Hello again....

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?