Technology
Issue: July / August 2013
Issue: July / August 2013
Social Media – It’s A Hot Topic, Make Sure You Don’t Get Burnt
By Claire Lister - July 23, 2013
I’m going to start off this month’s column by talking to you about baking – not because I don’t want to talk to you about training, but because I think all becomes clear when you compare work to life. I’m taking you into the kitchen, where you’re baking gorgeous cupcakes and they’re all neat and... Read more »
Project Management
Issue: May / June 2013
Issue: May / June 2013
PAs: the World’s Best Jugglers
By Claire Lister - May 25, 2013
The vast knowledge that can be sourced on the Internet tells me that the world’s best juggler can handle seven balls at a time, with 352 moves. A competition I’d like to see is him taking on my very own PA who seems to juggle well over 353 moves a day! I have always been... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: November / December 2012
Issue: November / December 2012
Super Achievers – There’s nothing like a PA!
By Claire Lister - November 27, 2012
What makes a super PA? What does it take to really stand out? We look at five ways to prove to your employer you are worth a gold medal. With Olympic glory still very much in our minds, and our successes on this world stage bringing a strong glow of pride for us Brits, there’s... Read more »
Technology
Issue: September / October 2012
Issue: September / October 2012
Just How Social Can You Be at Work?
By Claire Lister - September 25, 2012
With advances in technology and culture, the lines of work and play are being blurred – but how far can you go? Comfort Zones… Remember when the introduction of ‘dress down’ Friday meant heading into work in your ‘weekend clothes’? Initially this felt like quite a strange concept and one that took a lot of... Read more »
Project Management
Issue: July / August 2012
Issue: July / August 2012
The Accidental Event Manager
By Claire Lister - July 25, 2012
We’ve all had tasks land in our in-tray that aren’t strictly part of our job description, and sometimes had to deal with situations which lay way outside what’s required of us. But as professionals we adjust our mindset, take a positive viewpoint and tackle them head-on, mostly with great effect – because that’s who we... Read more »
Leadership
Issue: July / August 2012
Issue: July / August 2012
The New Avengers
By Claire Lister - July 25, 2012
When comic strip becomes reality – the Avenging role of an Executive PA ‘Earth’s mightiest heroes’, The Avengers, have recently hit the cinema again with the likes of the Hulk, Black Widow, Captain America, Iron Man and Thor joining forces to fight the biggest foe they’ve ever faced. They’ve changed slightly from their 1960’s make-up,... Read more »
Opinion
Issue: May / June 2012
Issue: May / June 2012
‘Mad Men’ and Powerful PAs
By Claire Lister - May 25, 2012
There is an office career revival afoot – and Secretaries are leading the way. Whilst I’m a big believer in looking forward, not back, I’ve had good cause to reminisce over the past few months as we’re currently celebrating 175 years since Sir Isaac Pitman invented shorthand. As part of these celebrations we’ve asked... Read more »
Opinion
Issue: March / April 2012
Issue: March / April 2012
A Job for the Girls?
By Claire Lister - March 25, 2012
We start our journey down memory lane looking at the changing role of women in the workplace In previous articles I’ve talked about the changing role of Executive Assistants and Secretaries and how the future seems to hold involvement in, and responsibility for, a wide range of business functions, including marketing, finance and HR. This... Read more »
Career Development
Issue: January / February 2012
Issue: January / February 2012
2012 – The Year of Your Career
By Claire Lister - January 25, 2012
What does 2012 have in store for you? Claire Lister, Managing Director of Pitman Training, looks at how you can make 2012 the year of your career. As we start the New Year, many of us are setting new goals, and for some, that list might include making further progress in their career, climbing a... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: November / December 2011
Issue: November / December 2011
Stepping up … and giving others a helping hand
By Claire Lister - November 25, 2011
Claire Lister, Managing Director of Pitman Training, talks about taking charge of your own career development and training as well as that of others. In previous articles, I’ve talked about how the role of top level secretaries and PAs has expanded to include many other elements such as finance, marketing and human resources. If... Read more »
Personal Development
Issue: September / October 2011
Issue: September / October 2011
Can You Just?
By Claire Lister - September 25, 2011
How to use your skills and experience to make a positive and lasting impression in your new role. Whether you’ve landed your dream job or are climbing further up the ladder towards your ultimate goal, your experience and skills really get put to the test. So, how do you make sure your colleagues and... Read more »
Profiles
Issue: March / April 2011
Issue: March / April 2011
PROFILE – Claire Lister
By Lucy Brazier OBE - March 25, 2011
We caught up with Claire Lister, Pitman Training, to get the lowdown on her career and what she thinks the future for executive secretaries holds.