NEWS
BRIEFING Keep up to date with the latest news surrounding the role of the EA
The power of relationships
Research from Orange Sky revealed more than half of Australians ( 55 %) aren ’ t friends with their colleagues – but one in five ( 19 %) are keen to get to know their peers on a more personal level . Meanwhile , research shows three quarters ( 77 %) of employees who participate in teambuilding activities feel more connected to their colleagues .
Lucas Patchett , co-founder and CEO of Orange Sky , says these bonding activities give Aussies a chance to build connections , start conversations , step outside their comfort zone and talk to those they may not usually interact with : “ Our research shows employees want to get to know their colleagues but may not know how to start these types of conversations . The good thing is that there are so many different ways to build connections , teambuilding provides a simple platform to make this happen .”
People and engagement manager at the organisation , Jo Senz , adds :
“ Teambuilding and employee engagement strategies don ’ t have to be awkward ice breakers and can instead be engaging activities that help us rethink the way we interact with our colleagues , as well as boost overall inclusivity in the workplace .”
“ Individuals aren ’ t just looking for career progression and a good pay cheque when applying for jobs these days – they are looking for an exciting company culture , supportive managers and room for building friendships . Through creative interactions led by management , employers are doing their part in creating a safe , positive and supportive environment for their employees .” S
We ’ ve been through it all
Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif took to Instagram to publicly recognise her PA of 20 years . She shared a picture of her with Ashok Sharma and described how he has been there throughout the highs and lows of her career : “ The person who has spent the most time with me in the last 20 years . From laughs … to motivating pep talks … to fights over me not drinking what I ’ ve asked for or me changing my mind about what I actually want . To Ashok shedding a few tears if someone gave me a tough time on set . We ’ ve been through it all , his friendly face there every day , the one constant , usually knowing what I want before I do , always keeping a watchful eye on me . Here ’ s to the next 20 .” S
In what ways have your bosses recognised you or highlighted your value ? We ’ d love to hear about it ! E-mail editor @ executivepa . com with your stories and we ’ ll share them .
What it takes to be White House chief of staff
Have you heard this EA-focused podcast yet ; the one where The New Yorker ’ s political roundtable looks at the privilege and pitfalls of the “ second most powerful job in Washington ”? The publication writes : The White House chief of staff role is the hardest gig in Washington DC . Dick Cheney blamed the job for giving him his first heart attack , during the Ford Administration . A hapless chief of staff can break a Presidency ; an effective one was nicknamed the Velvet Hammer . In January 2023 , Joe Biden ’ s first chief of staff , Ron Klain , was replaced by Jeffrey Zients and staff writers Susan B . Glasser , Jane Mayer , and Evan Osnos use his departure as a jumping-off point to discuss what it ’ s actually like to run a White House . S
Listen at : newyorker . com / podcast / political-scene / what-it-takes-to-be-white-house-chief-of-staff
Summer Issue 2024 | Executive PA 15