Things I Carry: Smart Phone? I Prefer a Brilliant Assistant – says Richard Branson

I follow Richard Branson on LinkedIn and today he responded to the prompt: Things I carry:

When I first read this article on LinkedIn, I was rather surprised that Richard Branson would opt for the ‘old-fashioned’ approach. However, reading the full article made me realise that, for someone with such a mind, there are certain things that he may not be able to do. Having someone else, “another brain” as he calls it, is obviously his way of working.

I have been a personal assistant, and it was one of the hardest jobs I have ever undertaken. The main thing I think a good PA needs to be able to do is to read their boss’s mind. The relationship could be seen as similar to a marriage; every little action and reaction is already known and anticipated; nothing is secret; the boss’s diary is your diary and, as it so obviously is in the case of Richard Branson’s assistant Helen, your life is not your own.

I love what Richard says “They really do become part of the family….”

So, all you bosses and personal assistants out there:
Bosses: What do you expect of your assistants?
Assistants: What skills do you think are essential to be able to do your job?

Richard Branson in praise of his assistant (malcolmsenglishpages.com)

About katehobbs

Mother to two who are now independant and living away from home. Wife to Steve, for the last 26yrs and looking forward to many more years. I have enjoyed 18 months in the Okanagan, something that I have longed to have the opportunity to do for a while. Living a dream, you could say. Now, I am interning with Living Waters Canada based in Vancouver until end of April 2013. I love to grow my own food - it tastes so much better. I also build up, train and encourage others to achieve more than they thought possible.

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