The excellent PA's I know personally all have a few significant things in common. They are exceptionally driven human beings, they manage their time with precision and they are MASSIVELY determined. When things go wrong they will regroup, make new plans, create recovery strategies and most of all they won't admit defeat and they won't give up! It is at times of struggle and hardship when the amazing PAs shine, make no mistake, it is not easy! Let's face the facts, there is no such thing as a perfect job, sometimes we make mistakes or fail at the things we really want to achieve, but the strong and the brave will dust themselves off and try again. Giving up is for losers!

Today, not matter what your circumstances, take a moment to realise that you too have the potential to start again, the question is do you have the discipline or the will!

PAs are generally organised, competent and dedicated people, but what makes some of them experts? E - Education: They keep themselves informed of what the trends are in their profession, their company and their industry. They read and continue developing throughout their careers. They do not think they know everything and are open to learning from colleagues and will transfer their own skills willingly. They learn via formal or informal channels and get the most from these opportunities. They on board new information and technology as they happen. X - X-perience: Experience is invaluable. You cannot put a monetary value on it. A lot of older PAs under value this asset and I personally think it is their greatest edge! Experience gives you a bank of knowledge that you can draw on. In the past when I had this problem how did I resolve it? Also experience gives you confidence! P - Professionalism: They turn up, properly prepared, presentable and on time. They make a brilliant first impression. They get the job DONE! They are polite and know how to treat others. They are proud of their personal brands and those brands have value! E - Enthusiasm: They bring a certain amount of excitement to everything they do. They get others involved and motivated to achieve the target. They are glad to be here! They can create special things out of almost nothing. Budgets and other constraints do not hold them back! R - Respect: They respect others and have earned respect from their teams. They walk the talk and set the example. T - Trust: Working ethically, tactfully and discreetly. So, are you an EXPERT....?

Yes, it's been ages but I have decided to try the whole blogging thing again! So I hope that you will join me regularly for some observations, some stories and some theories about the world of work for the modern assistant. Just as a little refresher about why I am so passionate about my PA 2.0 - Upgrade Yourself slogan, here is a blast from the past. Enjoy!

As people we upgrade our phones, our version of Microsoft Office, we get new technology at home and at work. Seldom do we think of ourselves as something that needs upgrading. As PAs in today's face paced high tech world we also need to upgrade to the next version from time to time.

So what does the 2.0 version of the PA look like. Well PA 2.0 is no longer only female, there are many successful and amazing male PAs in the working world. In Africa we actually have a lot of male PAs and I personally think they bring something very special to the PA profession.

Version 2.0 is not a paper pusher, we read the items passing over our desks, we try to understand the business strategy and the financials of the business. We tune into meetings when we take minutes, not only to document the meeting accurately but to get a better understanding of the work that is taking place and the projects that are in progress.

2.0 is a project manager, events manager, PR person and often the social media contact.

Version 2.0 manages staff, the busy boss very seldom has time to follow up on submissions, deal with leave requests or other operational tasks. So PA 2.0 actually manages all the boss' direct reports and handles all the operational activities, leaving the boss free to focus on strategy and innovation.

Version 2.0 is talented and has amazing people skills. Networking has become the corner stone of the PAs working life. Harnessing human talent and connections to get things done efficiently and effectively. Our 2.0 version also has a great brand inside and outside the company.

Version 2.0 is a reporting and research specialist. Most (if not all bosses) type up their own content, so typing is something that has become less and less important. We are now more actively involved in working with raw data to get to the actual information and to create striking visual presentations.

PA 2.0 understands and fully utilises the technology at his/her disposal, getting the maximum return on money spent on smartphones, laptops, pc's and other

Most importantly PA 2.0 has evolved past the administration function into the role of business partner and right hand!

Are you on 2.0 or do you need an upgrade?

Today, take some time to think about the areas in your portfolio that need enhancement or development and create a plan of action.

The world is ready for us to upgrade, but are we?