to think about the year that was. As I travelled to more places than I ever have in... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: January / February 2014

Impressions from a Volunteer – Apia, Samoa

By - January 25, 2014

Charles and I have been living in Apia, Samoa since 18 November 2013. We are loaded with first impressions and at this stage we are really enjoying it. We know some harder times are coming as our decision has separated us from our family at Christmas time and we have missed the birth of our... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: January / February 2014

Accepting Feelings

By - January 25, 2014

In a recent article in this magazine, I pointed out that whenever we have a negative thought, we’re either wanting something that’s happened not to have happened or we’re wanting a situation that exists right now not to exist right now. In other words we’re wanting something to be “already” different. The only exception is... Read more »
resolution
Personal Development
Issue: January / February 2014

A Different Kind of Resolution

By - January 1, 2014

Happy New Year! So Christmas and New Year are over, leaving in their wake a trail of pesky resolutions. Let's change the focus suggests Jessica McGregor Johnson
Editor's Letters
Issue: November / December 2013

Changing Perceptions

By - November 27, 2013

Here at Executive Secretary, we are gearing up for a year that could change the world for Assistants. Did you know that 2014 is the International Year of the Secretary and that we have just been appointed as Global Brand Ambassador for this extraordinary event? It’s 30 years since the last one and it couldn’t... Read more »
Cover Story
Issue: November / December 2013

8 Rules of Networking Etiquette Every Administrative Professional Should Heed

By - November 26, 2013

Robert Hosking explores the social skills we all need
Leadership
Issue: November / December 2013

4 Distractions Every Leader Must Ignore

By - November 25, 2013

Happiness can only be found if you can free yourself of all other distractions – Saul Bellow There is a story involving Yogi Berra, the well-known catcher for the New York Yankees, and Hank Aaron, who at the time was the chief power hitter for the Milwaukee Braves. The baseball teams were playing in the... Read more »
Profiles
Issue: November / December 2013

PROFILE – Dale Stafford

By - November 25, 2013

Dale Stafford is the Principal & Founder of The Principle Department Can we start with a little background information? My parents were both performers in Variety Theatre – my dad was the straight man in a comedy double act and my mum was an equilibrist and dancer – so I was that person you’ve heard... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2013

Red Lorry, Yellow Lorry

By - November 25, 2013

Lindsay Taylor explains how to work quickly and efficiently without getting tongue tied As a busy Assistant having to “think on your feet” is part and parcel of your role – you need to work quickly and efficiently without getting tongue-tied – in order to foster credibility and respect in your workplace. So, how do... Read more »
Events Excellence
Issue: November / December 2013

Finding the Perfect Venue for Your Event

By - November 25, 2013

How do you ensure that your next choice of venue is the right one for your event? asks Claire Derrick
Communication
Issue: November / December 2013

The Hidden World of the Team

By - November 25, 2013

It was not so long ago everyone who worked for a company was based in the same place and to contact someone in the next town or village meant a day’s walk or a carriage ride of several days. Later, people went to an office and sat behind a desk from 9-5.30pm with an hour... Read more »
Leadership
Issue: November / December 2013

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

By - November 25, 2013

The world has changed dramatically since The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People was first published in 1989. Life is more complex, more stressful, more demanding. We have transitioned from the Industrial Age to the Information/ Knowledge Worker Age – with profound consequences. We face challenges and problems in our personal lives, our families and... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: November / December 2013

Five Strategies to Achieve Your Goals

By - November 25, 2013

Even when you’ve set a “good” goal – one that adheres to your higher objective and is specific and measurable – you can run into some issues along the way: namely, staying motivated. Without motivation, even the most ambitious person will get sidetracked. Here are the strategies that I feel will keep you on track... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: November / December 2013

What Will Be Your Legacy?

By - November 25, 2013

I have an indelible memory of being ten years old. I was talking with Mom (named Ruth) about what I would be “when I grew up”. This was during my doctor, model or stewardess phase. (We didn’t know about “flight attendants” yet.) Mom’s response was not what I expected. She said, “Leave the world better... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: November / December 2013

How Can I Find a Private PA Job?

By - November 25, 2013

This is a question we are often asked! The thought of working as a Private PA is an attractive proposition for both experienced PAs as well as junior PAs. You may be enticed by the thought of working for a high net-worth individual, perhaps even a celebrity, travelling with them around the world or working... Read more »
Communication
Issue: November / December 2013

Leave Those Excuses Behind

By - November 25, 2013

Leave Those Excuses Behind “”The reason that I didn’t get that report in on time was because my computer crashed, and I lost all of my supporting information…” “I’m sorry for being late for the meeting; I got caught in traffic, and there were no alternate routes.” “I wasn’t able to call you – your... Read more »