Assistant’s Path In Russia: A Guide For The Profession. A book for and about Personal Assistants. Christina A. Maslova

which were to be presented. The preparation of these was the responsibility of our partners. They were late in delivering the work and promised to send the final version straight to us before the meeting, and told us that changes were small.

      That wasn’t good enough, and I was forced to write an email to one of the partners with a request to send everything before the meeting. From one side I couldn’t push them, but on the other I needed the result.

      The way an assistant walks during communication with people can be on a tightrope stretched on the height of several meters, and the only way to find balance is the ability to communicate properly.

      Always think before you talk or write.

      Take an example from politicians. They ALWAYS think about what they say.

      In this case the article of Sharon Salzberg «Why is every important mail better to send to yourself first?» is very useful, to prevent a situation where you can regret having sent it. Sharon advises to wait several minutes and re-read the written text.

      Of course, it’s not so easy. The research shows that self-control is not the skill which everyone of us has. If you want to be sure that you really need to send the message and it’s important one, send it to yourself first.

      And then think – is it really what you want to send? It’s like answering the phone call, not straight away, but on the third ring.

      Sharon wrote: «Even Gmail can send your message in seconds, in real life you have very less unsent buttons».

      RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE

      The only person worse than the assistant who doesn’t want to learn, is the doctor who doesn’t increase their qualifications.

      You should be aware about everything in the company – from the terminology to its development strategy.

      The assistant’s responsibilities written in a job description always include some out of ordinary ones.

      Your position and efficiency in your job will depend on your understanding and knowledge of company’s processes.

      This will help you to earn trust with your colleagues and the opportunity to lead additional projects, increasing your value as an employee.

      Finally, it’s your reputation as a professional, who never

      stops on the level already achieved.

      I always say that the first 2—3 months should be the most intensive ones when you join a new company, because this is the time for you to find out the most.

      You should read and communicate a lot. Ask a lot of questions despite how obvious they can be. It’s your way of adapting to the role.