I work very closely with many fierce PAs. (Personal Assistants)
I'm unfailingly polite to PAs, no matter what.
I've gotten quite used to their quirks, moods and short-tempered days. I'm rather scared of a couple actually. PAs wield enormous power.
It's hilarious really. Like today.
A PA just ranted at me over the phone. (It wasn't my fault!) I could empathize with why she was grouchy. I wasn't even angry! Ha. I gauged my tone to keep it neutral and used phrases like, "I'm so sorry...", "Yes. I understand." etc. I didn't even protest at certain things she said. Luckily she stopped short of calling me "useless". I just let it slide. She's much older than I am. Formidable too. Anything to soothe her ruffled feathers.
I'm still going to send her cookies for the Chinese New Year to thank her for her advice.
Amazing hor?
PAs are the only people with the concession to scream at me; I can still smile after I put down the phone.
13 comments:
are PA's to corporations what door bitches are to clubs :)
I am really scared of some of them too! Eep
Eek! Am glad most of the PAs I had worked with are nice people. But you really can't offend them.
sinlady: more or less. about there. the younger PAs are just eeky. the older ones have clout.
corsage: well. it could very well be the same one that scared me!
wildgoose: ooh. yes. some are very nice indeed! i think i shall tailor my ambition to being a PA some day.
That's a great strategy I say.... they can be your strongest ally when push comes to shove. Mine has been a great help really.
Hmm... considering I stand in as the CEO's PA sometimes, how come nobody is sucking up to me...
Anyway, you wouldn't believe the kind of calls PAs get. Some of them really make you vomit blood.
Wow. Hats off to you!
yup yup. must make friends with them. They are the source of very important info and tips. :)
- hobomobo
eveline: i can imagine how idiotic some of us can be when we speak to PAs without using our brains or change our minds many times. heh.
yuling: some are really sweet too! that makes it great.
coolinsider + hobomobo: many times they saved my ass!
yeah PAs are very powerful people in the orgn...
lms: totally!
but when it's not your fault, she should not be screaming at you what. Pa or not! Humppfff!
jomel: hehehehe. i cut them a lot of slack!
Post a Comment