Tanya O’Sullivan

What educational qualifications do you insist on / Do you require your PA to have a degree?

My time at university was great fun, but it taught me very few, if any, skills about what it takes to be a good employee or team worker.  Common sense, proactivity and a can-do attitude are not something you get from a text book, so I certainly wouldn’t require my PA to have a degree.  Clearly, being able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, is a key prerequisite for being a good PA, so this is going to indicate at least a basic level of education, but I certainly wouldn’t insist on further or higher education qualifications.

Would you agree that behind every great business leader is a great PA?

Absolutely. Many of the best leaders I have worked with would have only achieved a small proportion of what they did achieve on a daily basis if they hadn’t had a great PA anticipating their needs in advance.

What makes a great PA over a competent PA?

Someone who is completely vested in helping the leader succeed, and who takes time to understand what the leader is trying to achieve and why.  Someone who when faced with a problem keeps their chin up and looks for a solution, rather than gives up and admits defeat.

(A great PA is) someone who when faced with a problem keeps their chin up and looks for a solution, rather than gives up and admits defeat.   

Do you think the importance of emotional intelligence in a PA is sometimes overlooked for a strong skill set?

I agree that historically there was a stronger focus on skill set, i.e. how fast can you type and can you take shorthand, but I have seen that change significantly over the last 5 years or so.  Attitude is now seen as much more important than ability. I work on the principle that I can send my PA on a training course for pretty much any technical skill I would like them to have, but I can’t send them on a training course that will make them care more about what we are trying to achieve, or take more pride in doing their job as well as they possibly can.

Would you agree that chemistry is the key ‘ingredient’ for a successful long term working relationship between a PA & Principal?

It’s crucial.  I have seen a number of mismatched leader/PA relationships, and they’re not a pretty sight.  Inevitably it ends up in tears…………and usually on both sides!

What key attributes, traits and skills do you look for above all others when employing a PA?

A can do attitude, underpinned by common sense, and a desire to succeed.  Loyalty, discretion and trust are all hugely important qualities – as well as having a solutions-oriented approach to life.  But they’ve got to be able to have a laugh as well, at the end of a really crappy day it’s about the only thing left to do!