Did you ever think about all the personalities we have to deal with in a day? Everyone has an agenda, even if it’s only to get you to respond to him or her. But when it gets dicey is when you have to placate a client/boss even when you don’t agree with their thinking. What do you do?
First of all, as personal/executive assistants they don’t pay us for our opinion and, depending on the boss, it’s dangerous to give one. Its human nature to want to be heard, confirmed and not wanting to hear anything to the contrary.
My best advise (and one that has served me for 25+ years) is don’t agree, don’t disagree, but be tactful and diplomatic when someone voices their opinion and wanting you to confirm them, say “I see how you could feel that way” or “I totally understand what you’re saying.” That way I’m not lying, I’m validating them, and my truth is I do see based on their personality why they feel the way they do.
