I Don't Want to Be the Office Party Planner

Dear Deb:

Not by my interest or request, I have earned the reputation as the party planner at work.  I think it is because I am the only female CPA in an office with 6 other CPAs.  There are also about 15 administrative, IT, marketing, and customer service workers.  Somehow, I am the one asked to plan every company picnic, every outing to a ball game, holiday party, quarterly birthday cake…you name it, the President or VP will ask me in the meeting to do it.  I report to the VP and when I pushed back on the recent request, he said, “Just ask Jan (my assistant) to do all the work, and you can plan it.”

Am I reading too much into this?  Or, have I been branded as the company hostess?

Thanks!

Annette

Dear Annette:

I applaud you for taking your brand seriously.   You are smart to notice patterns and consider the meaning and ramifications.   In this case, if you complain too heartily it could make you seem uncooperative.  

Here’s the strategy that I would take if I were in your shoes.   Delegate the entire party-planning effort to your assistant.  Have her create a manual (online or papers) with lists of favorite vendors and venues, etc.   Be sure this manual reflects your standard of quality.   Then each time a party rolls around, delegate it to Jan and you oversee her work to ensure all is perfect.

When you are in the leadership meeting and asked to lead something, let them know that you have trained your assistant, Jan, who will do an excellent job managing the event.  You have shown three things that help your brand shine.  1.)  You are a team player willing to lead this morale-building effort (party planning), 2.) You are well-organized, which why they ask you, and 3.) As a capable executive, you have delegated the task to someone who will do a great job.

All the best!

Deb