PAs’ Greatest Skills

As the PA role continues to evolve, it seems that we all must develop (or acquire) an ever-increasing number of skills. From IT to negotiation, from strategic planning to understanding body language, the range of skills needed day-to-day is huge!

In the Today’s PA Survey, we asked PAs to tell us what they felt was their top skill. Although in no particular order, the first two should be no surprise. 

Organisational ability (both self and others!)

Definitely the “top answer”. When we spend all day juggling priorities, multi-tasking, and being one step ahead of our manager, excellent time management is essential!

Communication skills

This was the second most popular answer. Effective listening, reading body language, expressing ourselves clearly (when speaking or in writing) are skills we use in every aspect of our life. 

Adaptability and versatility

Many of our respondents said their best skill was the ability to adapt to a variety of working styles, and having a flexible, “can do” approach their role. 

Analytical skills

Including strategic and logistical planning, interpreting data, and attention to detail. 

Proactive and resourceful

Included in this are resilience, being solution-focussed, thinking creatively, and the ability to play to own strengths. 

People skills

For PAs, this is their top skill set: being a team player, showing empathy, leadership skills, gaining trust, and building relationships at all levels inside and outside the organisation.

Remaining calm under pressure

Exercising (extreme) patience, tact and diplomacy is seen one of the strongest skills for a high proportion of our respondents, as is:

Maintaining a sense of humour

Essential in any role and in any situation.

And, finally:

Mind reading

We can all relate to this one …

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