EDPA May 2018 PDF

EDPA
The leading magazine for Education PAs & Admins
MAY 2018
ISSUE 50
The evolution from ‘NAHPA’ in 2001

into ‘EDPA’ in 2018: our 50th issue!
ISSN
2514-6289
EDPA / Issue 50 / May 2018 / www.edpa-magazine.com
Welcome to EDPA’s 50th issue
Contents: 14 Running on resilience
2 Welcome / Contributors 18 Use Emotional Intelligence to look
3 50 issues of NAHPA / EDPA good, feel good, do good
4 20 questions: Omnia Bassiouny 20 Turn difficult situations around
7 6 questions to ask your boss 21 The importance of Ikigai
Angela Garry - Editor 8 ‘A’ is for Assertiveness 22 Bravery is… learning something new
every day / week / month
H
10 What’s your work passion?
ello to all our readers! Welcome 25 Isipho update: cohort nr 3
to this term’s issue of EDPA, the 11 The EDPA cartoon
12 Stress-busting at work 28 This woman can’t multi-task!
leading publication for PAs, Secretaries
and Administrative staff working in 13 EDPA reader panel on time- 30 EDPA Editor’s Update
education. wasters 32 CPD resources / Moving forwards
This issue is a celebration of PAs and
Admins worldwide – and as always,
contains pieces written by and for the
PA, secretarial and admin community by The A-Z of this issue’s contributors:
school staff themselves plus worldwide • Omnia Bassiouny is an Administrative Assistant at Cairo American
experts and trainers, with the aim of College, Egypt.
bringing you articles to motivate, inspire,
lead, teach, demonstrate, encourage and • Jeremy Burrows is an Executive Assistant in St Louis, USA and an
support you in your ever-increasingly Executive Coach.
busy roles in schools.
• Jill Hughes is a writer in Derbyshire, England, and experienced a
We welcome your involvement in the traumatic brain injury in 2013.
magazine. If you have a skill or some
knowledge which you think would be of • Helen Rees is a PA in a zoo in Hampshire, England by daytime, and
benefit to others, please share it with enjoys “Running the World” during weekends.
your fellow readers! Equally, if there’s a
• Rhonda Scharf is a Trainer based in Ottawa, Canada, as well as a
topic which you would like us to cover,
renowned speaker and author of several books.
please let us know and we’ll get onto it!
Meanwhile, it finally appears that the • Lindsay Taylor is a former Teaching Assistant and PA, now PA Trainer
summer weather has arrived here in the and author of an award-winning book for PAs, in Bedfordshire, England.
UK - we’ve now had more than two days
• Shirley Taylor is a former PA, originally from Sheffield, England, who
in a row where the sun has been shining,
now runs her own training business in Singapore.
which is more than we’ve had in
months! I hope you are all able to enjoy • Teri Wells is an award-winning PA, International Speaker and Trainer,
the weather, wherever you are... and Director of Isipho Admin in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Please send any suggestions to
EDPA Regulars:
editor@picaaurum.com.
• Andy Case is a cartoonist, illustrator and music mogul by night, and
Onwards & upwards! talented teacher by day. He is the author of a book for small children,
Best wishes to all, and is working on more volumes for the near future.
Angela Garry • Tandy Hanff is EDPA’s resident in-house IT guru and self-confessed
EDITOR geek, with 20 years’ self-taught computing experience.
• Michele Thwaits was a PA for 36+ years, now International Facilitator /

ISSN 2514-6289 (printed issue).
EDPA magazine is owned and published by Angela
Trainer, in Johannesburg, South Africa—and is our valued proof-reader.
Garry, trading as Pica Aurum. Registered office: 10
Sydney Road, Draycott, Derbyshire, DE72 3PX, UK.
• Angela Garry is EDPA’s editor, author of “Brave PAs” and “The PA & EA
Tel: +44 1332 874327. Circus”, and a global PA Trainer, with 24 years’ experience in admin &
© Angela Garry & EDPA 2018. PA roles. She runs publishing house Pica Books www.picabooks.co.uk
2 EDPA / Issue 50 / May 2018 / www.edpa-magazine.com

50 issues of EDPA / NAHPA
Editor Angela Garry gives an Initially, the magazine was targeted for In 2015 I took over ownership of the
secondary school PAs in England. From magazine. Since then I’ve brought in
overview of the magazine’s life issue 7 onwards, it fluctuated between several changes and improvements:
and how we are where we are 20, 24 or 28 pages, until settling at 32 whilst I’ve kept issues at 32 pages, I’ve
today: the leading publication pages in issue 14. removed full page photos so as to
I’ve been involved with the magazine for include more written articles, I’ve
for PAs and Admins in schools. brought in more trainers and speakers
half of its life, since 2010 when I was
Back in 2001, a new magazine named interviewed (on the basis of being a to write, as well as including sample
NAHPA (for the National Association of school PA who had released a pop chapters from books. In addition, I’ve
Headteachers’ PAs) hit the presses at single!), and I was then invited to write lowered the subscription price to help
the offices of Tribal Education in Bristol, further articles. more schools afford it, at less than £1
England. Just 16-pages, the first issue per UK school week per year. In 2016 I
When Tribal’s Editor moved abroad in also changed the name from the
contained the following articles:
2012 I was offered the role of External rather England-centric ‘National
• ‘Celebrating our school secretaries’ - Editor on the three issues per year. Since Association’ to ‘EDPA’, in order to
by Minister for School Standards my own training work had started taking better reflect our growing educational
Stephen Tims; me around the world by that time it PA and Admin audience worldwide.
• An interview with PA to editor-in-chief made sense to me to open up the
of Cosmopolitan magazine, Danielle; magazine’s readership to include Our newest readers hail from Russia,
• ‘PA Introduction’ with Headteacher’s international PAs and Admins working in across Europe in Latvia, Romania,
PA, Duncan; schools. Greece, Uzbekistan and Lithuania, and
• ‘Meet our very own Bridget Jones’ - a in India, Thailand and South Korea.
I have since taken copies of the
diary from PA to Headteacher, Joan ; Meanwhile, here at ‘EDPA Towers’ I’m
magazine to my course attendees across
• ‘Administrators - the key to a well run always keen to include topics that will
Europe, Russia, Central and South Africa,
school’; help or motivate you within your role -
the Middle East and South East Asia —
• ‘DfES explained - boost in support so please let me know what you
and along the way I’ve met with other
staff gives teachers more time to want / need / would like to see in
PA Trainers and Speakers who have
teach’; and future issues of the magazine. Write a
gone on to write for the magazine.
• Details of six training programmes / piece yourself, or ask a colleague to
courses for Headteachers, Design & Over the years, more than 100 PAs and work with you on one. Use this space
Technology Technicians, Science Administrative Staff in schools have to have your voice heard.
Technicians, Site Officers, and School been interviewed / featured, including
Receptionists. internationally based staff since 2012. Here’s to another 50 issues!
EDPA / Issue 50 / May 2018 / www.edpa-magazine.com 3

20 Questions: Omnia Bassiouny
EDPA met Omnia Bassiouny at independent co-educational day My last role was as an English
the NESA Spring Educators school. Language instructor at Berlitz
Language Center.
Conference in Athens over the We offer an educational program
from pre-kindergarten through grade What do you enjoy most about your
Easter break, and asked 20
12 for students of all nationalities, role?
questions about her role at currently over 300! We're the first office that people
the Cairo American College in
It's located in Degla, Maadi, Cairo, come into when they want to see the
Egypt. Egypt, and was founded in 1945. We school and apply.
currently have just under 800 pupils. Meeting and seeing new faces all the
EDPA: Could you tell us a little bit What did you do before this role? time.
about yourself and your role? I actually had quite a few jobs before Also being the School ID Coordinator
Omnia: My name is Omnia Abdel coming to CAC. gives me a chance to meet old folk like
Hamid Ibrahim Bassiouny, late 30's :), Alumni, former teachers, former
After I graduated from college, I
Alexandrian, Egyptian. students and new families as
worked as a computers' teacher at a
I work at Cairo American College as well...etc.
language school for one year; a High
an Administrative Assistant in the School Secretary at my own High And it also lets me pursue my favorite
Admissions/Registrar's Office and I'm school, Schutz American School in hobby, Photography, and seeing
also the School ID Coordinator. Alexandria; then as a HR Assistant at people smile for the camera always
We're the office who potential a Trading company in Alexandria. makes my day!
families approach when they first What is the most challenging aspect
want to have any contact with the of your role?
school. Well, usually when it's applying time
And could you tell us about your and we are accepting applications,
school too? Where is it? What age this is the most difficult time for us as
range, size, etc? the work load is usually hectic.
Cairo American College is an What do you think is your most

important duty within your role? Yes, we're the first office they come into when they are new
Making sure data is entered correctly in the school system and the last office they come to when they are leaving school.
because the whole school depends on it. They also come in when they want to have their IDs issued or
What do you value most about working with your boss? have official documents issued..... etc.
My Boss, the Director of Admissions, is always wanting me What tips or advice would you offer a pupil who told you
to learn new things and always give me challenges that she that they want to become a PA or Administrative Assistant?
knows I can conquer. I would tell them, KEEP LEARNING AND NEVER STOP, as this
It really gives me a push to do my best to fulfill the tasks
given.
She always tells me I am capable and that I can do it, no
matter how hard the task is.
What do you think is special about your particular
school?
As I graduated from a similar school as Cairo American
College , it's the feel of FAMILY among the community and
it is exactly what encouraged me to want to work there.
What has been your favourite moment in this school year
so far?
Going to Greece for the NESA Conference – Cairo American
College is a member of the Near East South Asia Council of
Overseas Schools (NESA).
NESA is a non-profit, voluntary association of more than
100 private, independent American/international schools
in North Africa, the Middle East and South and Southeast
Asia.
Have you taken on any other areas of responsibility
elsewhere in the school - if not, would you like to?
No, but I would love to be a volunteer school
photographer.
Does your role bring you into much contact with students
and, if so, in what way?

from it? something at work or fulfil a difficult
job elevates more and more everyday
The Administrative Assistant Strand task, this is always my most proudest
and needs you to be on top of
with Angela Garry at the NESA moment.
everything all the time.
conference in Athens. What’s the most recent thing at work
Who do you find inspiring – in your
It opened a whole new level of how that made you laugh?
role, or your life outside of school?
difficult times should be handled, and There's always that moment of
My colleague Gigi.
how to pursue a better way of work laughter in the day but I can't
She is so organized and focused and is to gain the most from the job. remember a particular one at the
great help to me all the time!!!! moment.
And have you passed this on to your
She's been my supporter from day one other Administrative colleagues? Finally, can you give us one sentence
and I'm grateful that she is my which you think best describes the
I haven't really had the chance as this
colleague and friend. importance and value of what you do
is Admissions season, so work is a
Most organisations have a 2, 3, 5 or load at the moment. in your role at your school?
even a 10 year plan – but what are Without Administrative/Executive
But I did pass on some tips to my
your aspirations for yourself for the assistants and Secretaries, in my
colleague, Gigi. We'll probably go
future? opinion, any school would not
deeper during the school's summer
Well I'd love to take on a teaching job vacation. function!
at some point in my career, as well as,
Can you give us a favourite saying or
being a freelance photographer and a
quotation that you think sums up
dubbing artist :)). Thanks, Omnia, for your answers to
your role?
Yes, it's been my dream for a while our 20 questions.
"The capacity to learn is a gift, the
now. If any other readers would like to
ability to learn is a skill, the
I'm not really sure when I will start willingness to learn is a choice" - answer our 20 questions about your
taking steps towards those dreams but Brian Herbert. role at your school, please get in
it will come eventually. touch!
What has been the proudest/
What was the most recent training or fulfilling moment of your working
piece of professional development life, and why? Picture: An artist’s aerial view of the
that you did, and what did you gain Cairo American College.
I have to say that every time I master

6 Questions to ask your Boss
Here at ‘EDPA Towers’, we recently came
across a post on LinkedIn from Executive Coach
Jeremy Burrows which intrigued us.
Originally written for bosses on how to work
best with their assistants, we have adapted it
slightly (with his permission) to come from the
opposite viewpoint, to help assistants on how
get the most out of working for and with their
bosses.
All sorts of headlines promise to show us how to enjoy life, be
better, set goals, get more done, and so on. But oftentimes,
behind these headlines are posts with vague thoughts on
work and life. They might inspire us to be more but do they
actually help us day-to-day? My goal here is to give you
something you can apply to your job today.
Are you asking questions that increase productivity and

efficiency? If not, are you afraid to speak up, or do you simply managing or holding on to tasks that aren’t in their
not know what to ask? Does your boss encourage you to ask? job description.
Open dialogue is crucial to a productive and healthy working 5. Could we rearrange our calendars to make things
relationship. These counterintuitive questions to ask your easier, more enjoyable, and more productive for
boss are a good start. A great assistant should regularly ask you? Hint: the answer to this question is always,
their manager questions with the intent of helping the “Yes.” An assistant should be aware of what meetings
manager gain more time and energy. their boss should or shouldn’t be attending. Make it a
Share this list with your admin colleagues and encourage priority to sit down with them and do an audit of their
them to speak up! calendar.
1. What’s one thing I could do to make your job less stressful 6. How can I help you prioritise your to-do list for the
this week? An assistant’s job is to make the boss’s job week? Many bosses know what they need to do, but
easier. If you aren’t asking, perhaps your job description get overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. As
isn’t clear? their assistant you can help them break their to-do list
down into bite-sized tasks. Then, you both can work
2. In what way do I frustrate you? How / what would you together to prioritise the list so neither of you misses
recommend I change? If your boss is frustrated about anything important.
something you are – or aren’t – doing, they should make it
known. Don’t just leave it at that though. Ask them to My hope is these questions serve as a starting point for
suggest a solution to encourage change. open dialogue between you and your boss. Try them out
and let me know how it goes!
3. What’s my greatest strength? Do you believe this strength
is being utilised? If not, what changes could we make to After all, there’s no such thing as over-communicating!
get more out of me in this area? You may be really good
at managing your boss’s calendar and communicating to
the staff. Does your boss give you margin to work in those Jeremy Burrows is an experienced Executive Assistant
areas, or are they asking you to run unimportant errands and Project Manager who helps Assistants and
all the time? Remind them that they can get more out of Executives accomplish their goals without burning out
you by empowering you to work in your strengths. through in-person coaching and online training and
resources. This article originally appeared on his website
4. Is there a task or project you’re working on that I could www.goburrows.com (visit to download his free ebook
take care of instead? Encourage your boss to stop micro- or follow his blog).

‘A’ is for
Assertiveness
PA Trainer and Author
Lindsay Taylor shares with
us a chapter from her award
-winning book “A-Z Pearls of
Wisdom for Executive PAs”.
We’ve all heard of the “fight” or

“flight” syndrome - when faced
with situations outside of our
control our immediate reaction is
likely to be one that is either:
Aggressive where we react with
verbal / physical
aggression, or
Passive where we run away
physically or mentally
(by burying our heads
in the sand or ignoring
it).
It’s a primal response that stems primal-terms, that’s what the fight everyone will think the same as
way, way back. or flight response is! you do.
Imagine yourself now - way, way In the work place the “fight / People have different perspectives
back in time – let’s say the Stone aggressive” or “flight / passive” - everyone “ticks” differently and
Age. responses are inappropriate, we are all unique in the way we
You’ve spent the morning kitting ineffective and with obvious are made-up.
your cave out with the top of the negative implications to you and This is what makes the world such
range stone accessories (carved by your team. an exciting place to be. This is
your own fair hands) and you’re Neither response will win you the what makes the world such a
looking forward to a relaxing respect of your team members or challenging place to be.
evening watching the sunset. ensure you are considered a valued
So when an intruder approaches professional.
How do we respond and
your cave (he’s heard of your Recognising when the primal fight / communicate assertively?
talent with carving stone flight reaction could potentially
accessories and fancies taking take hold is crucial for your success. Based on the research of former
something for himself!) your Harvard Professor Albert
Understanding that you have a Mehrabian, face-to-face
instinctive reaction is likely to be choice over your reactions is
one of two responses – do you: communication when sharing our
paramount – as is the knowledge thoughts and feelings can be
a) pick up the heavy brick club that the best choice available to broken down into three areas –
that you keep by your side at all you is “assertiveness”.
times, wave it high above your 1) the words that we speak;
head and fight him off or 2) the tone that we use; and
What is “assertiveness”?
b) take flight out of the back 3) the body language that we
entrance of your cave as fast as For me, it’s about standing up for use.
your deer-skin-clad little feet what you think, for what you
believe in – and at the same time The words that we speak account
will take you (flight)? for 7% importance in getting our
respecting the fact that not
Quite simply, in easy-cave-like-

‘A’ is for Assertiveness
message across, the tone for • Acknowledge your own • Ensure your breathing is
38% and the body language for rights, wants and needs. relaxed and steady.
55%. • Ask questions of others to • Use evenly spaced words.
If we use Mehrabian’s research find out their wants and • Speak at an even pace.
in terms of responding needs.
assertively then it is clear that • Emphasise key words.
• Empathise with the other
we need to pay attention to how
person’s views and respect
we deliver our assertive
the fact that people are Assertive Body Language
message as well as the actual
different and have different • Ensure your eye contact is
words and verbage we use.
views. direct, relaxed and gentle.
I am an advocate of the saying
• Focus on problem-solving, • Deliver your message at the
“failing to plan is planning to
moving forward and thinking same eye level to your
fail” – so where possible take
about the future. recipient(s).
time to plan your assertive
response. The ideal outcome for any • Keep your posture upright
assertive response is for a and balanced (“plant” your
You can think about your
win-win situation. feet firmly on the ground – so
response in terms of the 3
Mehrabian’s areas with the Propose a way forward and you feel truly “grounded”).
then “bounce” this back to
following “checklists”: • Ensure you face the other
your recipient asking them
person and at the same time
what they think.
respect their personal space.
Assertive Words:
• Ensure your gestures are
• Be open, honest and to the
Assertive Tone balanced and open.
point.
• Think about how you say the • Ensure your facial expression
• Use “I” statements – this is
words. is open and pleasant.
about your view.
• Speak the meaning, not just
• Share your feelings – take the words.
ownership of the fact that Assertiveness Aura
we are all emotional beings. • Think about the timing of In addition I believe
your response – put your
• Say “I feel....” and claim the assertiveness is at its most
own view forward and allow powerful when you achieve an
emotion you are feeling.
others to have their say. Assertiveness Aura – a state of
being, a presence, an aura that
comes from your belief in
yourself – the belief that you are
entitled to be assertive, that
your opinion is valued and
deserves the respect of others.
The ‘A’ Pearl:

“Say what you mean and
mean what you say”
Lindsay Taylor
Lindsay Taylor is a former PA—

and a former Teaching Assistant
too— and is the author of “A-Z
Pearls of Wisdom for Executive
PAs” which won “Best Book for
PAs” at the PA-Assist.com
Members Voice Awards. Lindsay
leads Your Excellency Limited, a
provider of leading edge
personal and organisational
development coaching and
training for PAs, EAs, Secretaries
and Admin Professionals..

What’s your work passion?
Rhonda Scharf invites us to passion and ask yourself what attracted passionate about it. According to
you to the job in the first place. Was it Gallop, only 13% of people are engaged
remind ourselves why we do
the money, the friends who worked at work, and most are not enthusiastic
what we do, think about our there, the hours, your boss, or the about their job. Ask yourself, “Am I
passions and act upon them... commute? really engaged at work?” Being
Confucius said, “Choose a job you love, Sit down and reflect on what has engaged means that you enjoy what
and you will never have to work a day caused your passion to change. You you do, and because you enjoy it, you
in your life.” It’s a lovely thought. may realize that your needs have typically will do a better job. Do you
Except, it's just not true. changed and that is where the know what you are good at and what
disconnect occurred. you enjoy?
When you love something, and it
becomes your “job,” it will naturally About 10 years ago, I hired Caroline to Don’t ask others what you are good at;
change the way you look at it. I’m sure be my assistant. She had three young truly think about the answer yourself.
not all professional athletes look boys in school, so she wanted a job that Define your dream job according to
forward to every day at their job. Take was close to home and flexible around your own values. Does this job fit with
sprinters, for instance - the sprinting the school day. If a child was sick, she your priorities and talents? Do you get
part takes 10 seconds, but the many could work from home, and I was the recognition, respect, autonomy,
other hours working out and training happy to give her the summer off growth, and healthy relationships you
involve a lot of hard work. because I do very little work in the need at work? If not, then you may be
summer. It was a win-win for us both, disengaged, which explains why
I love to golf. Unless I’m having a bad something you love doesn't work as
game, and then I hate golfing. I bet and she absolutely loved her job. She
was very good at it, too. well as it should.
Blake Shelton loves to perform; but the
travelling required to be on tour has Then, unfortunately, her marriage was Challenge yourself professionally. Are
got to be tough. in trouble, and she needed to make you on autopilot at work?
As admins, we may essentially love more money, with more hours, and “Flow is when the state of mind is when
what we do, but that doesn’t mean that with benefits. So, she started another one can be completely focused and
it isn’t work. It is work. It is hard work. part-time job while she still worked for thoroughly enjoy the task at hand.” Do
Most days it’s worth it, but every once me. It was pretty clear to both of us you ever get to flow at work? Do you
in awhile we lose our passion for the that she had lost her passion for look forward to going to work because
work. When our passion is gone, the working with me, because her needs you know you’ll be in the state of flow
duties are work and the fun and had changed. most of the day? Do you look forward to
excitement disappear. If you can pinpoint why the passion for doing all the things on your to-do list? Is
your job is gone, it can be easy to fix it. your work challenging enough so you
How do you get that passion back? need to think about it (so you’re not on
Here are few tips to help you focus so We knew that the fix for Caroline
wasn’t to be found working with me. autopilot), yet easy enough that you
you can get back to doing what you know you’re doing a great job? The
love and loving what you do: We are still friends - she now has a
great job that fits her needs, all is fine. optimal state is for the challenge to be
Ask yourself, “What is the root of the just right. Not too easy, and not too
problem?” Admit that you’ve lost your You must be engaged in your job to be
hard.

What’s your work passion?
When was the last time you truly challenging myself with the topics I differently and it challenges you. Both
challenged yourself? teach, where I teach them, and how I of those things are necessary to help
Challenge yourself every day to learn at teach things made me even more in you get your passion back.
least one new thing. Challenge yourself love with what I do. And I love Project Ninety-nine per cent of the time I love
to do better and be better. Volunteer to Management so much that I’ll be my job. I love what I do, and I love
do something that you’ve never done. writing my PMP (Project Management doing it. That doesn’t mean it isn't hard
Take a class. Get a qualification. Don't Professional) exam in 2018. It was a work; it does mean that I’m glad that it
allow yourself to think you are too old, challenge that has given me a little is my work. Some days are harder and
or that learning something new won’t spark back. some are easier. When I find my
make a difference to your job. Do it for Being a mentor is another way to get passion slipping, I reflect back to see
you and not for anyone or anything your passion back. Community is very why and make adjustments.
else. Just because you can! important to engagement. That is why Don't wait until your health is affected
I‘ve been doing a lot of work teaching so many of my networking friends to find the passion in your job. Don’t
Project Management. At first, I wasn’t love their jobs. They are heavily wait until you are so lost you can’t find
sure how I would deliver Project involved in this association, and they your way home. Remind yourself of
Management because I am self-taught. help others every step of the way. what you love, and why you do what
Then I took a class to ensure I was I am thrilled at the engagement I find you do.
teaching the right things and I was on networking discussion boards (like
pleasantly surprised to find out that I on LinkedIn). Someone asks a Rhonda Scharf is a Professional
knew a lot more than I realized I did. question: several others are happy to
Speaker, Trainer, Consultant and
Now I speak at Project Management answer it. There are great articles,
Author based both in Ottawa, Canada
Association events and I am tips, and ideas shared every day. By
and Fort Myers, Florida. She
comfortable knowing that I know what I just participating in a discussion board
specializes in helping others thrive in
am doing (and I’m loving it). you can be a mentor (and get
mentoring, should you need it). The their work environment using her
I had become a little too comfortable in proven tools and strategies. Her
my training world. I love it, it makes me more you give, the more you get back.
website is at www.on-the-right-
feel good, and I’m good at it. But Being a mentor forces you to think
track.com
The EDPA Cartoon

Here’s the latest in our series on the life and times of a
school PA, by talented teacher and illustrator Andy Case.
It is Inspection Time at school….

Stress-busting
at work
EDPA’s resident guru, Tandy Hanff, offers
some stress-busting advice to help you find
a workable balance between stress and
holding down a busy job.
Do you contribute to stress in your workplace? How can
you reduce any negative impact that you might have on
others?
If you’re reading this in shock and thinking, “I’m not
causing any stress in my office,” are you 100% sure?
Stress can be a result of bad habits developed throughout
one’s work life - and it’s all too easy to fall into bad habits
without even realising it. Examples might be pointing out
other people’s flaws, focusing on mistakes, and dwelling
on negative qualities.
Here are three actions you may be taking that feed into
the stress.
• Believing that someone else is less competent than
you.
You do this because YOU are insecure and seeing (and
pointing out) the flaws in someone else makes you
feel better.
• Spreading your anger with one person to everyone

else.
This is quite common when a boss does something,
and you want the entire world to know you were
wronged. What you should be doing is talking to the others, the only person who looks bad – and like a
person who has made you angry. If you don’t, you spoiled child – is you.
risk:
a) having what you said make its way back to that
Now, if you are an offender of any of these (and it’s quite
person you feel is at fault, and
possible that we all were/are at some point in our career),
b) embarrassing yourself and appearing it’s not too late to make a change! Pick whichever one you
unprofessional. think is the most prominent and start making a conscious
effort to do things differently from now onwards:
• Badmouthing someone else’s success.
Many schools have programmes that identify and • Make a commitment that you will no longer participate
recognise ‘top employees’ or select certain individuals in the offending action.
to stand out in some way, and whilst the recognition
might be gratefully received by the recipient, it can • Use whatever means necessary to monitor your progress.
also prompt unkind remarks as there is almost always
going to be a group that wants to mock this event. The toughest part is going to be getting your “group” to
Things may be said such as the person isn’t justified in understand why you’ve backed off. This is going to be hard,
getting the award, he/she is forgetting who helped but you’ll reap the benefits in the long run.
them climb to the top, etc. When you talk down about

EDPA Reader Panel on Time-Wasters
Every day in a school office is a curse (as well as a skill) sometimes, 10. Poor organisation - do you know
as I sometimes lose focus on what where everything is on your desk? If
busy day, we all know - with I’m really aiming for. Stop, think, not, why not?
interruptions, visitors, phone breathe, then carry on. 11. Procrastination - if you are a
calls, emergencies and 5. Bad planning - badly planning procrastinator, and you keep putting
distractions throughout. something is as bad as not planning things off, you need to find a way to
at all. Lists, diary, schedule! Ask your stop it. NOW.
But what are the biggest time- boss or a colleague for help in 12. Improper use of “yes” and “no” - learn
wasters in YOUR day? The planning your work, if need be. ways to professionally use them in the
EDPA Readers’ Panel list their 6. Technology interruptions - pick up correct circumstance.
top 15 items. new tech skills as quickly as you can 13. Unproductive meetings - stop booking
to keep on top. You also need to your manager (or yourself) in for 2
1. Not listening - sometimes it can be know the basics on fixing computer
really hard to get across to hour meetings - no more than 90
problems - and when you can’t fix it, mins, maximum!
colleagues what I need from them, as you need to know your IT
they are busy with their own Technician’s cell number by heart! 14. Not learning - there’s simply NO
deadlines and projects and they’re excuse for not learning. We work in
just not really listening to me. 7. Initiative overload - learn to delegate schools, for heaven’s sake - it’s a
some of your ideas or to at least set learning environment! Make the most
2. Not finishing - with so many different some aside for another day.
tasks to deal with, it can be easy of it!
sometimes to let something slip, and 8. Drop-in visits - get a wonky chair and 15. Not engaging - if you are not engaged
not finish it. Keep track with lists! have that in your room. Visitors with your work, how on earth can you
won’t stay long! put your heart and soul into what you
3. Working late - we HAVE to make sure
that we give ourselves a break, cut 9. Bad delegation - don’t keep the work do? Find something about it that
for yourself because it will take “too interests you, quickly!
some slack, take time out - and that
long” to explain to someone else,
includes finishing on time every once
in a while! and don’t delegate everything to just If you’d like to be part of our Reader
one person. Build up your whole Panel and to input on future topics, get
4. Lack of focus - multi-tasking can be a admin team’s skills! in touch!

Running on
Resilience
Helen Rees (award-winning
PA and PA to the Chief
Executive Officer at Marwell
Wildlife in Hampshire,
England) can teach us all a
thing or two - or 26.2, in fact!
- about resilience….
We are often told as PAs that we are

known for our resilience – our ability
to cope under pressure, bounce back
from setbacks, and keep our
composure when everything is
unravelling around us. I’ve always work, managing a family, studying for a then actually secure a place in the
struggled with that concept. Am I qualification, or achieving a personal event, and commit to the training to be
truly resilient? Surely that external goal or ambition.
perception of how I’m coping with the ready for the marathon. But this is
I’m going to share my ‘bucket list’ where commitment comes in.
situation at hand is simply that –
ambition with you. I’ve watched the You know how the saying goes: “If
someone else’s perception. I might be
London Marathon on TV every year for something is important enough to you,
falling apart on the inside, beating
as long as I can remember (with only a you will find a way”.
myself up about every little thing I
couple of exceptions, more about
could have done differently that The story begins almost exactly five
those later). I’ve never lived or worked
might have averted this crisis, years ago, in May 2013, when I ran in
in London so I’ve never been in the
worrying I might make mistakes. So our local 10km race, the Marwell 10k.
capital to even watch the event in
am I resilient then, or just good at I’d run it before, I’d done a few 10k’s
person, but even from the comfort of
putting a brave positive face on a actually, and that year I had been
my sofa, the London Marathon has
situation, no matter what I feel determined to beat my previous year’s
never failed to inspire me. It is quite
inside? The show must go on… right? time of 1hr 01 minute. I was excited
simply an incredible event showcasing
I am not sure that we should even the very best of the human spirit, from and positive about the run, and I don’t
hold ‘resilience’ up as the ideal in any elite athletes to costume-wearing know what happened. I missed my
case. Our children are taught that charity runners, all pushing themselves target and finished way outside my
resilience is a positive trait, to be able to be their best and overcome the estimated time. I’d put myself under
to cope with challenges or adversity physical and mental challenges far too much pressure and it was too
and still continue to function, involved in running 26.2 miles. much.
progress, aspire. But it is not enough I finished in 1hr 06 minutes, and it felt
So I’ve sat on my sofa with my family
to simply ‘manage’ and ‘cope’ with awful. I went home despondent,
(either as a child with my parents and
whatever life throws at us. That despite everyone around me being so
sister, or more recently with my
doesn’t tell the whole story of what’s supportive and trying to help me see
husband and our own children),
really going on inside. We need what I had achieved. Three days later,
tucking into Danish pastries and coffee,
something else, I think. as I was walking to my car from the
or a full English breakfast with all the
We need discipline, commitment, trimmings, and I hear myself say every office, my knee just gave way beneath
determination, maybe a little luck, year “I really want to be part of that – me – twang – and pain shot up my leg.
and a focus on what’s important for I’d love to run the London Marathon.” It swelled up, it was painful to walk on
us. What’s important could be any It’s easy to say; it’s quite something (particularly down stairs) and I
number of things – a promotion at else not only to decide to do it, but underwent a long course of

Running on Resilience
physiotherapy. My physio couldn’t that summer I started running again – anecdotal definition of discipline –
work out what had happened, it took gently – and I joined my local which is ‘doing it when nobody’s
weeks for the swelling to subside parkrun. This was a wholly different looking’. How true that is!)
enough that she could even work mindset to running for me. It wasn’t For me, it was about breaking the
with it; aside from the pain of the about the race events, the official challenge down in to smaller, more
injury itself, I was miserable, times and the medals, this was about manageable chunks. If I had allowed
despondent, deflated and negative. ordinary people coming together myself to think about the big end goal
An MRI scan to try and identify the each Saturday morning for a 5k run, ‘I’m going to run 26.2 miles in 4
injury proved inconclusive. with no pressure of time (although months’ time’, that probably would
No cartilage or tendon damage, no you get an official finish time each have sent me diving back under the
bones broken, I had simply bruised week when you register and get your duvet for good. I had to just focus on
the back of my kneecap (who knew own ‘athlete ID’ barcode). This was a immediate goals. To run 5 miles
that was even a thing) and the back revelation. Suddenly all the pressure without stopping – to run 4 times in a
of my knee, and there was fluid there of time, speed, pace, had gone. It week – to adopt some pilates
which was causing pressure on the was just about recovery and resetting techniques into my everyday routine –
joint – hence the pain. I felt I’d never my relationship with running again. to do parkrun each Saturday in
run again. I didn’t want to talk about And I’ve never looked back. 2 years January, no matter what the weather -
running, watch running, be around on from there I’ve now taken part in to sign up for a Half Marathon – and
people who ran, it was too hard for 55 parkruns, even some overseas so on.
me. So I ate all the food, put on about events in the USA and New Zealand. If I was having a bad day, or finding
2 and a half stone in weight and there I’ve done a handful of 10ks and not the going tough, I’d remind myself to
I stayed for a couple of years. Those even got close to that magical 1 hour celebrate small achievements, to
were the two years I didn’t watch the mark, but I really don’t care. I love remember how far I’d come since my
London Marathon on TV. Just running again. knee injury, and not be too tough on
couldn’t face it. In autumn 2017 I was fortunate myself. I remember one weekend in
But then by early 2016 I’d had enough to be offered a charity place early February, when the weather was
enough. I was unhealthy, inactive and in the London Marathon by the World particularly horrible, when I really
despondent, and I needed to change. Wildlife Fund (WWF UK). I didn’t REALLY didn’t want to get out of bed;
Our workplace started a ‘LiveWell’ hesitate to accept. Having tried but I knew I’d feel guilty and worse if I
challenge – a combination of New unsuccessfully to secure a place a few didn’t run. So I got up, ‘as if’ I’d been
Year’s Resolution and a workplace times previously, via the public ballot, going for a run. I dressed in my
Health & Wellbeing initiative. Those this was the best chance I would ever running clothes, ‘as if’ I had been
of us who signed up at work would have of taking part in the iconic going for a run. I ate the breakfast I
set ourselves a step goal challenge, a London Marathon. So just before would normally have if I were going
weight loss challenge, and we’d check Christmas, I downloaded a 16 week for a run. I put my trainers on as
in every week to measure our training plan and began to set my though I’d be going out for a run. And
progress. This was the motivation I mind to the task. then I went. That morning when I felt I
needed. I did Dry January that year, People will tell you that training for a wouldn’t even get to the end of my
and I lost 19 lb in about 6 weeks. I marathon is 50% physical and 50% road before turning around and
started walking – a 30-40 minute mental. Yes you go out on training heading back to bed, I ran 14km
lunchtime walk (we are blessed to runs and put the mileage in, (nearly 9 miles) and I felt amazing. I
work in a zoo in beautiful Hampshire increasing gradually as your body gets guess I just needed to not overthink it.
countryside surroundings, which used to the longer distances. But I kept going and achieved more than I
helps) most days, and eating a little mentally it’s so much more than that. thought I could have done.
more healthily (mostly just cutting Persuading yourself to get out of bed So I followed my plan, didn’t beat
out snacks between meals – I was a early on a Sunday morning to get that myself up if I missed the odd day – life
nightmare for picking my way training run in, when it’s raining happens – particularly when you have
through the food cupboards when I outside and it’s only 5 degrees, and a family and children to look after,
got home from work while I thought everyone else is snuggling under and you’re trying to hold down a full
about what to cook for dinner). warm duvets having a lie-in, is not time job (that you love), fitting in
By May I’d lost nearly 2 stone and, easy. But – if you want something something like marathon training isn’t
without any other kind of badly enough – you find a way. This is easy! You have to be very organised,
intervention, my knee got better. It about being accountable to yourself, proactive, resourceful, and tenacious.
just recovered. I think the extra being the best version of you, that I am very fortunate to have a very
weight had hampered my recovery you can be. It’s about having the self- understanding and patient family,
and the health initiative at the start discipline to show up, step up and get who have supported me hugely
of the year had been the catalyst. So it done. (I am reminded of the throughout this whole adventure.

EDPA followed Helen’s progress online throughout the marathon...
They’ve put up with my Maybe this makes me resilient in some absolutely got me through that day. To
disappearing out for long training ways. I aimed to control what I could have a dear friend, an inspirational
runs, my talking and obsessing control, let be what I couldn’t control, choir leader, my husband, a mentor
about running, and they have been and make the very most of what was from the PA profession, or a friend who
dragged along to various run presented to me. A warm, sunny, vibrant had been through some unbelievably
events along the way (they love day enjoying the sights and sounds of tough times with an extraordinary
travelling though, so it’s not all London at its best. And covering 26.2 spirit, in my thoughts and almost in an
bad!). But I’ve found that I’ve miles in what turned out in the end to be internal dialogue with me as I went
enjoyed spending time with them a couple of minutes over 7 hours. through each balloon-arch mile marker,
all the more, I’ve appreciated them was truly wonderful.
I crossed the line exhausted, exhilarated,
more.
but upright and still moving – just. The
The 2018 London Marathon turned warmth had sapped the energy from my
out to be the hottest on record. I legs and I’d had to walk some of the
had always planned to treat it as distance but I kept going and I’d made it.
one big moving street party – and I The finish was almost surreal – you
achieved that goal. I wanted to watch people on TV, crossing the finish
soak up the atmosphere, take in all line in varying states of euphoria and
the big landmarks (the Cutty Sark, pain, it’s quite something to be there
Tower Bridge, Canary Wharf, the and actually live that experience. I’ll
Embankment, Big Ben, Buckingham never forget it. It does take longer to get
Palace), enjoy the crowds and there than you imagine – the TV
generally have a great time, while cameras definitely foreshorten that last
raising thousands for WWF UK. straight – it’s a LONG way from
We’d trained throughout the long Buckingham Palace to the finish line on
cold, windy, dark – and sometimes the Mall, but it’s an incredible feeling.
snowy – winter months, before mid And having the medal placed around
-April decided to unveil some your neck is amazing.
sudden Spring weather and
One piece of advice that a friend had
switched all the sunshine and high Helen’s ‘Milers’ wristband reminder
given to me for the marathon, which I
temperatures on, almost literally with EDPA Editor Angela at nr 2
used and which turned out to be one of
overnight. We received a lot of
the best tips of all, was to pick 26 I’d reminisce about fun times we’d had,
advice on the weather in the lead-
inspiring people, and think about them or deep discussions we’d had together,
up to the event, and I made sure I
for each mile of the race. It helps break or a piece of advice they’d once given
had the right hydration and fuelling
down the hugely scary long distance of me, their unique characteristics or
plan, sunscreen, a running hat and
26.2 miles into manageable pieces, and mannerisms that make me smile. It was
snacks.
occupies your mind on something more like running a relay race with some of
I was determined not to panic or fun than how much further your legs my favourite people, one at a time. I
let the conditions, which I could have still got to carry you. shared my Inspiring Milers list on
not control at all, affect my run. I Facebook in the days leading up to the
My Inspiring Milers, as I called them,
just needed to be sensible.

achieved, targets I support of my family, friends,
reached along the way. I colleagues and wider networks.
thoroughly enjoyed my However resilient or determined we
first Half Marathon in are, I don’t think any of us can
March 2018 (probably succeed without the people around
because it was always us. That support, encouragement,
‘on the way’ to the big belief, faith – call it what you will – is
full Marathon goal so vital to us as human beings. None of
didn’t feel like a huge us can thrive alone. And I’m really
goal in itself – but I pleased about that. Our connections
guess it was!). Honestly and networks are so empowering and
I’d go back and do a few energising, and communication is
more Half marathons what it’s all about.
again – it was a lovely We are truly stronger together. And I
distance and I could think we all have so many people to
train for those without it thank for that.
completely taking over
my life. Who’d have
thought just a few years If you (or your school) would like
marathon. I’d wanted them to know
ago that these would be thoughts I to make a donation for Helen’s
how much I value their friendship and
would have, and willingly share with inspiring marathon run, the link is
wisdom; and I wanted others to know
others! uk.virginmoneygiving.com/
how much these people meant to me
as well. It was incredibly humbling The marathon has been an HelenReesWWF - to which Helen
and energising, and I am so glad I extraordinary experience. But I could says “THANK YOU from the
took it on board and used it. I never have done it without the bottom of my Team Panda heart.”
laminated the list, incorporating it
into a little reminder of my pace
timings and when to take an energy
gel (because I knew I’d lose track of
time a little bit, and taped it into a
wristband which I wore on the day.
My Inspiring Milers ran the London
Marathon with me!
Having completed the London
Marathon, I’m still in the post-
marathon phase of recovery – both
mental and physical. People warn you
not to make rash decisions too soon
afterwards – signing up for yet more
marathons before your body has had
a chance to decide whether it wants
to be put through all that again, or
that you feel you have a score to
settle, a faster time in you, if you’d
just done something a little
differently…
I’ve signed up for a couple more 10k
events this year just to stop me
reverting to full-on couch potato
mode again, but for me, most of all,
I’ve learned a huge lesson. Just five
years ago I thought I’d never run
again. But I found a way to get there.
My first 10k event after that injury,
my first 10 mile race, they all had an
element of ‘I shouldn’t even be here!’ With Buckingham Palace in the background, here’s Helen on her way
but one by one they became goals I to the finish line, raising over £3,000 for Team Panda and WWF

Use EI to look good, feel good, do good
Michele Thwaits offers three experience you? You are your own the way you dress, your face and
product, your own brand, you are eyes give a lot away. And that
elements from her training YOU. Don’t try and be someone else impression that they form of you
on Emotional Intelligence. or pretend – be yourself. Be honest. will stick and can affect what you
If I had to ask you to write down want to achieve personally and
“What lies behind us and what lies three words to describe yourself – professionally. When you start
before us are tiny matters … compared what would that be? And then, if I managing the perception of others,
to what lies within us” - had to go to one of your colleagues, they will learn to understand you
Ralph Waldo Emerson. friends, family and ask them the more, know who you are and what
People only see what is on the outside, same thing, would their you stand for.
what we project (without even interpretation of you be the same as • Develop your non-verbal
knowing what we are projecting). Yet if you see yourself? If not, you need to communication – A lot of the
they took the time to get to know us ask yourself, what is it that others impact you make comes from your
(and we get to know them), how much are seeing? What do you need to non-verbal communication as
more rewarding and fulfilling would change or be aware of to ensure mentioned above – specifically
our communication be towards one people see you as YOU. your body language and your voice.
another. So much misunderstanding, • Always be true to yourself – Why Whatever you say is important, but
judgement, incorrect perceptions can would you want to be anyone else? if your body language and facial
be avoided, if we just take the time to You are unique (just like everyone expressions do not fall in line with
understand each other and our else), don’t fake it. That takes a lot what you say (if your body
behaviours. of work to keep up. If you do fake it, language and voice are weak) you
I am taking a portion of one of my remember people won’t want to be will lack presence. People won’t
trainings on Emotional Intelligence and around you, there will be no trust. take you seriously. They will doubt
would like to share how your impact, You may be this quiet, soft spoken you and question your
your brand and your image impact person who doesn’t like the limelight interpretation.
YOU. – trying to be the life and soul of a • Understand yourself and others –
YOUR PERSONAL IMPACT party just to impress people will not Everyone is different. Everyone
work. You can only have maximum knows that too. Not everyone
You are a leader in your profession and impact and presence when you are
you need to look and sound like one if knows how to adapt their
yourself. behaviour in order to maximise
you want to be taken seriously – even if
your day is not going the way you • Continually manage the perception their impact. Learn to understand
planned. others have of you – Don’t take a yourself – your personality, your
chance by doing nothing. People preferences, your limitations, your
• Be clear about the impact you want form an impression of you the dislikes – and learn to recognise the
to make – what sort of impact do moment you walk into a room, difference in other people. No
you want to make? How do you whether you like it or not. The way situation is the same and therefore
want others to treat you or you carry yourself, the way you look, the same person in a different

Use E.I. to look good, feel good, do good
situation, needs to be addressed is who you are – what others say about nowhere fast.
according to those situations. you and what you say about yourself. • Influence – What do you do to
• Speak with confidence – When Reputation = brand. Here are a few influence others? Are you
you speak, be confident. Be certain ideas on how you can improve your persuasive enough to influence
– speak with conviction. When you branding: others? Do you find others are keen
do this your voice becomes • Expertise – This is what you do best. to follow your lead, do things your
powerful and compelling – it You need to be more accurate, more way, apply your ideas? That is
commands the attention of the precise, more competent in your powerful.
others. When you hesitate it will knowledge in your field and create • Relationship – What do you know?
show uncertainty and discomfort more value by doing so. Your network matters a great deal –
and you should try and avoid doing • Be the expert – How are you known 90% of prosperity comes from
this. by others? Today it is not enough networks. It is all about making
• Vulnerability is good – If you show just to know things, others need to connections. And keeping them.
too much confidence, it can also perceive this as coming from an • Celebrity – How well are you known
have a negative impact. People expert. If you have been doing your in your industry? Is it positive or
will probably perceive it as role for the last five years, you negative? Good or bad? Remember
arrogance. By showing should be an expert in your field by the more you are known, the harder
vulnerability, you show others a now. it is to get up after a fall. Don’t let
softer, human approach. They can • Upgrade your skills – Knowing how success go to your head. Remain
now connect with you more easily. to swim in theory is different to composed.
• Be consistent in your impact – Yes, knowing how to swim for real. The • Reputation – What do others know
be consistent. If you are happy go more you apply your knowledge, the about you? It is not enough to be
lucky one day and the next down more value you have. Many people famous. It takes a “celebrity” to
and grumpy – you are going to have various skills, but not all used to remain positive. Bad publicity = bad
confuse people. They won’t know their fullest advantage. You know reputation.
how to approach you – probably what you can do, you know what you
walk on egg shells around you all need to do, so do what you need to • Vision – What do you see that
day, and that is not what you want. and upgrade your skills. others don’t? Or do you see
So once you are clear about your anything at all? Try and look at the
• Up your productivity – How do you bigger picture, the long term goal,
“brand” and how you want others finish? How do you end? Do you
to perceive you, it is important that focus on the light at the end of the
start off with a vengeance then lose tunnel. This will drive you, keep you
your impact and presence is the energy towards the end? You should
same with different people, motivated and on track.
make sure you start and end the
different situations, all the time. same way. All the time. YOUR PERSONAL IMAGE
“Character is like a tree and reputation • Efficiency – How did you do things to Image is important. It helps to make a
is like a shadow. The shadow is what reach your end? What resources do powerful impact on others and
we think of it; the tree is the real you have and how do you optimise represents your brand.
thing.” - Abraham Lincoln. those resources to achieve the • Look good for any occasion – Dress
YOUR PERSONAL BRANDING objectives? Make sure you have for success! Dress appropriately.
After reading the above, what three what you need close by, on your Remember others are watching –
attributes would you want to develop computer, etc. Work smarter, not especially if you are in a senior
in the next few months? And in what harder. position or held in high regard –
way do you think they could • Effectiveness – How well focused are people focus on you a lot.
contribute to increase the value of you on achieving the goals? Have you • Write and speak correctly – People
your personal brand? prioritised implementing what you listen to how you talk. They take
A positive reputation comes because need to do to get there? If you note on how you word your emails,
you manifest your authentic brand haven’t, now is the time to start. A letters, messages and they draw
and are consistent. Personal branding person without a goal, is going conclusions from that.

Use E.I. to look good, feel good, do good
• Master the art of intelligent know where you need to improve (if you
conversation – Who you mix with need to).
and who you speak to has an I always say if one person comes to me
influence on the type of and says something, I hear it. If two or
conversations you have. more people come and say the same
• Be charitable – give of yourself - thing, I need to think about changing
Do for others. Don’t feel or say it is something in order to be respected and
not your job! Learn to give and do appreciated for who I am.
unconditionally – without I believe in making friends, building
expecting something in return. relationships and being consistent in
• Be organised – This keeps you whatever I do. I welcome feedback to
focused, on track. You can think help keep myself on track. We are all
clearly and logically. If you are not human, none of us are perfect, and that
organised, you are all over the is why we can work on ourselves to
place and it will come through in improve where we feel the need. And
your work, the way you conduct improve for the good of everyone.
yourself, the way you dress. profession. If you need to work on Michele Thwaits is the creator of
your impact, or your brand, or your Empowered4Success where she offers a
“To grow yourself, you must image – start today. Speak to a friend
know yourself” - range of professional and motivational
or colleague, someone you know you training and workshops to inspire,
John C Maxwell
can accept constructive criticism from motivate and encourage you on your
You are working in a respectable and ask them to be honest and let you journey to success.
Turn difficult situations around

Shirley Taylor offers five steps control, and be prepared to clear the air, expected to resolve, it’s important to
even when there is tension and approach the situation with renewed
for difficult situations.
disharmony. Communicate the right way focus and clarity. Forget right or
In your career, you will encounter many though, consider your viewpoint wrong, blame, or feeling under
difficult situations that will test your carefully, do not get flustered or pressure. Focus all of your energy on
resolve. Situations can include: conflict emotional. Speak clearly, clarify your resolving the issue, and it may not be
with colleagues, a less than supportive point, and watch your body language as as insurmountable a problem as it
boss, parental complaints, increased this can speak volumes. first appeared to be.
workloads, or making a simple error of
3. Let go of unfairness. There will be times 5. Improve listening skills. Whatever
judgment. In education, things will not
when you feel as if a situation is just not your role within an organisation, you
always go smoothly, and there are a
fair. Perhaps you missed out on your are likely to have to deal with internal
multitude of obstacles and challenges to
bonus, an award or a pay rise. It’s and external gripes. The best way to
overcome. However, no matter what the
difficult, but it’s life. Let go of the ‘it’s not cope and to control a difficult
situation, handling any difficulties head
fair’ frame of mind and consider whether situation is to really listen. Say very
on is far better than letting a situation
you could have improved the situation in little and let the other person have
escalate out of control.
any way. If not, let it go. If you made a their say. Make notes throughout if
1. Embrace acceptance. Whatever mistake, learn from it. Next time, you will the situation is complex, stay
happens at work, moaning about it approach the situation with a clearer focussed, and be professional. Most
will not make it better. Learning to perspective. often people feel that they are
accept a situation, however difficult, unimportant. By listening to them and
4. View monumental problems with
is the first step to moving on and understanding, it may be possible to
clarity. It’s easy to make a problem
overcoming your own emotional resolve a problem before it even
become disproportionate. You may feel
response to it. Acceptance can bring starts.
responsible for a particular situation; you
you to a calm point where you can
may be struggling to resolve an issue. Shirley Taylor is the founder of STTS
consider future options, and avoid
Perhaps you said the wrong thing and Training, based in Singapore. She is
focusing negatively on the situation.
upset a colleague. Whether it is a the author of best-seller ‘Model
2. Improve communication. Approach problem that you have inadvertently Business Letters, Emails and Other
every situation with a degree of caused, or, a problem that you are Business Documents seventh edition’.

The importance of Ikigai 生き甲斐]
Your inner search…. García and Francesc Miralles is inspiring The authors offer their ten rules that
Ikigai is a Japanese concept meaning and comforting, and will give you the can help anyone find their own Ikigai.
"a reason for being". The people of life-changing tools to uncover your 1. Stay active and don’t retire;
Japan believe that everyone has an personal Ikigai. It will show you how to 2. Leave urgency behind and
ikigai – a reason to jump out of bed leave urgency behind, find your adopt a slower pace of life;
each morning. And according to the purpose, nurture friendships and throw
3. Only eat until you are 80 %
residents of the Japanese island of yourself into your passions.
full;
Okinawa – the world’s longest-living
4. Surround yourself with good
people – finding it is the key to a
friends;
longer and more fulfilled life, and
5. Get in shape through daily,
requires a deep and often lengthy
gentle exercise;
search of self.
6. Smile and acknowledge people
Ikigai is seen as the convergence of
around you;
four primary elements:
7. Reconnect with nature;
• What you love (your passion);
8. Give thanks to anything that
• What the world needs (your brightens our day and makes
mission); us feel alive;
• What you are good at (your 9. Live in the moment; and
vocation); and 10. Follow your Ikigai.
• What you can get paid for (your Discovering your own Ikigai is said to
profession). bring fulfilment, happiness and make
“Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long you live longer. Bring meaning and
and Happy Life”. This book by Héctor joy to your every day with Ikigai!

Bravery is… learning
something new every
day / week / month
We bring you a free being able to connect with others
in similar roles elsewhere, borrow
excerpt from Angela from their skills and learn from
Garry’s book “Brave PAs: their experience can be
the ultimate guide to being invaluable.
outstanding in a tough We would be foolish to think that
any of us knows everything there is
job” - the only professional
to know about doing our jobs grandpa’s lap with a look of utter
development book written brilliantly. fascination on his face, whilst his
specifically for PAs, EAs, There has to be something more grandpa showed him something on
Secretaries and Admins in that you could learn within your an iPhone. I recognised something in
role that would help you to support the look on the baby’s face and dug
schools. through my old photo albums, where
your head teacher or principal even
Throughout your role as a PA or better than you already do – I found a photo of myself in the early
administrator, you will always be something that might speed up a 1970s, at the same age, with the
learning something new or a process, a new computing tool that same look of fascination on my face.
different way to do something. will put you on a par with the pupils I was not focused on an iPhone or
It might be practical things like who are already using it or simply any sort of new technology though –
finding out how to change the toner working on a new task that you I was playing with a small red
in the photocopier, establishing a have been given. balloon. How times change!
new method for receiving visitors at I’m absolutely certain that we all My cousin’s son is growing up in a
the school (think: visitor book, loose need to be constantly learning new world where it is the norm to own a
paper register, computerised things, not just for our own device which not only enables us to
database, finger-touch screen, iPad professional development but to communicate with the rest of the
app, biometric finger-scanning keep up with the next generation world by phone call, text or the
system for repeat visitors, scanning who are part of our school, college internet, but also play games and
DBS papers), developing your own or university. take photographs and videos. We
systems for filing and retrieving have to continue learning to keep up
documents or searching the For instance, at a training course
with new advances in technology,
internet for answers – or at least where I was introducing the
otherwise we will be completely left
clues – on how to solve an issue. assembled audience of PAs to the
behind.
use of Gantt charts, one PA related
Your learning might also be adding that she had just helped her 10- Over the years, I have met a very
to or developing some of the vital year-old son with his homework the small number of PAs, secretaries and
‘soft skills’ required to fulfil your night before – and the homework administrators who seemed to think
role, such as interpersonal skills, was to create a Gantt chart. There they were so perfect in their roles
building relationships, learning to was I, training a group of PAs in that they did not need to learn
adapt your working styles to fit best their thirties (and above) to use anything more (‘I am already great’)
with your head teacher, developing technology that 10-year-olds are or anything new (‘My knowledge and
ways to handle upset or angry currently being taught to use in skills may be old but they are great’).
parents and so on. school! I have to admit that I find this quite a
It’s always hard to start a job In another example, I recently came limiting approach to working (not to
somewhere new and be expected across a photo on Facebook of my mention life itself!), and I’ve thought
to hit the ground running. However, cousin’s baby boy, sitting on his their views of their roles and

Bravery is… learning something new every day / week / month
responsibilities were more than a • Exploring – mentoring, open absorb the information faster and
bit old-fashioned. learning, project work, quality retain the knowledge longer.
Competitions • Use your memory. Task yourself
• Testing – workshops. with trying to recall everything you
What skills might you need to
can. If necessary, get some help
develop in order to be a great
Passive learning is about observing, with memory techniques. The
Brave PA?
questioning, and reviewing. more you draw on the
• Multi-tasking Examples include: information, the easier it becomes
• Communication skills to apply when it is needed.
• Negotiating • Observing – job shadowing
• Questioning – induction, • Actively do it. Try applying what
• Influencing you have learned as soon as you
networking, seminars, evening
• Diary management can and as often as possible.
classes
• Organisational skills Repeating something over and
• Reviewing – individual
• Diplomacy and discretion over reinforces it in your mind and
workshops.
• Self-motivation body, and it is said that if you
Once you have identified your
• Demonstrating initiative repeat something daily for 28 days
preferred learning style, try to look
• Attention to detail you can even turn it into a habit!
for courses that will be delivered in
• Networking
this style, so that you can get the • Think about it. As you learn, you
• Problem-solving
most from the programme. Don’t will make mistakes – we all will. It’s
Some of these are touched on
necessarily rule out courses delivered important to go back and review
elsewhere in this book – others you
in the other styles if these are the what went well, and what went
will develop all by yourself, simply
only ones available to you, but if you not so well, so that the next
by spending time in your role, learning experience will be all the
learning from and watching others. get the option of attending more
than one course, aim for whatever more successful.
seems to match your learning style
What is your preferred learning closest. Here are two routes to some
method? fantastic resources to help you
When you are going to attempt to Accelerating your learning develop your learning:
learn something new, an important • www.bookboon.com – invaluable
thing to take account of is to think Since each of us learns differently,
we each need to develop techniques source of ‘how to’ books. Create a
about how you learn best, because free registration to use on the site
each of us acquires skills and that exactly match our preferred
learning style. This means we will and then download e-books (saved
knowledge slightly differently. You in PDF format) on an enormous
learn faster, quicker and better – that
may have been at school with number of topics, including
friends who seemed to pick up is, the learning process is
accelerated. Since this learning business/office subjects (e.g.
things far more easily than you did, comprehensive books on using the
or perhaps you were the one who process doesn’t happen overnight (it
does take effort!), there are a few Microsoft Office suite – every
went racing ahead through the package, every version – from
things you can do to speed up the
textbooks while your friends beginner to intermediate to
struggled. If you are going to process:
advanced level). The site has
undertake any new training or • Motivate yourself. See yourself several thousand books available –
studying, it makes sense to ensure learning in your mind, tell yourself
some free, some on a feepaying
that it’s delivered via a method that that you will be successful in your
basis.
works well for you so that it has the learning and set goals for which
greatest impact. you can strive. • www.alison.com – training website
offering online diploma courses.
It is often said that there are just • Get the information. There are
three ways in which people learn Create a free registration to use
two main learning methods: active the site and sign up for a course.
and passive. from and interact with the world
around them: visual (seeing), Free use of the site includes
Active learning is about doing, auditory (hearing), and advertisements during your course
initiative, exploring and testing. kinaesthetic (touching/feeling). sessions, or you can choose to pay
Examples include: When you use the best way for for a premium subscription which
• Doing – coaching, project work, you, you will be able to get the will exclude the advertising.
individual workshops, Simulation information you need faster in Excellent for learning some new
• Initiative – e-learning, order to learn the task at hand. skills and for pointing others in the
workshops, open learning, • Find meaning. When you can relate right direction for their own
quality Competitions to what you are learning, you will training.

Bravery is… learning something new every day / week / month
For my own part, I’ve learned an out from them how they did things. trained to become a school teacher,
enormous amount during my career. During that role, I discovered the but then switching to working in
It was never a case of starting a new usefulness of search engines: one of administration as my chosen career,
job and being able to instantly carry the professors had held a conference this became my first real experience
out every item on the list of duties some time before I started working at of delivering a formal training session
and responsibilities. the university, and she now wanted to for adults.
I had to learn my way through a range get back in touch with all of the Over the years, the internet has
of items from how to reboot my speakers to find out how their various proved to be a fantastic way of
computer in the very early days of projects around the world were networking with and learning from
Microsoft Windows (when the progressing, for inclusion in a series of others. My networking began by
computers in our office regularly books she was writing. The professor connecting with PAs and
slowed down or froze completely) to had a handwritten list of names and administrators via an intranet within
how to organise my first conference the universities where they had the university, then within a group of
and how to encourage one of my staff worked at the time of the conference universities via a larger network and
to go on a training course. All of these but nothing more. then with the world at large, and all
were new experiences to me and Making use of my brand new internet have assisted me to take on different
necessitated that I learn something. skills, I was able to track down all 30 tasks and different responsibilities.
I graduated from university in 1991, at speakers at their universities I’ve been responsible for teams of
a time when there was no internet, no (including two who had moved on staff – some of whom have been very
email, no Google (‘Almost the age of from their roles to other places of reluctant to learn anything new – so
dinosaurs’, you might say!). This learning), and provide her with their trying to increase their knowledge
meant that whenever I needed to do email addresses, office phone and skills has been a challenge and a
something I’d never done before, I numbers and postal addresses within whole new learning experience for
had to find a way to learn somehow – just a short time. me. In one job in particular, I spent a
I couldn’t just search on Google for an Of course, this is now a relatively easy lot of time trying to encourage a
answer. I learned by asking those and commonplace task, but at the secretary (who had flatly refused to
around me or, in the case of time my professor was amazed. She use a spreadsheet package) to attend
computing issues, quite often through had no idea that this sort of a training course on Microsoft Excel.
trial and error (and very regular use of information could be found via the She fought against this, as she was of
the ‘undo’ button, something which internet or any other source at that the mindset that ‘a professional
had been all too missing when I time, and as a result, in the secretary’ only typed documents and
learned to type on an Imperial acknowledgements section of the shouldn’t need to work with tables
typewriter during my school years). books which resulted from this work, and spreadsheets.
In 1995, I started working at a she proclaimed me as a ‘wizard in all After several attempts to cajole her
university where we had email and forms of technology’. and to appeal to her better
access to a fledgling internet. This was My internet prowess then led to me judgement, I eventually had to tell
my first experience of connecting with being given further research work for her quite frankly that she would be
the outside world via computer and I her and several of her colleagues at acting extremely unprofessionally if
was hooked. It was here that I started the university, and then I was asked to she didn’t attend a course that was
to discover the benefits of being able demonstrate to several other senior designed for her professional
to connect with other people secretaries how to do this. Having development. She grumpily went
elsewhere in the world and finding along to the course and, on her
return, reported back that she’d had
no idea ‘a table could be so useful’. I
had a very hard time though in
getting her to grudgingly admit this.
Let’s just say that I learned a lot
about developing my negotiating
skills and working with difficult
people in that role!
I have learned something new,
almost every day, from every job I’ve
been in. Now that I’m running my
own company, I find that there is an
enormous amount that I still need to
learn – and it’s fascinating!

Back row: Iris, Ambrotia, Lerato. Front row : Fatima, Valencia, Bongiwe
Isipho update - cohort nr 3

geographically separated from your first bursary recipients. There will
offices by ± 9,000km (5,600 miles) as always be trials and tribulations but if
the crow flies, but we share the you focus on these, you will never
universal belief that education is the succeed.
key to success and we applaud all
who work in the education sector. “Our motto is to make a
One day we will invite you to difference, one life at a time
celebrate Isipho Admin’s 50th so we learn from our
successful bursary student with us!
mistakes and celebrate the
“Isipho Admin is a non-profit charity
offering bursaries to aspiring personal
successes.”
assistants. We are a charity shaping
Now in its third year in South the PAs of the future.
Some of our successes so far
Africa, Isipho (Swahili for “Our mission is to select, fund and
“It is with a great sense of pride that
“gift”) has 3 new students on prepare the best and brightest
we have managed to produce 3
candidates to enter the PA profession
a bursary scheme to attend and set them up for future success.
formally qualified candidates to date
with an additional 3 enrolled for the
college, where they are eager Providing opportunities where none
2018 academic year (all looking very
to become PAs and Admins of existed. We want to leave a legacy!
much on track to succeed).
Veni vidi amavi - we came, we saw
the future. and we loved! “Lerato and Iris were two of the first
Teri Wells, a Director of Isipho Admin, bursary recipients and they have
“The charity was registered in
writes: “Congratulations on the 50th really set the bar for all who follow.
December 2015 and we took the
issue of EDPA magazine! We may be Both are now working in the
plunge a month later by selecting our

corporate sector, earning fixed life at a time, the knock-on effect is “Our 2018 students are settling in
salaries and becoming independent, astounding. well. Although they are navigating the
contributing members of society. “ “Ambrotia stepped up to the plate challenges of formal tertiary
Iris and literally hit a home run in year education and some subjects that are
two of the bursary. She passed with 7 totally foreign to them (Office
distinctions and will formally Finance), they are already impressing
graduate on the 18th May 2018. “ with their academic results.
Ambrotia “We know it will require hard work

and unwavering commitment, but we
believe they have what it takes and
look forward to celebrating more
success stories at the end of the year.
“All our students (past, present and
no doubt, future) achieve against the
most incredible odds … living in
informal settlements, no electricity,
no running water and very often, no
food and a minimal family support
structure. To see what they achieve is
truly humbling and we salute each
and every one of them.”
“They are able to provide not only for
Valencia
themselves but also to help members
of their families with essentials like
food, shelter, clothing etc.
“In addition they have both
committed to working with the youth “The enormous unemployment
at the community centres in their challenge in South Africa is making it
respective informal settlements, difficult for Ambrotia to find a job.
encouraging them to go to school, “But as PAs seem to thrive on
helping with homework, computer challenge, we believe that through
literacy studies, knowledge and life our local and international networks,
skills sharing etc. she will find her place in the
Lerato corporate world and add enormous
value to the company that hires her .”
“We have a fantastic, committed team

The 2018 intake on the ground including our selfless
mentors (www.isiphoadmin.org.za)
and a band of global Isipho Angels
without whom none of this would be
possible.
“We are 100% reliant on

donations and 100% of the
funds raised go to the
students.”
“First and foremost we pay for the
formal education including textbooks.
The number of bursary recipients each
year is limited by the bank balance.
“If there are additional funds available
“They have effectively become role we try to assist with other essentials
models for the youth. You see, whilst like transport, mobile phone airtime,
we strive to make a difference one food etc.”

Fatima Personal stories from two of that I understood the work of every
Isipho’s former students module.
I once failed a test and was
Rosina was one of the 2017 Isipho
discouraged but at the same time it
students. She has grown SO much
encouraged me to put in more effort
during her time on the programme,
and fix my mistakes. With all the
and says:
support and motivation from my
"I have learned a lot from this mentors I could do well and excel in all
experience. One of the lessons I the modules, and indeed I did and it
learned is that hard work pays. I feels so good!
believe that one of the reasons I was
I am a living testimony that indeed
chosen is because I obtained good
hard work pays of. I will never forget
marks from my matric. I also learned
the day I was chosen to be one of the
to always stay focused because once
candidates for the bursary I am
you get distracted, you drop the ball
grateful even till this day.
which are the marks in this case.
My qualification is the start to my
The course has been challenging and success."
difficult here and there but I believe I
We have a dream ... did my best. One experience I am
taking with me is to always look out EDPA and Isipho
The dream is to give something for those who are in need of help. I
back to the world by uplifting say this because at the beginning of During the last three years EDPA
our local communities. Our the year, I was so stressed about how Editor Angela Garry has donated
I was going to pay the fees since I was copies of “Brave PAs”, “The PA & EA
goal is to tackle economic and Circus” and her distance learning book
not financially stable. I have now
educational problems by “Pica Aurum course 1” to Isipho
managed to enrol and pay, all thanks
changing just one person's life to Isipho team. Admin, for use by the students . Other
at a time. We aim to provide trainers have also donated copies of
I'd also want to give special thanks to their materials, in order to help these
entry to the PA profession, to my mentor Li-ann Meyer for always young women in their quest to
those in need of an being there for me. She is a very busy become fully-fledged PAs and Admins,
opportunity. woman but she always made time for able to support their families.
me when I needed her. I will always
We have a dream and now it is be grateful for what Isipho has done
coming true! in ensuring that I get the best and How you can be part of Isipho
better education."
To find out more on Isipho’s dream,
Bongiwe please check out the video at
Ambrotia had this to say about her www.youtu.be/NL-mxvZic60 - and
year: also see the journey so far at
www.youtu.be/hdBUfpeilDU
"My journey of completing my course
was not easy but I took it as a new Perhaps you or your school would like
and fun challenge. Life at college to make a donation towards helping
taught me how to be independent one or more of these young ladies in
and responsible for my own education their education, or to raise money for
and future. It was a challenge waking Isipho’s work in South Africa next
up at midnight to study or to year? If so, the Directors would love
complete an assignment but I was to hear from you!
able to make the right decisions and Do you want to contribute to the
do what I was suppose to do. Isipho project? Contributions can be
I made sure that I sacrificed my social made via SA bank account or
life to dedicate my time to my studies. PayPal via the link www.paypal.me/
“Our three 2018 students are IsiphoAdmin
With all the personal challenges I
Valencia Mavuso, Fatima Utsulo and
faced, I was able to trust God and
Bongiwe Tibane. Valencia is being
overcome them so they didn't get in
mentored throughout the year by Every single donation, no matter how
the way of me doing well at school. At
Cathy Harris while Fatima is with small, can make a difference in a life.
times I would even stay behind late to
Susan Engelbrecht and Bongiwe is Thank you.
have extra time with the lectures so
with Li-Ann Meyer.”

‘This woman can’t multi-task!’
Jill Hughes shares with us her Since my brain injury, I regularly I call it my ‘social hangover’, as I know
undercook or overcook the dinner. I any situations where I need to
very personal story of how a
need to write a list of what needs to concentrate on more than one thing
simple slip changed go in the oven at what time, or I can will completely overload my brain and
everything, including her guarantee it won’t work! I’ll be left feeling like I’ve been on a
ability to handle multiple My son finds it highly amusing that I bender, which is ironic as I just can’t
now have to turn the radio off in the handle my drink nowadays!
tasks at once...
car to concentrate - I’m fine with it if I have ways of coping - I make lists,
“Men can’t multitask” - it’s the age old I’m driving a familiar route, but I can’t lots of lists, so as I have a visual
adage, insinuating that women can look where I’m going and have noise reminder of what I need to do and
juggle 101 different tasks; holding a happening at the same time. when.
phone conversation whilst keeping one
I can’t read, or write anything with I set alarms on my phone to tell me
eye on the kids and simultaneously
the TV on or any distractions. Just when dinner will be cooked, or when I
following a recipe and whipping up a 3
writing this article has taken several need to stop doing one thing and start
course meal…
attempts as I need silence; the another.
However, whoever first perpetrated building site down the road drilling, I organise my days so that if I’ve got
this myth clearly ain’t met me! or my neighbour’s dogs barking is something that I know will be
In a previous life, I could happily sit at enough to completely lose my train of mentally draining to do, I plan a lazy
my desk at work holding an important thought. day afterwards.
phone call and working on something I used to be able to half-heartedly do I pre-warn anyone getting in my car
on the PC at the same time, or cook 3 several things at once, but now my that I cannot have a conversation and
different things, all with different brain can only concentrate on one follow the sat nav at the same time,
timings and ingredients, whilst helping thing at a time. so if they want to get where we’re
my son with his homework and doing
It’s most frustrating when I’m out going on time, it’s in their best
the packed lunches for the next day, or
with a group of friends and everyone interest to be mindful of this!
something so simple as have a
is taking at the same time, maybe in a That’s the hardest part though -
conversation whilst still managing to
busy public place with lots of admitting to other people that I can
follow what’s going on on ‘Coronation
background noise, as I really struggle no longer handle things that they
Street’, or singing along to the radio
to follow any one conversation, and I know I used to be able to do standing
whilst following the satnav in the car.
end up with a massive headache from on my head (whilst driving, cooking,
Things that we take for granted, and
the effort of trying to process it all. chatting, reading...), but the more
that come naturally to most people.

‘This woman can’t multi-task!’
times I say it, the easier it gets. I have a vague recollection of coming get questioned - we do it, because i’s
I’m slowly but surely accepting that around to find a group of young men what we have always done - but when
this particular woman just can’t standing over me; I know I recognised our abilities to cope with something
multitask! at least two of them, but I don’t know that we normally do not even have to
to this day who they were - they got think about are suddenly challenged
me up, got me home and made sure I or changed, then we are forced to
How did this all come about?
was safe, and for that I’m eternally enter a new phase of learning and
New Year’s Eve 2013 was the day that grateful. adapting in order to cope.
my life changed dramatically.
I was slightly mortified as well if I’m Friends and families can help us to an
Prior to this, I had spent 10 years honest, as they probably just assumed extent but, truth be told, no-one
working in financial services, although I was very, very drunk! really knows what it is like until they
had recently been made redundant are in the situation themselves
Next thing I knew, it was morning and
and was doing two jobs working in a suddenly finding that they can no
I didn’t have a clue what had
local shop and also for an electrical longer do what they used to take for
happened except there was blood
retailer. Life was good and my then 8 granted. Finding someone else who
everywhere. The bathroom looked like
year old son and I were happy. has ‘been there’ can be a god-send, to
a massacre had occurred - I’d clearly
On the night in question, I was invited passed out in there for some time help normalise your experiences and
to a party at a friend’s house in the before staggering to bed, as there was ground you. Seeking out health-
village. My son was at his dad’s for the only dried blood on my pillow, and I related magazines, websites and blogs
night and I was looking forward to couldn’t see straight, or move without can all help in this regard.
letting my hair down and having feeling nauseous.
fun. The party was great, and I’m the
A dash to A&E showed the head injury This article was published in the April
first to admit that I overindulged
had caused a serious bleed on the 2018 issue of “Health Is Your Wealth”
somewhat, but it’s almost the law to
brain - a subarachnoid haemorrhage - magazine and is reproduced with
get a little merry on New Year’s Eve,
and I was lucky to be alive. Jill’s permission. She has been writing
isn’t it?
It was easily the scariest moment of articles relating to Traumatic Brain
I left shortly after midnight, teetering Injury for the publication for the last
my life to date, and the moment my
along in my ridiculous heels on the two years, and also writes for a
life changed beyond recognition.
slightly frosty pavement as I made my magazine for people living with
way home. Fibromyalgia.
The last thing I remember clearly is EDPA writes:
Jill Hughes lives in Derbyshire with
slipping on a patch of ice as I crossed All too often, we take our brains and her now-teenage son, and is still
the road, excruciating pain in my head our bodies for granted. What we do coming to terms with the effects of
and everything going black. on a normal day-to-day basis doesn’t her traumatic brain injury.

The Anglo-American
School of Moscow
us to use for the two days - and I
received a lot of positive feedback
from the attendees, which is always
good to know that the course
programme I had put together was on
track with what they needed and
wanted. The programme was arranged
for the Central Eastern European
School Association, CEESA.
Whilst in Moscow I met up with
EDPA Editor’s
Christina Maslova - the Russian PA who
had approached me before Christmas
asking me to publish her book in an
English edition. She took me for some
Update traditional Russian food for lunch in a

old-style restaurant in the city centre,
and we spent a couple of hours
chatting and sharing stories of our PA
Angela Garry reports on her work as On the two mornings, 20 of us left the roles and training.
an author, book & editor, and PA warmth of the hotel to cross the frozen I also had the opportunity to also catch
trainer since the last issue of EDPA. pavement and into a warm waiting up with Olga Shumilova, who had
As I left off at the end of the last issue minibus, which took us to the school, organised the conference I had spoken
of EDPA, I was taking a few weeks off which is on the edge of a tree-lined at during my first trip to Moscow in
prior to travelling to Moscow in valley. With the whole area covered in 2012. Like my delight in being able to
February where I worked with a group snow, it looked like we were driving visit the city twice, it was even better
of 29 PAs and Admins from 12 schools into the entrance of Narnia each to be able to meet up once more with
across 11 countries in Central and morning! Olga - during my training programmes
Eastern Europe. The school was a great venue, with around the world I have always
excellent food and training facilities for encouraged attendees to meet up
From first seeing a set of Russian Dolls
at my grandmother’s house back in my
childhood and then falling in love with
Omar Sharif’s Yuri whilst watching ‘Dr
Zhivago’, I have had a yearning to one
day visit Russia. To be able to say that I
have now been there twice, in October
2012 and again this year, I feel both
lucky and even a little bit bewildered.
How did this all happen, that in the last
six years I have been to 64 cities in 30+
countries, working with almost 5,000
PAs and Admins. It’s hard to fathom With course attendees in Moscow (above) and Athens (below)
sometimes that this is my life, this is my
’normal’!
Incredulity aside, my trip to Moscow
was wonderful - there had been
copious snow in the days before I
travelled, with the city reaching the
dizzying cold temperature of minus 17 o
Celsius. I was staying in a hotel
alongside 19 of the attendees - the
remaining 10 were staff at the school
which was playing host for the two-day
course programme at the Anglo-
American School of Moscow.

EDPA Editor’s Update
again if at all possible, as it would be a
terrible shame if they were never to
interact again, so it was lovely to get the
chance to do just that myself!
I returned home and finished my work
with Debra Jarrett, a fellow
psychotherapist, on her book on
Dissociation. We had been working on
this book for over two years now and it
is a fascinating book for dissociative
people, their friends and families, and
psychotherapists. I’m very proud to have
been part of this particular book’s
journey, and know that it will make a big
difference for a lot of people.
Early March then saw me working on
something that I would have thought
impossible until now. Christina’s book Current work in progress by AG
of Overseas Schools - a non-profit,
for Russian PAs had originally been
voluntary association of more than
published in Russia in just a small whatever they write - from planning their
100 private, independent schools.
number for a conference, and she asked writing through setting it out in their
Around 300 people attended the
me if I would now help her to publish it choice of page layout, creating a pdf
conference, which included many
worldwide. I’d done this before proof, uploading to Createspace.com
seminars and workshops for
Christmas with the English version of the where they can create an actual book,
teachers and school leaders, plus a
book, no problem - but now she wanted and getting it up onto Amazon to a
two-afternoon programme for PAs
me to work on the Russian version. I worldwide audience. I’d love to be able
and Admins, which I was invited to
probably don’t need to add here that I to see some of the group’s members
deliver. Once again, as in Moscow, I
don’t read, write or speak Russian! share the joy of receiving the first copies
received some great feedback from
However, with the aid of Google of their book, hot off the presses - it’s
attendees, one of whom had
Translate and a fair few emails such a great feeling! We’re now setting
travelled all the way from India in
backwards and forwards between us, we each other some writing ‘homework’ to
order to attend.
managed it - and the Russian edition is do before our next meeting, which the
now available worldwide via Amazon! Back on home ground again, I am members are all enjoying.
still working on my biography of the
At the end of March I flew off to Athens, See you all in October / November -
author Helene Hanff plus two books
to the Spring Educators Conference for have a great remainder of this term.
on her travels, and a book for
NESA, the Near East South Asia Council ONWARDS AND UPWARDS!
survivors of pulmonary embolisms
and blood clots - based on my own
experiences and those of around 30
others.
My latest activity is that I have set
up and started a Writers’ Group in
my village, which meets twice per
month. We’ve met three times so
far and we’re still finding our feet at
the moment in terms of deciding
what we all want from being a part
or the group. We have just a handful
of members so far, but more have
indicated that they will attend in
coming weeks. Fortunately, my
village has a couple of really well-
used Facebook pages, so I’ve been
able to advertise the group easily to
attract writers to join. My offering to
the group is to help anyone with the
Christina Maslova’s book for PAs - the process of creating a book from Debra Jarrett’s book on Dissociation,
Russian edition, edited by AG edited by AG

EDPA The leading publication for PAs and Admins in Education
mentoring and coaching sessions on a
one-to-one basis, via telephone, email
and / or Skype.
BOOKS
“Brave PAs: the ultimate guide to
being outstanding in a tough job” by
Angela Garry, £12.99
The only CPD book written specifically
for PAs, EAs, secretaries and admin
staff working in education. Available
CPD Resources from Crown House Publishing,

Amazon and selected bookstores.
Kindle edition also available.
“The PA & EA Circus: integrating the
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES many parts of the Personal and
bespoke courses are also available -
www.picaaurum.com put together a timetable to suit you Executive Assistant” by Angela Garry,
and your colleagues. £12.99
EDPA Editor Angela Garry’s training
company offering a variety of courses A distance learning option is also CPD book for PAs, EAs, Secretaries
for PAs and Admins working in both available: buy a course book and work and admin staff in ANY industry.
education and corporate settings. through it at your own pace. Your Available from Amazon in paperback
With a growing list of 50 topics, purchase includes two hours of and Kindle edition.
Please forward details of any Resources you’d like to share with readers.
Moving forwards
A note on GDPR
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) became 'live' on
25th May 2018. As required by this legislation we are
undertaking a full review of the data that is retained on our
systems at EDPA and would like to confirm that we endeavour The aims of EDPA are:
to manage our data securely and responsibly.
• to inspire and motivate PAs and Admins working in
We do not rent, trade or sell any member's data to sponsors, education,
advertisers, training provider or other third party. We will not
• to offer relevant training information,
share your data and would only do so in strict “must adhere”
circumstances (e.g. in court proceedings). • to look at challenges faced by education PAs and
Admins,
The data that we have collected or retain is for member access
and subscription purposes only. Any excess or surplus data is • to encourage PAs and Admins to share their
deleted as soon as possible. experiences and learn from others,
You are receiving this magazine because you have subscribed • to point subscribers in the right direction for useful
to do so. Each subscription is for one year / three issues of resources for CPD, and
EDPA magazine. Subscription fees are non-refundable, but • to highlight the importance of the role of PA and
should you wish to stop receiving the magazine or to transfer Admins so that the roles get the recognition they
your subscription to a colleague, you can get in touch with the deserve as being truly professional.
Editor via the contact details on page 2 of any issue of EDPA.
Best wishes to all - Angela Garry
EDPA is published 3 times annually. Printed subscriptions cost £35 UK, £40 EIRE, £50 worldwide, plus a pdf
subscription is available outside the UK for £35 - via www.edpa-magazine.com / editor@picaurum.com

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EDPA

The leading magazine for Education PAs & Admins

The evolution from ‘NAHPA’ in 2001

• Michele Thwaits was a PA for 36+ years, now International Facilitator /

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Are you asking questions that increase productivity and

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We’ve all heard of the “fight” or

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The ‘A’ Pearl:

Lindsay Taylor is a former PA—

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The EDPA Cartoon

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• Spreading your anger with one person to everyone

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We are often told as PAs that we are

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Turn difficult situations around

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Isipho update - cohort nr 3

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Ambrotia “We know it will require hard work

“We have a fantastic, committed team

“We are 100% reliant on

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Update traditional Russian food for lunch in a

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CPD Resources from Crown House Publishing,

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