Even the most experienced PA or secretary can have a bad day. You sent the wrong email. The meeting link doesn’t work. Your boss’s presentation pointer dies even though you checked it before they left the office, and packed spare batteries, and somehow, it’s still your fault. Then that quiet voice that lives at the back of your head rears its ugly head, and starts to speak, “You’re rubbish at this job”, “That was such a stupid mistake to make”. Silently, you chastise yourself. These moments don’t define you. But they can rattle your confidence, and over time, those knocks can leave you doubting yourself.
The truth is that administrative professionals, like you, are the backbone of the workplace. You juggle logistics, conflicting personalities, last-minute changes, and a sea of expectations. When it all goes smoothly, nobody notices. But when something goes wrong, the spotlight lands firmly on you.
Let me say this clearly: confidence at work isn’t about being perfect. It’s about recognising your value, learning from the rough days, and remembering that one mistake doesn’t undo a career’s worth of good work.
Let me tell you a story. It’s a true story of a young lady who attended one of my training courses. Her boss had decided she was useless at her job and needed training to become a better PA. She broke my heart because, despite being fantastic at her job with checks and counterchecks in place, she doubted her skills. (Names have been changed for confidentiality.
When a Bad Boss Knocks Your Confidence at Work
Laura had worked as a senior PA for over ten years when she joined our PA and Secretary training course. Her boss, a senior executive with a temper, relied on her to manage high-level board meetings, prepare presentations, and handle the tech, despite having minimal IT skills himself. He would panic when he couldn’t find his mouse on the screen.
For one major presentation, she had prepared everything in the minutest details. She even checked the clicker in advance and popped in a fresh set of batteries for good measure. She packed a second set of batteries and put them in his Information pack along with his itinerary. The itinerary included details such as the pickup time from his house to the train station, the platform he needed to catch a train to London. He had step-by-step instructions on what he needed to do when he arrived in London. She even had the name of the driver who would collect him at Euston Train Station when he arrived. She had prepared everything.
Then it went wrong
Midway through the presentation, the clicker failed. He was furious. When he got back to the office and in front of everyone, he snapped, “Can you try doing your job properly for once?” Laura was devastated. She had done everything right. She was humiliated, then yelled at again in private. That night, she went home feeling like a failure. This left her feeling devastated and convinced that she couldn’t do her job correctly.
As with everything, there is often a knock-on effect of incidents like this. She had lost her confidence at work and started to make more mistakes. In the end, her boss insisted that she attend a training course to pick up the skills she needed to be a ‘decent PA’. This is where I met Laura. Laura came onto my course not because she lacked skills but because that one moment, that one man, had made her doubt herself. She didn’t need fixing; she needed reminding that she was brilliant.
Weeks later, I was told that she had found the courage to report the incident. HR investigated, and her boss received a written warning. He later left the department.
How Do You Rebuild Confidence at Work?
If you’ve had your own “Laura moment,” please know you are not alone. Confidence isn’t a constant. It rises and falls, especially when your work is so visible and often, so undervalued. Here are ten gentle but powerful ways to rebuild your confidence, based on real experiences and practical strategies.
1. Keep a Success Journal
Each day, write down a minimum of three things you did well that day. They don’t have to be monumental achievements. Maybe you juggled a busy diary successfully. Maybe you calmed a colleague under pressure. Perhaps you just kept it all together.
When doubt creeps in, and it will, your journal becomes a quiet but powerful reminder of how capable you really are. Never underestimate the power of a gentle reminder of how brilliant you are.
2. Own It… Then Let It Go
Mistakes happen. Own them. Apologise if needed. Then move on. There is no rule that says one slip-up wipes out ten years of good work. You are allowed to make mistakes; everyone does. You and your career are not a mistake.
3. Flip That Inner Critic
You wouldn’t tell a colleague or your best friend, “You’re rubbish” because a Zoom link failed, so why say it to yourself? You are just as crucial as your colleague or best friend. Instead, say, “I’m learning. I’m resilient. I handled that as best I could.”
Confidence is built one kind word at a time, especially when it’s from you to you. Whether you say it silently to yourself, out loud or have it written on a post-it note attached to your computer screen. Be kind to yourself and set expectations for yourself.
4. Don’t Swallow Toxic Feedback
Constructive feedback is valuable. Toxic comments are not. If your boss humiliates you, that’s not criticism, it’s bullying. Like Laura, you have options. Talk to HR. Speak to someone you trust. You deserve respect at work. Set your boundaries and don’t let anyone step over them. You are a valuable member of the workforce, and your job is just as important as your boss’s. Remember, without you, they couldn’t do half the work they do.
5. Surround Yourself with Support
Confidence thrives in a community. Join professional networks. Seek out positive colleagues. Join our myPA Business membership, where support, stories, and solidarity flow freely.
You are not alone. You never were.
6. Learn Something New
Sometimes, a drop in confidence is your brain’s way of nudging you to grow. Take a short course. Explore new software. Refresh your knowledge. Try our Confidence & Awareness course; it was built for people just like you. A small win can reignite your belief in what you bring to the table. You are more powerful than you realise.
7. Practice Saying No
It’s tempting to take on everything. But confidence grows when you set clear boundaries. Know what your boundaries are and be clear about them. You don’t want your boss to call you when you are on holiday or on a Sunday. If you are asked to do a task that will take hours to complete and you’re already stacked, try saying, “I’m fully booked this morning. Can we review this this afternoon?”
Be Polite, professional, empowering and use your big girl voice. Practice saying NO, practice saying I will but…
8. Focus on What You Can Control
You can’t stop the internet from crashing or your boss being in a mood. But you can manage how you respond. Your boss doesn’t live in your head; they don’t pay rent, so don’t let them in. Their bad mood, their mistakes are not yours.
Breathe. Stay calm. You’ve handled worse.
9. Ask for Real Feedback
Don’t wait for your annual appraisal. Ask someone you trust: “What do you think I did well in that meeting? Is there anything I could improve?” The right feedback builds confidence and is a fantastic learning tool. Feedback is not to be feared. It’s the starting point of you becoming better than you are right now.
10. Be Kind to Yourself
If your best friend came to you in tears over a mistake, you wouldn’t tear them down. You’d listen and remind them of their worth, of how good they are. You deserve the same compassion from yourself. Speak kindly. Treat yourself gently. Celebrate your wins, even if it is getting through a tough day. You deserve it.
Final Thoughts: Confidence at Work isn’t a trait, it’s a Practice
The world of administration isn’t easy. You’re often expected to be invisible until something goes wrong. But here’s the truth: your role matters. You matter. Confidence at work isn’t something you’re either born with or without. It’s something you build, one moment at a time.
If you’ve had a knock, take the next step. Explore our Confidence & Awareness Course. It’s here for you, just like we are.
More importantly, remember that you are not broken, you are not failing, and you are brilliant. You are just getting started.
Why Focusing Beats Multitasking Every Time: Productivity Tips for Busy Admin Professionals
Do you ever feel like you’re spinning too many plates? Your inbox is overflowing, your boss keeps changing priorities, you’re halfway through writing minutes when a calendar clash explodes… and oh, your Teams chat is on fire.
Welcome to the world of the modern-day PA.
It’s no wonder so many admin professionals feel overwhelmed. The secret? Stop juggling. Start focusing.
It’s simple. But it’s not always easy.
At myPAbusiness.com, we believe productivity doesn’t come from doing more, but from doing the right things at the right time, without losing your marbles. Let’s explore why single-tasking is more potent than multitasking and how you can actually make it work, even on your busiest days.
Why Multitasking is a Trap
You’ve probably been praised for multitasking at some point in your career. Maybe you pride yourself on it. After all, who else can rearrange a meeting, write an email, order a working lunch, and prepare a PowerPoint all in the same 20 minutes?
But here’s the catch: our brains aren’t wired for multitasking. What we’re doing is task-switching, jumping from one activity to another. And every time we switch, we lose time and focus. Research consistently shows that task-switching can reduce productivity by up to 40%. It increases errors, heightens stress, and leaves you mentally drained.
So, if you feel like you’ve been busy all day but achieved very little, the problem might not be your workload—it might be your working style. Multitasking gives the illusion of progress but often results in a scattering of half-finished jobs, forgotten details, and avoidable mistakes. It’s exhausting, and in truth, it’s unsustainable.
The Power of Single-Tasking
Imagine this instead: sitting down, choosing one task, and staying with it until it’s done. Sounds luxurious, doesn’t it? That’s the power of single-tasking. It’s not about working slower; it’s about working smarter.
Focusing on one task at a time allows you to dive deeper, think more clearly, and produce higher-quality work. You’re less likely to miss details, more likely to complete things efficiently, and surprisingly, you may even finish earlier for admin professionals, where accuracy and professionalism matter. This can make a significant difference to your confidence and your reputation.
And let’s not forget the psychological win, ticking something off your to-do list is incredibly satisfying. A day structured around focused tasks rather than chaotic multitasking feels calmer, more in control, and ultimately more productive.
How to Stay Focused in a Busy Environment
Of course, all this is easier said than done. Interruptions, urgent emails, and impromptu meetings, your day as a PA or admin professional rarely goes to plan. But with a few innovative techniques, you can build better habits that support focused working.
Start by being specific. A vague task like “Catch up on admin” invites distraction. Instead, try listing functions that start with a clear action word: Send, Update, Prepare, Finalise. For example, “Prepare agenda for Friday’s team meeting” is much easier to focus on than “Meeting stuff.” Specificity helps your brain to lock in and see a clear endpoint.
Once you have your task list, take a moment to prioritise. A straightforward method is to apply the 3Ds: Do it now, Defer it, or Delegate it. Ask yourself: which tasks can I do in under five minutes? Which ones need dedicated time? And which ones could be passed to someone else? This quick triage gives structure to your day and ensures your energy goes into the right tasks at the right time.
Another powerful strategy is time-blocking.
Your calendar shouldn’t just be a list of meetings; it can be a tool for productivity. Try scheduling short bursts of focused time for specific tasks. For example, block 30 minutes in the morning to clear emails, then 45 minutes to write up meeting notes. Protect these blocks as if they were client meetings, and you’ll notice fewer interruptions and more clarity.
And yes, it’s time to talk about notifications. We all know the pain of trying to concentrate while email alerts pop up, Teams pings in the corner, and your phone vibrates with social updates. Turn them off. Or at least mute them during your most focused work. Better yet, put your phone out of reach. The fewer distractions you have, the easier it is to build flow.
If you find it challenging to stay focused for long periods, the Pomodoro Technique might help. This simple method involves working for 25 minutes, taking a 5-minute break, and repeating. After four cycles, take a more extended break. It’s ideal for breaking big tasks into manageable pieces and prevents burnout by encouraging regular pauses. There are plenty of free apps that can guide you. Focus Keeper and TomatoTimer are popular options.
While working more intentionally, you might also find that random thoughts or distractions pop into your head, “I must call IT,” or “I’ve got to update that spreadsheet.” Instead of dropping everything to act on it, write it down. Keep a notepad beside you or use a digital notes app to create a “Distraction Parking Lot.” This way, you capture the thought without losing focus on your current task.
And finally, end your day with intention. Take ten minutes to review what you’ve achieved, tidy your desk, and write tomorrow’s to-do list. This small daily habit creates closure, reduces the mental clutter we carry home, and gives you a head start the next morning.
Final Thought: You Deserve to Work Calmly and Confidently
You are a professional. You thrive on details, support others with poise, and keep things running smoothly even when chaos reigns. So why not give yourself the same level of support?
Choosing to single-task isn’t about being slow or inflexible. It’s about owning your time and energy and about taking back control from a workday that pulls you in a hundred directions. It’s about protecting the quality of your work and your well-being.
And the best part? It’s something you can start today. Pick one task. Focus. Finish. Then move on.
Because at myPAbusiness.com, we believe that when admin professionals feel focused and empowered, the whole business benefits. If you’re ready to take your skills and your confidence to the next level, explore our training courses designed specifically for PAs, secretaries, and administrative professionals. Visit www.mypabusiness.com to find out more
Dealing with a bullying boss can be challenging, especially when preparing for an appraisal. However, it’s essential to approach the situation calmly and professionally. What is an appraisal and why is it so important?
The Context for Appraisals:
Workplace appraisals, or performance reviews or evaluations, are a structured and formal process by employers to assess and review employee performance, progress, and contributions within an organisation. There are several vital reasons workplaces conduct appraisals:
Performance Assessment: Appraisals systematically and comprehensively evaluate an employee’s performance and achievements over a specific period. It helps supervisors and managers gauge how well employees fulfil their job responsibilities and meet expectations.
Feedback and Communication: Appraisals offer a platform for constructive feedback and open communication between employees and their supervisors. It allows both parties to discuss strengths, areas for improvement, and career development opportunities.
Goal Setting and Alignment: During appraisals, employees and managers can collaboratively set new performance goals or adjust existing ones. This process aligns individual objectives with the organisation’s broader goals, promoting better focus and motivation.
Employee Development: By identifying strengths and weaknesses, appraisals help pinpoint areas where employees may need further training or support. This promotes professional development and enhances job satisfaction.
Recognition and Reward: Positive performance appraisals can lead to acknowledgement and recognition of an employee’s hard work and accomplishments. It may also pave the way for rewards, bonuses, or promotions, boosting employee morale and motivation.
Performance Improvement: For employees who are not meeting expectations, appraisals can highlight areas for improvement and provide an opportunity for corrective action or additional training.
Identifying High Performers: Appraisals help identify high-performing employees who consistently go above and beyond their roles. These employees may be considered for leadership positions or other opportunities within the organisation.
Documentation and Record-Keeping: Appraisals create a formal record of an employee’s performance, which can be helpful for future reference, such as when considering promotions or making employment decisions.
Legal and Compliance Reasons: In some industries or jurisdictions, performance appraisals may be required for legal or compliance purposes to ensure fair and consistent evaluations.
Workplace appraisals are valuable for promoting employee growth, aligning individual and organisational goals, and fostering a positive work culture. When conducted effectively, they contribute to improved performance, increased employee engagement, and more robust team dynamics within the organisation. An appraisal is a two-way conversation where you, as the employee, also discuss your future development, dreams and career aspirations. You should take an active part in your appraisal and decide beforehand what you would like to achieve from the process.
Dealing with an appraisal from a bullying boss
To prepare for your upcoming appraisal, dealing with a bullying boss can be an emotionally challenging experience. However, there are some steps you can follow to ensure you are prepared for the appraisal and are armed with all the information you need to protect yourself and your professional reputation.
Documenting incidents of such behaviour is a crucial step to protect yourself and ensure your concerns are taken seriously. Here’s why documenting incidents is essential and how it can significantly benefit you during the appraisal process:
Validating Your Experience: Keeping a record of bullying or inappropriate behaviour validates your feelings and experiences. When you put these incidents down in writing, you acknowledge their impact on your well-being and work environment.
Establishing Credibility: Your boss’s behaviour might be questioned or challenged during the appraisal. Having a well-documented account adds credibility to your claims. It shows that you are serious about your concerns and have taken the time to gather evidence.
Maintaining Accuracy: Memories can fade or become distorted. By documenting each incident promptly, you ensure accuracy in the details, making your case more reliable and compelling. Be honest when recording the incident. You must avoid a biased account of events. Be 100% truthful by recording your actions as well as your bosses.
Demonstrating Patterns: When you have a record of multiple incidents, it becomes easier to identify patterns of behaviour. This pattern can reinforce the seriousness of the issue and show that it is not an isolated occurrence.
Preparing for discussion: Your documentation will be valuable during the appraisal discussion. It allows you to recall specific incidents and express your concerns coherently and confidently.
Aiding in resolution: The appraisal process might be an opportunity to address the issue and seek a resolution. Providing a coherent account of the incidents and their impact will help your employer understand the gravity of the situation and take action.
Protecting Your Rights: sometimes, documentation can be evidence in formal proceedings if you need to involve HR, a mediator, or even pursue legal action to protect your rights.
When documenting incidents, include the following details:
Dates and Times: Record the date and time of each incident to create a chronological order of events.
Incident Descriptions: Be as detailed as possible when describing each incident. Include specific actions, words, or behaviour displayed by your boss.
Witnesses: Note the names and contact information of any witnesses present during the incidents. Their testimonies can strengthen your case.
Emotional Impact: Describe how each incident affected you emotionally, mentally, or physically. Explain how it affected your productivity, motivation, and overall well-being.
Supporting Evidence: If you have any relevant emails, messages, or documents related to the incidents, make copies and reference them in your documentation.
Documenting incidents is a proactive step toward resolving workplace issues and fostering a healthier work environment. Use your documentation during the appraisal as a tool to express your concerns, seek understanding, and advocate for positive change. Your well-documented account will show your professionalism and determination to address the issue constructively.
Supporting Third Parties:
If you need to involve HR, a mediator, or seek legal help, having a well-documented account of incidents gives them the information to investigate and address the situation more effectively.
If the bullying or inappropriate behaviour affects your work performance or well-being, your documented incidents can provide context during performance appraisals or evaluations. It helps your employer understand how the behaviour has affected your professional life.
Remember to keep your documentation secure and confidential. If possible, share it only with trustworthy individuals who can provide support or guidance as you navigate the process of addressing the problem. Documenting incidents empowers you to take control of your situation and seek a resolution that ensures a healthier and more respectful work environment.
In Conclusion, when you Prepare for an appraisal
Dealing with a bullying boss during an appraisal can be challenging, but remaining calm and professional is essential. Documenting any events or incidents of bullying behaviour is crucial to protect yourself and ensure legitimacy during the appraisal process. Details you should include in your documentation contain dates, times, incident descriptions, witnesses, emotional impact, and supporting evidence. Some benefits of documenting incidents are validating your experience, establishing credibility, maintaining accuracy, demonstrating patterns, and preparing for discussion.
Employers may consider taking appropriate action by providing a coherent account of incidents and their impact. Documentation can also serve as evidence for legal action if necessary. Appraisals provide a platform for performance assessment, feedback and communication, setting and aligning your professional career and personal development goals. An appraisal is also there to reward your performance and any improvement throughout the year. The process is designed to identify dedication and commitment to the job and company. If your bullying harms you mentally, emotionally, and professionally, it may be time to look for a new position.
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Starting a new job is an exciting opportunity that can bring with it plenty of nerves and uncertainty. With all the complex procedures, rules, and expectations to consider when joining a new team or workspace, what should you wear? When do you show up? How do you make sure colleagues remember your name on day one? As daunting as the situation may feel, one can make many easy adjustments to ensure you are starting your first shift correctly. This article discusses critical tips for ensuring your first day goes smoothly and confidently.
Research the company and role you will take on – make sure you know what to expect.
Researching the company and the role you will take on is crucial in preparing for success in your new position. Familiarising yourself with the company’s culture, mission statement, and values. This will help you understand what is expected of you and identify areas in which you can contribute and excel. Researching the responsibilities of your role and any relevant industry trends. This will help you hit the ground running and make a positive impact from the start. By investing time in your research, you will be better prepared to meet and exceed the expectations of your new employer, contributing to your own personal and professional growth.
Put together a professional outfit that is appropriate for the job and environment.
When dressing for work, it’s essential to balance looking professional and feeling comfortable. You want to make a good impression but also focus on your work, not your outfit. Start with the basics: a tailored blazer, a pair of dress trousers or a pencil skirt, and a button-down shirt. From there, you can add accessories to make your outfit more interesting, like a statement necklace or a bold pair of heels. Remember the environment you’ll work in and dress appropriately – you don’t want to be underdressed or overdressed. By putting together a stylish and practical professional outfit, you’ll feel confident and ready to take on whatever the workday brings.
Familiarise yourself with the location – practice getting there beforehand, so you know exactly how long it will take.
Preparation and familiarisation are essential for getting to a new location. Taking the time to practise your route beforehand can save you a lot of stress and time on the day of your visit. By doing this, you’ll be able to gauge precisely how long it will take to get there, considering potential traffic or complications. Plus, being familiar with the route means you can relax and focus on other aspects of your visit, knowing that you have the transportation aspect taken care of. So, be sure to practice getting to the location beforehand for a smooth journey.
Plan your meals beforehand – bringing a lunch or planning where to eat can help put your mind at ease.
Planning your meals can significantly benefit your overall well-being and reduce stress levels. Whether you bring your own lunch or have a plan for where to grab a bite, having a set schedule for your meals can help put your mind at ease. Not only does planning save time and money, but it also allows you to make healthier food choices and avoid the temptation of grabbing a quick, unhealthy option on the go. By planning your meals, you can prioritise your health and well-being and enjoy each meal without worrying about what you will eat next.
Reach out to colleagues in advance. – introducing yourself before the first day of work can make the transition easier.
Starting a new job can be nerve-wracking, especially when building relationships with your colleagues. However, reaching out to your future colleagues in advance can make all the difference in easing that transition. A quick email introducing yourself and expressing your excitement to join the team can go a long way. It shows initiative and eagerness to integrate into the company culture, allowing recipients to start a conversation and offer their friendly welcome. This step can help set a positive tone for future interactions, leading to a smoother start in your new role.
Get an early night’s sleep – being well-rested can help ease the stress of starting a new job.
Starting a new job can be a daunting experience. One of the best ways to prepare for the challenges ahead is by getting a good night’s sleep. When well-rested, we are better equipped to handle stress and are more alert and focused during the day. Sleep also plays a crucial role in our overall health and well-being, helping us recharge our bodies and minds to perform at our best. So, priorities sleep if you’re starting a new job. By giving yourself the rest you need, you’ll be better equipped to tackle whatever comes your way with confidence and clarity.
In conclusion – First day in a new job
Your first day in a new job can be a daunting. The more prepared you are, the better you will be. Take the time to research the company and role. Put together a professional outfit that is appropriate for the job and environment. Familiarise yourself with your route to work so that you avoid any unexpected delays on your first day. Plan your meals ahead of time so that you don’t have to worry about lunchtime logistics. Ensure that you get an early night’s sleep – this will all give you confidence in starting this exciting new opportunity. With these steps taken care of beforehand, your first day at work should enable you to immediately make an informed and positive impression!
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Have you heard of the term CPD? Do you know what it means, and, more importantly, do you know what it involves?
CPD stands for Continued Personal/Professional Development. In short, it means that you continue to study after you finish school, college or graduate from university. There are a number of professions that, once you achieve a pass mark in the basic qualifications, will be the start of a lifetime of study, for example, a solicitor, a doctor or a planner. What about your profession? Do you need to embark on CPD?
If your profession does not demand Continued Professional Development, have you made the decision to discontinue studying? To have a successful career, we advocate a continued approach to education/studies. Continued Professional Development is there to help you excel in your chosen field. CPD will also keep you abreast of the latest trends, legal changes and current business relationships, which ultimately could give you an advantage over your colleagues.
Education never stops
Making a personal decision to continue your education/studies and improve your knowledge in your chosen field may become a prerequisite for your employment. An example of this is the IT Industry. Information Technology is changing all the time and good developers, support staff and programmers need to keep abreast of current technology, languages and innovations. If you decided to terminate your studies, this could have a detrimental effect on your career.
Once you have made the decision to continue with your education, what should you do? There are a number of organisations that can facilitate your education. The only decision you need to make will be, which route suits your personal circumstances:
Online training courses
Studies in a classroom setting – often given by trade bodies
Correspondence courses
Seminars and Open days
Trade Federations
Professional Magazines in a chosen field
What is CPD for your occupation?
You could be in an occupation where CPD is not required. Nevertheless, this does not mean that further study is not for you. It could be advantageous for you to engage in a study course with a local college or night class in one of the hobbies you enjoy for example, cooking or sewing. Furthermore, you could learn a new skill, for example, car maintenance.
Further, more studying has a number of wonderful side effects. You could meet new people, gain skills and, more importantly, keep your brain active. Indeed, the Alzheimer’s community have suggested that keeping your brain active could help prevent many mind degenerative disease.
All studying requires is your dedication to the course, you will be receptive to new concepts, your time and the drive to become successful.
Welcome to our online magazine from Julie and the team. If you have been on one of Julie’s training courses, you know she is passionate about PA, EAs and Secretaries being the best they can be. She also has very strong opinions about what a PA, EA and Secretary should and shouldn’t do. If you have a question, or would like to add an article, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.
