Posted on 06/18/2009 9:56:27 AM PDT by Snickering Hound
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, its rude when people dont 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 didnt end there. Becton continued her riff responding that the assistant got played by someone who was trying to tick Becton off. Bectons 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. Its a pastime for some. Its 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, its a hot button for me. And please dont 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 isnt reflective of the way we do business in this office.
Was it wrong of me to suggest an alternate name on her legistorm page?
http://www.legistorm.com/person/Elizabeth_J_Becton/31855.html
Well, time to e mail liz and ask her for a signed photo of Baghdad Jim.
Jim McDermott is off the reservation!
“I’m going to drink my poor old foolish self to death,
And it’s all because of a girl named Elizabeth”
“Elizabeth” by the Thrillers, Herald Records, 1954
“hmmmm, i am going to venture a guess and say that lizzie is single.”.....
And I’m going to venture Lizzie may be a Lezzie....
In a professional environment, it’s best to address people by their full name, unless there is a close relationship.
That being said, the true professional doesn’t make a big deal out of it. They might ask that you use their full name in a nice way. I think that’s reasoned.
What you don’t do, is treat the offender rudely.
It is appropriate for you to take into consideration the boorish behavior of someone who addresses you inappropriately. About all that should cost them, is your realization that they are not as polished as they would hope to be.
I suppose “Lizzy” will not be acceptable and “Cow Head” is out. Thats right out.
Okay, LIz. See you next Tuesday!
The below is from the website; crazy lady probably makes a whole lot more then $27k annually.
FY 2009 subtotal: $27,366.66
Congressional staff salaries shown are the amount paid in the period shown. They are not annual salaries. Because bonuses may be included here and other payments may not be (most notably with aides working for multiple offices or for a political campaign committee), please use caution in extrapolating annual salaries from the figures shown here.
The woman does have a problem but this is exactly why I would always initiate an e-mail exchange with “Hello, Ms. Becton” or something like that. If they respond and end their e-mail with “Liz”, then it’s ok to address them that way the next time. Saves a lot of potential hassle and almost guarantees that you are off on the right foot from the get go—especially if you want something from them. It’s not that difficult.
Thanks for the link.
I’m now laughing so hard I’m crying. :)
That is what I wanted to know. Someone have her ph# and/or e-mail?
Looks like our gal Liz worked for a number of republican congressmen before going to work for a democrat last year, looking at your link? Hmmm, I wonder what the change?
Man, liberals are so friggin' UPTIGHT. Here is my response to all the crybabies:
1035 Longworth House Office Building,
District of Columbia 20515-4707
Phone: (202) 225-3106
I would just bet there is an employee directory, and we could buzz Liz during her off hours and leave some messages for her, encouraging her to stand her ground against the people who would DARE to call her by a shortened nickname.
Looked to me like that figure was for two months... Oct to Dec
She could have written back to say she preferred being called Elizabeth, and didn't go by Liz, just to let him know. That would have been the end of it.
But, Noooooooooooooo, these lib broads with the big chip on their shoulder have to feed their egos. They need to make sure everyone knows ‘just’ how powerful they are.
I hate women like this.
They give the rest of us a bad reputation. :-(
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