Agony Uncle

Q. My new boss isn't keeping me busy. I have approached him about this and he hasn't done anything about it. He is rarely in the office, on average one day a week. So I'm sat most of the day with nothing at all to do, there are no other people I can volunteer help too. The phones rarely ring, and there are no visitors. I love the job, the company and when it is busy, but frankly it's a waste of my time and totally demoralising. Short of finding a new job, how can I make sure my boss utilises me better without sounding like I'm whining!

A. I think the answer to your dilemma lies in your question: how can you be happy and fulfilled in an environment where you rarely work? I'm afraid there is really very little you can do, other than changing the company or its directors and since that's hardly an option the only other avenue open to you would be to look for another job. However, before taking that step, why not book a meeting with your boss asap and find out if there are any special projects you can take on - take the initiative and try to become the 'deputy MD'. If the MD or the company doesn't do anything within 2-3 weeks then it's time to start looking around for a job where your skills can be better utilised. Asking to do a day's work is not whining, incidentally, so you may be a bit too sensitive and need to toughen up a little. If it's not the case that the new MD is a loner and simply doesn't feel the need for a PA (is he Superman?), do you think it's at all possible you have been sidelined and are being given nothing to do in the hope you get fed up and leave? It does happen, unfortunately and it's very demoralising, even though it's usually nothing to do with your abilities but more about a clash of personalities. The special MD-PA relationship rarely works successfully under such circumstances. So, take control of the situation and either create more work or leave, but don't delay.

Q. I am currently working as an Office Administrator, I recently completed a Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration and wondered what my next step should be in order to gain the right qualifications to become a PA?

A. Whilst education and qualifications are valuable in any industry, being a PA is not just about qualifications. It's as much about being adaptable and flexible, having a 'can-do' attitude; helping your boss to meet his or her strategic objectives. Go to your HR people and ask if there are any vacancies for PAs within the organisation. There are no right qualifications for being a PA; it's such a demanding, multi-tasking role and not at all like being, say, a project manager. Being a PA means being what your boss needs you to be and that will vary with every job you have. In the same way that there are no right qualifications for being a cook, because being a cook is about so much more than just letters after your name, being a PA is as much about natural talent as formal training.