[Misc] Old man's question (apology in advance) whats the difference between an EA and a PA?

[Lenny Rider]

Am talking to a CEO re a work issue, and have been told to contact his EA, who I knew formally as his PA.

When did this all change?

I'm very happy with my PA, she's superb, if I make her an EA will it turn her head?

 

[Bry Nylon]

I’m assuming EA is Executive Assistant.

So to answer your question, probably about five grand more and a new iphone.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

Sounds like a question for HR

 

[giveusfalmerplease]

Am talking to a CEO re a work issue, and have been told to contact his EA, who I knew formally as his PA.

When did this all change?

I'm very happy with my PA, she's superb, if I make her an EA will it turn her head?

its like saying whats the difference between a decorator and an interior designer. Regular people either DIY or get a decorator in. Posh people get an interior designer in who charges triple the amount.
An EA is like a PA on twice the salary

In all seriousness i know an EA from my old job. Her role went beyond just her bosses typing, spreadsheet managing and meeting organising which is usually a PA role. The EA often acts as a concierge too and might get involved in things like booking restaurants, organising flights and accomodation, Also an EA might have a supervisory role over other PAs in a larger organisation.

 

[Mellor 3 Ward 4]

Sounds like a question for HR

"Stand up if you hate HR"...

 

[giveusfalmerplease]

"Stand up if you hate HR"...

Harry Rednap ?

 

[Vankleek Hill Seagull]

its like saying whats the difference between a decorator and an interior designer. Regular people either DIY or get a decorator in. Posh people get an interior designer in who charges triple the amount.
An EA is like a PA on twice the salary

In all seriousness i know an EA from my old job. Her role went beyond just her bosses typing, spreadsheet managing and meeting organising which is usually a PA role. The EA often acts as a concierge too and might get involved in things like booking restaurants, organising flights and accomodation, Also an EA might have a supervisory role over other PAs in a larger organisation.

Sounds like a posh moniker for a secretary.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

"Stand up if you hate HR"...

Timeless classic! NSC Gold at its most, er, GOLDEN

https://nortr3nixy.nimpr.uk/showthread.php?42216-An-emotional-apology-to-all

 

[Thunder Bolt]

Sounds like a question for HR

That ties in nicely with our old nickname for them. Human Remains.

 

[PTC Gull]

Based on my experience, they are fundamentally the same, except the "Executive" title tends to represent those working for the top end management of the organization (as you are now experiencing).
PA's typically are junior and are found in lower management, a team or in small business.

 

[Arthur]

In my experience EAs tend to get a bit narked when you introduce them as a PA and really hate it when you call them a secretary.

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

In my experience EAs tend to get a bit narked when you introduce them as a PA and really hate it when you call them a secretary.

I suppose calling them a typist is out of the question?

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

Based on my experience, they are fundamentally the same, except the "Executive" title tends to represent those working for the top end management of the organization (as you are now experiencing).
PA's typically are junior and are found in lower management, a team or in small business.

There is a research journal with which I am familiar that was edited, 20 years ago, by four executive editors who managed a team of editors each, the latter handling the mechanics of peer review. One of the executive editors was the founder of the journal, and had been receiving a massive wedge from the publisher for years. Eventually the publisher decided to save money and replace the expensive person with a new man. The new man is on a big wedge, but he wanted to be seen to be 'in charge' so he asked to be called the 'executive editor in chief'. Ego, status, and of no interest or value to anyone outside the organisation, and of very little interest to those inside the organisation. It's how we (humans) roll. Innit.

 

[Cowfold Seagull]

Based on my experience, they are fundamentally the same, except the "Executive" title tends to represent those working for the top end management of the organization (as you are now experiencing).
PA's typically are junior and are found in lower management, a team or in small business.

Whatever happened to that old fashioned title Secretary?

 

[Wrong-Direction]

Let me touch base and get back to you

Sent from my SM-A715F using Tapatalk

 

[Bodian]

Sounds like a question for HR

Would that be 'Personnel'?

 

[MJsGhost]

Though much misused by companies wanting a PA to feel special, a genuine EA should be getting involved in actually helping with the executive they are working for to deliver work. They will likely have some business qualifications (or worked their way up) and can also be used as a stand-in for some meetings. They would get involved in diary management and general 'support' duties too, but in its true sense is a genuine step up (in pay and responsibility) from a PA. I know an MD who got the role after being the former MD's EA (for a number of years).

My apologies for the boring serious answer.

 

[Lower West Stander]

There is a research journal with which I am familiar that was edited, 20 years ago, by four executive editors who managed a team of editors each, the latter handling the mechanics of peer review. One of the executive editors was the founder of the journal, and had been receiving a massive wedge from the publisher for years. Eventually the publisher decided to save money and replace the expensive person with a new man. The new man is on a big wedge, but he wanted to be seen to be 'in charge' so he asked to be called the 'executive editor in chief'. Ego, status, and of no interest or value to anyone outside the organisation, and of very little interest to those inside the organisation. It's how we (humans) roll. Innit.

I always find this interesting.

Its always a red flag to me when interviewing someone and they ask what their job title is going to be. I am fortunate in my company in that no one cares - we all know what our jobs are and we get on with it regardless of who is executive this or head of that. The ones who try to play the billy big bollox because of their supposed status are just shot down.

Gareth:
I'm assistant regional manager.

David:
Assistant to the regional manager.

 

[Bry Nylon]

Sounds like a question for HR

Would that be 'Personnel'?

I think you'll find it's 'Talent Management' these days...


aka "I dunno? Go and ask Payroll."

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

I think you'll find it's 'Talent Management' these days...


aka "I dunno? Go and ask Payroll."

My favourite was always when some poor sap was annointed 'Photocopier Champion' aka "Gah! Photocopier's jammed again. Go and get [Champ]"