This month we meet Claire King, PA to COO of Trinity Mirror Group.
What do you love most about your job?
Would you believe it’s diary management? I enjoy making sure each day runs like clockwork. Ask me to organise a meeting for twenty people who all have crazy busy diaries and I will be gleeful.
What are the three things you couldn’t do your job without?
1. Good communication skills, 2. a good IT helpdesk and 3. TEA, lots of tea. . 4..and biscuits…. and being able to count….
What do you think makes a good PA?
Telepathy! When you feel like you have come in half way through a conversation and left before the end, you have to have patience and quick thinking to ask your boss the right questions so that you can do your job efficiently. Also being able to work with lots of different types of personalities and being extremely organised.
What’s in your handbag right now?
Phone, charger, purse, umbrella, emergency makeup, Lego (courtesy of my toddler), chocolate, water, notebook and pen.
What’s your lunch time routine?
I am training for 50th Marathon so run up and down One Canada Square tower every day. Not really… I scamper to Waitrose and buy my favourite sandwich. I also make sure I go outside to get fresh air and have a bit of a walk and a shop, it is Canary Wharf after all. It’s also important to build relationships with the other PA’s so I have been exploring the other floors and visiting them when I have break.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My Aunty Pat. She had boundless energy, was vibrant, funny, confident and believed I could achieve whatever I wanted in life
What do you do after a stressful day?
I go home and play with my almost 3 year old daughter which takes my mind off everything. I also take a dance class called ‘Flowetic’ which is a contemporary/ballet class. This is great after sitting at my desk all day.
What are your tips for being a top PA?
Make sure that your boss has confidence in you and your work so that he/she does not need to worry and can get on with their day. Be discreet, keep calm and learn not to absorb anyone else’s stress. Be approachable, proactive and have positive energy.