DUTIES OF A PERSONAL ASSISTANT (PA)

By: Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu

We often disorganise our institutions by unconsciously giving staff schedules outside their job description. This leads to confusion and overstepping. Both the principal and other surrounding members of the organization are guilty of this. 

For instance what are the duties of a personal assistant? Take myself for instance, at the level I operate as Wife of a governor, my personal assistant must posses adequate basic qualifications. A minimum of BSC. Fluency in written /oral English is also required. 

According to to Harvard Business school which is the industry standard, here are the duties of a personal assistant 

Personal Assistants perform a variety of administrative tasks for an individual. 

* Schedule meetings and manage calendars
* Answer phone calls and emails and take messages
* Take accurate and comprehensive notes at meetings
* Help with daily time management 
* Run errands as requested
* Plan travel, including flights, accommodation and ground transportation
* Coordinate events and speaking engagements
* Draft correspondence such as emails and letters

It begs to say that the duties of a personal assistant do not include 
-Making decisions that affect the organization 
-Walking on same level with principal and his contemporaries; always be a step behind. 
-Shortlisting candidates for other positions
-Engaging in for profit business activities in the organization- a clear conflict of interest 
-Alienating the principal from circle 
-Lead or represent at meetings 
- Presenting documents for approval 
-Representing approvals granted already. 
- Issuing threats to other staff
-Be a public nuisance 
- Excessive abuse of power
Amongst others 

Let us always be clear in our minds what our duties are to man and mostly to God. Collective responsibility is a burden. If you take a bribe then you will not be able to speak up when things go wrong. Do not compromise yourself then turn around and apportion blames. 

For me, I speak with an open heart, without pride, without fear of any but that of Allah, AT ALL TIMES. 

 

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