"My Assistant - It's Almost Worth Not Having One"

Over the weekend I watched the movie, Julie and Julia, the story about Julia Child's life and how she became a chef and household name in the US and a woman named Julie who decided to blog while making all of Julia Child's recipes in her book. There was one part of the movie in the beginning where four female friends were having lunch and one of them was on the phone with her assistant giving her instructions on what to do while she was out of the office. After hanging up she said, "My assistant - it's almost worth not having one".

I have to admit I did laugh at her comment because I can certainly relate. A good assistant can make your life so much easier and an incompetent one can be very frustrating. When they anticipate your needs, follow instructions, get things done on time and correctly , need very little direction and can think on their own and be proactive - then they are a godsend. After all, isn't that what their job is - to assist? Webster's dictionary defines 'assistant' as a person who assists - helper.

I have been fortunate to have wonderful assistants that made my life easier and really did 'assist' me and made things run smoother. On the other hand, I have had assistants where it really was 'almost worth not having one'. I end up re-doing their work because no matter how many times I may explain how a project should look or be handled, they do not follow instructions, do not anticipate my needs and only do the bare minimum. So, I end of doing it myself because I know it will get done right and with less frustration. Of course these assistants do not remain my assistant for too long. A good assistant on the other hand is invaluable but not easily found. If you have a good assistant - hang on to him/her and show your appreciation for what they do. Trust me, they are not a dime a dozen.