The Three essential elements

To become a Personal Assistant defines itself in three essential elements:

Versatility: To be able to tackle all problems or to be able to delegate quickly to someone of higher knowledge, if needed. This calls for a heavy address book. For example: not knowing anything about plumbing but being able to call on the services of someone else quickly.

Flexibility: As opposed to the employees of private or public administrations, the dynamic of this job will certainly include a different schedule with long hours. Also, this flexibility might be asked from you not only because of your tasks but also because of location. Travels might be needed where you need to go in far away destinations and will then call on your necessary flexibility.

Discretion: don’t be surprised if it is asked from you to sign on non-disclosure forms and contracts! It happens too often that house employees ends up revealing confidential information, especially if you are working in the public eye but also when taking in charge the private life of someone.

It is then obvious that the work expected from you will not only need a maximum of competencies (computers, administration…) but also specific competencies obtained through trainings (this will be discussed in another chapter). This includes, amongst others, presentation, movement and the art of speaking.