PAs | PA Prive

Jul 5, 2013

How to Boost Team Creativity

Being creative is more than just coming up with new ideas for products, or cost reductions. It’s a tool that can be used in many ways and situations. Creative people are better problem solvers and tend to overcome obstacles to reaching goals better than plodders. Research shows that people are much more creative and productive when they feel happy says Daniel Gilbert, a psychology professor at Harvard University. Having a hard time coming up with new ideas with your team? A few practical tips to build a more creative team. Learn each team members’ distinctive talents The areas ...

Jul 5, 2013 | Comments Off

Jul 3, 2013

How to organise an Event

Managing an event has become a specialised discipline and requires an abundance of skills. The following are 10 things to keep in mind while organising an event Questions to consider before planning an event: What are the objectives (both primary and secondary) of the event? What is the benefit to the organization? Are there achievable budgets and results? Does the concept have the support of your Board or Head Office? Do you need to test by running a pilot event? What is the division of roles and responsibilities? How can the event be monitored? How will the evaluation ...

Jul 3, 2013 | Comments Off

Jul 1, 2013

Diary Management Tips for PAs

Managing a busy diary is no simple task – as every PA will know. Some boss’ diaries are so complex, they employ two PAs, one to work on the diary – the ‘diary PA’ – and one to do everything else. In some industries, such as banking, the diary can be as much as 80% of the PA’s work. A good diary manager needs to decisive yet flexible. Flexibility in the diary is something that a number of PAs are afraid of – they live by the ‘once it’s fixed, it’s fixed’ approach and woe betide anyone who asks them to ...

Jul 1, 2013 | 1 Comment

Tips for Having More Productive Days

Are You Busy or Are You Productive? There is a big difference between being busy and being productive, yet many of us use the two terms interchangeably. Stop confusing busyness for productivity, and you’ll get more done. Are you making progress on mission-critical tasks and projects? Then, you are productive. We believe having a productive day is all down to planning, prioritising and focusing. Check out our tips below: Get enough sleep every night. Wake up early, probably just after sunrise. Many studies reveal that morning birds are more creative, energetic and motivated than night owls ...

Jun 28, 2013 | Comments Off

Documents that are commonly used in meetings

For any meeting to take place in a procedural way, there are a few important and necessary documents involved without which the meeting will not go smoothly. The necessary documents for a meeting are: Agenda The meeting agenda is the meeting plan. Document created by the PA, secretary or admin. It is then approved by the chairman and circulated to the other members who will be attending the meeting. It can be distributed either digitally or as hard copies. It is always best to have a few spare copies. It lays out the topics that need to be ...

Jun 23, 2013 | 2 Comments

Minute Taking Guidance

Minutes serve as legal binding documents in many situations and in many organizations and can be produced as evidence of certain discussions and decisions when there are legal challenges in the future. A common job duty of administrative and EAs is to be able to take effective meeting minutes. Whether you are taking minutes at a team meeting or a meeting of the Board of Directors, the skills are pretty much the same. The following is a guide for making this task easier: Before the meeting. Choose your tool: Decide how you will take notes, i.e. pen and paper, ...

Jun 21, 2013 | Comments Off

Business Etiquette – Common Mistakes

One of the biggest mistakes you can make in your career is not understanding that there are certain codes and rules to abide by in the workplace. If you’re not careful, you may even lose opportunities because others are put off by your lack of professionalism. Don’t Listen to Your Music Player in the Elevator. and don’t check your e-mail messages. “Wearing earplugs is like putting a Do Not Disturb sign on you”. It sends a message to colleagues that you want to be left alone, an unfriendly gesture at best. Elevators and hallways are prime spots for friendly, ...

Jun 19, 2013 | 1 Comment

Jun 16, 2013

Office Wear Essentials

Contrary to popular belief, there are many ways to stay sensible yet stylish at the office. Getting dressed for the office doesn’t mean leaving your personal style behind. Find out which looks give you a polished, professional look and which fashions can be a career killer. Below are some must-have items for a completely polished, professional wardrobe Build a strong set of timeless staples . Focus on fit and quality . Learn to maximize your wardrobe through smart outfit combinations instead of relying solely on statement pieces. Invest in the Classics. Save money on items that you’ll wear infrequently, and invest ...

Jun 16, 2013 | 1 Comment

Jun 14, 2013

Making Travel Arrangements for Executives

If you work as a PA, at some point you’ll likely make travel arrangements for one or more executives. Making travel arrangements for your boss can sometimes be stressful. It is important to ask the right questions to get them where they want to go. The details below are tips and questions to scheduling travel arrangements for your boss. Questions you can ask and tips to remember Find out your boss’s preferences. Make certain the executive’s travel documents are up-to-date. Some international destinations also require visas for entry into the country. Check the itinerary carefully. Make sure that ...

Jun 14, 2013 | Comments Off

Etiquette Dilemmas of Traveling With Your Boss

Being invited on a business trip with your boss is a great opportunity. This can be an opportunity to improve your position in the company. There are two things to do when traveling with your boss: You may want to show to your boss that you are an expert in a particular field. The most important rule to keep in mind is: Repeat this mantra to yourself over the course of the trip. Everything that applies in the office applies on the road. Here is some useful advice: Flesh out your itinerary. You are likely ...

Jun 13, 2013 | Comments Off