My opinion is my own but not just my own ...

[misslynn]

Being that I'm the executive assistant to a VP, I take it as part of my job to try to think like my VP.  When I give my opinion on something, it's my opinion but also what I think my VP's opinion would be.  When I ask for something, it's not just me asking but it's on behalf of my VP.

I really really try to refrain from saying, "Bossie said you need to do this"  or "This is what we're doing because it's what Bossie wants", because that doesn't promote partnership.  I try to get the buy-in from the people I work with (they are high-level folks and I try to be respectful of that) and earn their respect that way.  So when I ask for something or give an opinion, they listen to me because I'm ME, not just because of who Bossie is.

However, when I need to, my VP said I have free rein to use his name to get what I need.

I haven't had a problem in a while where I need to back up my statement with a "this came from Bossie" but I did yesterday.  There is an event coming up that I'm helping plan and the person I'm planning it with has a very different view of how it should go than what our VP's view is and he just didn't listen to one word I said.  Even when I told him flat out, "this is what Bossie wants", he said he would talk to him because he doesn't think it's right.  It's the second time in the planning of this event that we've come to this (I was right the first time, btw) and am going to have to let him have the conversation with Bossie.  

Sorry this is so long!  I'd love to hear thoughts on this and other people's experiences.

[bluefire21]

It sounds to me like you're boss needs to tell this person in a very DIRECT manner that what you say is "law". This is because you are acting on his behalf, and you know what Boss Man want's because you're in-tune with Boss Man's thoughts.

Ellen (Just my humble 2 cents) in TX

[countrigal]

What it sounds like to me is that this guy is trying to show himself as being more intune with bossie than you, a way of one-upping you, so to speak.  I agree with Ellen, the only way to get him to hush up is for Bossie to be very blunt and up front with him, otherwise this guy will continue to do this during this project, and in to future projects.  It's an ego thing for him.

Good luck not strangling him during this project!

CountriGal
Peer Moderator

[geminigirl]

Hi there.

Yes, I agree with both of the above responses.  I've always taken it as a given that people will know that what I say comes direct from The Boss and very rarely have I had to emphasise that - I guess I've been lucky in the past with that.  I have no qualms at all about using my position as The Boss's PA to get things done - even things that The Boss didn't know needed doing!  Of course, you can't use his / her name too often because it loses currency then.

As EA to the VP, you are the "public" or "office" face of the VP and anything you say carries the weight of that position.  That can be tricky sometimes as you might want to say something as "you" and not formally, so you have to choose your words quite carefully!

However, in this instance this "underling" certainly needs pointing in the right direction by your VP and realising that what you say goes.

Good luck with the event and handling the other person.

[gee4]

Again as I said y'day in another posting, we are their assistants and while they want us to perform, be pro-active and forward-thinking, there are times when our opinions and ideas do not matter, even when your boss has designated responsiblity for something like this to you.

They either give you the status you deserve or not at all.  If your boss has any sense he will tell this person that your ideas and contributions were correct all along and that you are handling this event on his behalf - you both obviously have an excellent working relationship if he has delegated this kind of responsibility to you, and of course his trust.

I also think (and again not something I like to mention), but being female we are also considered the weaker sex.  This planning person obviously thinks that by talking to your boss (man to man) they will get it sorted.  It is a man's world and everywhere women are finding it tough having to prove themselves.  He also thinks that by you going against his wishes you are bossing him about or telling him what to do and this is the very thing they all get at home - the last thing a man wants is to come into work and face the same thing!

(Honestly I should have studied psychology, although not that I really need to, but men need delicate handling).

Anyway the point is you know your boss will back you up.  Let this guy approach your boss and get confirmation first hand.  He will come back to you and you will be able to continue planning this event together.  Believe me if you leave well alone, he'll come back like a little puppy, tail between his legs.

G

[misslynn]

Thanks all!  I did talk to Bossie yesterday, he'll have a conversation with the guy I'm planning the meeting with to make we all have the same vision.