I’m the new assistant to the manager’s much older PA, who, I have found, is woefully inefficient. She hides it well and our manager loves her. However, I could do her job in half the time, with half the fuss. How do I show our boss who his PA should really be?

Oh, you must suffer so! How remiss of your boss not to notice your staggering talents. How foolish of that PA to believe that she is a match for your prowess. Why didn’t her career wither the moment you were offered — what was it again? — the assistant’s post?

Consider this. First, few things are as ugly as naked ambition. Secondly, many PAs, like ducks, paddle like hell under the surface. If the job gets done, does it matter how?

Also, you don’t understand the bond between the PA and your boss: they could be mates, having a torrid affair or share a passion for steam engines — and, if he’s so keen, does stomping across her desk really make you the favourite for her job?

The point is that her position is within your grasp, especially come retirement time. Just win it like the professional you think you are. Start by admitting that you need this woman, who is older and certainly wiser.

Then, without criticism, suggest new ways for carrying out your own tasks. Once you’ve proved that they work, make suggestions for your joint workload, too.

Inject new life into the job while you are at it. Suggest pub lunches to talk about projects or ask if you can arrange awaydays. Make yourself indispensable. It’ll build trust, and the good word will get to the top.

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