Being a great PA or EA isn’t just about managing diaries and booking meetings. A big part of the role is learning how to manage upwards. That means understanding how your manager works best, helping them stay organised, and building a relationship based on trust and communication.
If you can master this skill, you’ll become invaluable in your role and make your own working life much smoother too.
Understand Your Manager’s Working Style
Every executive is different. Some like constant updates, while others prefer a quick summary of top-level things only. Some are highly organised, while others rely on you to bring structure to their schedule.
One of the best things you can do is observe how they work. Pay attention to their communication habits, how they prioritise tasks, and what tends to stress them out. Once you understand their style, you can adapt your approach to support them more effectively.
This is something employers look for when hiring for Personal Assistant jobs in London because it shows emotional intelligence and initiative.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Strong upward management means staying one step ahead whenever possible. Rather than waiting for problems to arise, try to anticipate what your manager might need.
For example, if they have a packed afternoon of meetings, make sure they’ve got briefing notes ready in advance. If you notice diary clashes or unrealistic timings, raise it early and suggest solutions.
Being proactive builds trust quickly. Your manager will start to see you as someone they can rely on, not just someone who follows instructions.
Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Good communication is essential in any PA or EA role. Your manager is likely juggling multiple priorities, so clarity matters.
Keep updates concise and relevant. If there’s an issue, explain the problem but also offer a possible solution. This saves time and shows confidence in your judgement.
You also shouldn’t be afraid to speak up respectfully if something isn’t realistic or workable. Managing upwards isn’t about agreeing with everything. It’s about helping your executive make informed decisions.
Learn Their Priorities
A good PA or EA understands not only what their manager is doing but also why they’re doing it.
Take time to understand the wider business goals and key priorities. Knowing what matters most helps you make better decisions on their behalf and prioritise tasks more effectively.
This level of commercial awareness can really help you stand out when applying for Personal Assistant jobs in London, especially in fast-paced industries where senior leaders rely heavily on trusted support staff.
Build Trust Through Consistency
Trust is built over time through reliability and discretion. If you say you’ll do something, make sure it gets done. Keep confidential information private and stay calm under pressure.
Consistency is incredibly valuable in support roles. Senior executives often work in high-pressure environments, so they need someone dependable beside them.
Remember That It’s a Partnership
The best PA and EA relationships work as partnerships. While your role is to support your manager, your success is closely linked to theirs.
When communication is strong and expectations are clear, both sides benefit. You’ll feel more confident in your role, and your manager will be able to perform at their best.
If you’re looking for EA jobs in London, then we’re the PA recruitment agency you need. Have a look at our jobs board.