The Nicest Thing My Boss Did for Me: A Personal Assistant's Perspective

As a personal assistant, one of the most impactful things my boss ever did for me was the way he communicated feedback and corrected my mistakes without negativity. Unlike many other employers I've encountered where bosses might use verbally harassing or swearing to push their point across, my boss communicated with me in a manner that felt more like mentorship than a power play. He would outline what I did incorrectly and offer guidance on how to improve, all while maintaining a respectful and approachable tone. For me, this was not just a change in behavior—it was a shift in my perspective and motivation to improve.

Other stories I have heard or witnessed paint a very different picture. In many instances, poorly managed workplaces involve bosses who use verbal harassment and swearing to control their employees, leaving the workers feeling helpless and frustrated without any clear path to improvement. His approach set me apart from these experiences, encouraging me to focus on personal growth with no negative emotions clouding my judgement.

Understanding and Adapting to a Cold, Controlled Environment

My boss was known for his precise and detailed demeanor. He was always impeccably dressed, even in the harshest heat, making sure his tie was perfectly in place and his appearance never suffered. This perfectionism extended to his schedule; he was constantly involved in meetings, travel, and crisis management. His communication style was succinct, preferring bullet statements to lengthy conversations, marking him as someone who valued efficiency and directness.

Behind this cold exterior, however, lay a surprising level of thoughtfulness. In moments where he had a spare moment to strategize, he would sometimes demand an impromptu meeting, but these discussions often involved more than just a verbal exchange. Information was frequently locked behind layers of security, requiring reports and permissions. For anyone involved, this process could be quite stressful and daunting.

A Simple Change with a Big Impact

A pivotal moment came when I discussed my feelings with another assistant. She spoke about how nervous she became whenever he called her into his office unexpectedly. My colleague was an anxious worrier, always anticipating the worst possible outcome.

After hearing her story, I approached my boss with a suggestion. Instead of coming into his office always looking formal and commanding, if he could enter the work area and take a moment to ask for specifics, it would change the power dynamic. I proposed a more informal setting, something that would allow us to respond quicker and reduce the anxiety. I believed that by asking him to enter our space, he could show a different side to his management style, making it less intimidating.

To my surprise, he was even more receptive than I anticipated. He didn't question my suggestion and immediately accepted it. From then on, these meetings became more frequent in our work area, making both of us less anxious and more efficient when discussing strategy. This small change allowed us to respond more quickly, and we both appreciated the ability to focus on the task at hand without the looming threat of a tense meeting.

Lessons Learned

This experience taught me the value of communication and the importance of adapting to different working styles. By making small changes, like allowing his workers to work in a more relaxed environment, my boss was able to foster a more positive workplace atmosphere. This, in turn, had a profound impact on our productivity and overall satisfaction.

For any personal assistant or employee, understanding and adapting to your boss's communication style can greatly enhance your work environment. Whether it's addressing your needs and offering a more approachable communication method, or providing feedback that is constructive and encouraging, these actions can make a world of difference.

Key Takeaways:

Effective communication is key in any workplace. Adapting to your boss's style can significantly improve the work environment. Showing appreciation and making suggestions for improvement can lead to positive changes.