Posted on 06/17/2009 5:12:13 PM PDT by Dallas59
If you want to score a meeting with Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.), know this: His scheduler/office manager, Elizabeth Becton, is to be addressed by her full name — not Liz or any other variant.
An executive assistant at McBee Strategic recently learned this the hard way. A few weeks ago, the assistant e-mailed Becton seeking a meeting with McDermott and a client, JPMorgan Chase. Days later, the assistant checked back in and unfortunately began the e-mail with “Hi Liz.”
Becton curtly replied, “Who is Liz?”
When the assistant wrote back with an apology, Becton turned up the heat. “I do not go by Liz. Where did you get your information?” she asked.
The back-and-forth went on for 19 e-mails, with the assistant apologizing six times if she had “offended” Becton, while Becton lectured about name-calling.
Becton told the assistant that if someone said using “Liz” was acceptable, then “they are not your friend”, and “If I wanted you to call me by any other name, I would have offered that to you.” Plus, it’s “rude when people don’t even ask permission and take all sorts of liberties with your name,” she said, adding: “Please do not ever call me by a nickname again.”
But the tirade didn’t end there. Becton continued her riff — responding that the assistant “got played” by someone who was trying to “tick” Becton off. Becton’s final, searing missive stated: “In the future, you should be VERY careful about such things. People like to brag about their connections in D.C. It’s a pastime for some. It’s also dangerous to eavesdrop, as you have just found out. Quit apologizing and never call me anything but Elizabeth again. Also, make sure you correct anyone who attempts to call me by any other name but Elizabeth. Are we clear on this? Like I said, it’s a hot button for me. And please don’t call the office and not leave a message. My colleague told me you called while I was away. ... I do sometimes leave my desk.”
McDermott spokesman Mike DeCesare told us Tuesday, “An apology is being issued as we speak,” adding, “This isn’t reflective of the way we do business in this office.”
While she should have been more diplomatic, especially as a representative’s assistant, I agree with her in general that people can be too cute and familiar. Addressing someone by a common variation of their first name is just bad manners, especially in a professional setting with someone not a personal friend or acquaintance.
I totally agree.
More than once a salesman has asked “May I call you Kalee?” and been surprised when I say “No, I prefer Mrs._____”
If they persist, and even after gentle admonition sometimes they still do, I take my business elsewhere.
Read the comments people are leaving her...
http://www.legistorm.com/person/Elizabeth_J_Becton/31855.html#cmt_title
It took hold with the baby boomers (hippies) who did not want to grow up and address each other as adults.
McDermott. Isn’t he the treasonous critter from early in the Iraq war? I can’t even remember what he did but I do remember that it was despicable.
You know, you are really pathetic when you are pompous!
I suggest you go flush your toilet, then waut until the water is still. Now, stick your right index finger into the water up to the second knuckle. Now, and I hope you are still with me here...count to three and pull it out.
Now, observe the hole that is left in the water.
That is the impact you have on the rest of the world.
Think about it.
No. She didn’t make a friend but the caller shouldn’t have presumed familiarity. Becton went too far but I really don’t like pushy people that address me familiarly without knowing me. I just think it’s a lack of respect and terribly pushy.
Yup. It’s presumption on their part. And pushy.
LOL
On it. My email to “Liz”:
Hey Liz,
They medicate for that condition. Best XXXXX
I’m on the young end of the baby boom (Generation Jones) but grew up in the South. I never addressed an adult by his/her first name and neither did my children.
Awesome! Just fired off an e-mail to Liz. Told her to keep up the good work.
Thanks
Absolutely will be addressed as Betsie.
If you look back I corrected myself a post or TWO later. :)
See post 56.
I can’t believe all the freepers that are emailing her. She had a right to ask not to be addressed so familiarly. I really am shocked. Guess that I’m from a different generation.
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