Girl! Take the “Personal” Out of Personal Assistant

While catching up on ratchet TV (a la “Love and Hip Hop Hollywood”), I got to thinking about the business/friend dynamic of Ray J and Morgan Hardman. The new franchise completed its seventh episode on Monday, Oct. 27 – and from the looks of it – Ray and Morgan’s friendship is fizzling out. But, of course, most friendships or relationships don’t last after folks appear on reality TV. Sad but true.

According to Morgan, however, she’s been Ray J’s personal assistant for over 10 years. That’s a pretty good run for an assistant. She’s lasted a long time. This is evidence that Morgan does a great job in her role. Many personal assistants can’t say the same. Usually you can tell if a person is a good worker by their longevity with the employer. Bosses don’t replace good workers. Ray J, as her boss, must enjoy her level of professionalism and ability to get the job done. But, here comes the confusion.

A few weeks ago, Morgan let it be known – via Instagram – that Ray J abused her in front of her child. This is why she is no longer working for him. “Tell the real reason I don’t f*ck with you and why I don’t work for you,” Hardman claimed. “Because you put your hands on me in front of my child, talking about you gonna have me killed.” She also went on to say, “Wow. All in front of my son you drunk a** n*gga. Go get some help cause I’m not the only one you’re beating on. How’s that for some tea? 10 years of book loyal to the wrong f*ck boy.”

Sheesh! Those are some hard words coming from someone who cared for her employer for 10 years. I’m not saying that the words weren’t warranted. The public doesn’t know if this really happened or not. Regardless though, their business relationship got deep. It became too deep if abuse ended it all.

On “Love and Hip Hop Hollywood,” Morgan has started making moves outside of the Ray J brand. She claims that he is holding her back financially and that it may be time for her to branch out on her own.

As women, we are emotional creatures. With a male boss, we oftentimes hold in our feelings, suck it up, and just do the job. Also, if we have a handsome male boss, we may find ourselves putting in overtime to show him that we are awesome. Someone that would make a great catch. H*ll, someone who could potentially become his ole lady. In the case of Morgan and Ray J, it seems like more may have went on between them other than work.

Personal Assistants should never cross that line. Keep the job professional, straight up business. If the boss man is a fine dark chocolate cup of tea, GIIRRRLLLL dream about him after work hours. As soon as you show him any signs of vulnerability, he’s going to see that you are a weak woman (aka a weak employee). Then, respect will be loss. He will not envision you as a woman with “boss chick” type capabilities. This is why Morgan has been in the same JOB for 10 years.

To avoid getting too personal with your employer, here are my surefire suggestions:

• Communicate as Boss/Employee Only – This means no kinky jokes, talks about one another’s dating issues or marriages, and/or anything else not really pertaining to the job. If you work with your employer for years, then it is okay to discuss family, kids, etc. But, if the conversation goes beyond that, you should cut it off quickly. Tell your boss that you prefer to keep the communication lighthearted and about the job. He will respect you for keeping things professional.
• Leave the Freak’Em Dresses for the Club – Yes. Ladies we are sexy creatures. But, do you have to dress inappropriately at work?!! NO! There is business attire sold that allows you to maintain your sexy, but keep it cute and business-like. V-necks (or low cut tops) should not reveal cleavage. Skirts or dresses should be no more than 2 inches above the knee. And if you are blessed with a big butt, it is hard to keep it undercover. But, if you know your cakes are distracting your boss, it is best to wear loose fitting dresses and pants.
• Keep a Tight Lip – There’s nothing worse than an employee who mouth runs more than the city water works plant. Bosses do like gossipers. If they can not trust that their words will leave the room – or the conversation – you will eventually be fired as an assistant. Personal Assistants must be trusted with his personal information (i.e. home address, contacts, bank account info in some cases, etc). Always keep your boss’s information CONFIDENTIAL!
• Boss Up – Take your career by the horns and make moves. Everyone, I believe, has a passion or desire to be great. If your career is at a standstill, find another job. It’s that simple. You have the power to become what you want to be in life. Believe me, if your boss is aware of your aspirations, a REAL leader will help you reach those goals.

Girl! It is time to take the “personal” out of personal assistant. If you are in a situation such as Morgan’s, take heed of my tips. Hopefully, these suggestions can save you before you appear on ratchet TV. LOL