I am often asked this question and hence thought I would jot down some pointers, listed below. No doubt there are many more so feel free to e-mail me your thoughts and I will happily add them!
- A flexible approach to outside commitments such as pets, partners or houseplants!
- Pragmatism; there is a solution to every problem. Being resourceful.
- A yearning to please or having a serving heart
Interesting antitheses
- Having a thick skin or being resilient
- Always looking for new and innovative ways of doing things better/more efficiently
- Being non-judgemental
- A great memory
- Articulate
- Ability to maintain a professional working relationship with a Principal in a small office environment – NEVER CROSS THE LINE – you are not a friend or relative, you are an employee
- Good time management
- Calm and able to work under pressure, must be unflappable
- Ability to manage ever-changing schedules and priorities
- Willing to be contacted on call/after hours
- Able to adapt to other cultures and customs
- Familiar with business and social etiquette
- Self-starter and detail orientated
- Discreet and trustworthy
- Clean driver’s licence is always a bonus
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills as you may be liaising with lawyers, accountants, family, friends, colleagues – some of whom will be VIPs or in the public eye
- Have the courage of your convictions in decision making, often nobody else to consult
- Knowledge of the industry and key players in your employer’s field of discipline
- Ability to anticipate needs and plan ahead
- Tech-savvy to a high standard as often no IT support in smaller offices
- Superb organisational skills
- Good writing skills
- Patience
