Men In Suits

**cuppabillytea** · 24th February 2016, 03:52 PM

Four years ago my Wife became President of the P&F at our School. As a consequence I became Chief of the Volentold. That was OK. I don't mind a bit of unpaid hard labour. Two years ago my Wife resigned as President of the P&F but Two years down the track and I find that I am still Chief of the Volentold.
Yesterday I was called by the Headmasters Secretary and asked it I would assemble the new six burner Barbecue The P&F had bought.
Today as I was doing said job, in between my Ships and running back and forth, I thought, I could do with a bit of help here. This things bloody heavy and my back is not that flash. Where are all the other Dads of this School? Here I am at sixty two years of age, the oldest by a long shot, doing what should be done by the younger men.
Then it dawned on me. Most of them are Business Owners or Managers. much to important to be concerned with the heavy work that could cause one to sweat.
Perhaps I should remind them that my Wife is also senior Management and somehow she found the time to do the necessary volunteering.
Does anyone here have any idea how I should put it to these blokes?

**Eevo** · 24th February 2016, 03:56 PM

just say your unavailable
or
doctors orders, no physical work

**Toxic_Avenger** · 24th February 2016, 04:00 PM

Give it to them as a KPI for the job, then performance manage the **** out of them when it doesn't happen

**rangieman** · 24th February 2016, 04:09 PM

Honestly if it was not for people like yourself any jobs alike would not get done good on you mate

I would approach them as they would approach anyone else that they wanted anything done for them

Dont hold back be force full within reason and be honest and dont bull **** as they would

All else falling give it up and dont feel guilty about it

**Hay Ewe** · 24th February 2016, 04:10 PM

Just say that you are not able to for some reason (have reasons made up in advance)

You dont say if you have any more connection to the school or not.
If you step up every time, others wont
there are probably others that have the ability but dont know because you are the go to person

if you no longer do it, problem bilong them, and eventually some one else will step in - likely when they see what a state the barbie is because a suit tried to put it together and then they will be come the go to person

you just have to go through that pain for a while

**cuppabillytea** · 24th February 2016, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by Toxic_Avenger

Give it to them as a KPI for the job, then performance manage the **** out of them when it doesn't happen

Could get the Missus to help there. Sounds like fun.

Originally Posted by Hay Ewe

Just say that you are not able to for some reason (have reasons made up in advance)

You dont say if you have any more connection to the school or not.
If you step up every time, others wont
there are probably others that have the ability but dont know because you are the go to person

if you no longer do it, problem bilong them, and eventually some one else will step in - likely when they see what a state the barbie is because a suit tried to put it together and then they will be come the go to person

you just have to go through that pain for a while

The rest of this one and five more to go.

**vnx205** · 24th February 2016, 04:31 PM

It is possible isn't it that they don't realise that you would appreciate help.

Isn't it possible that they think you are quite happy doing all these things?

They might even think that you would be offended if they offered to help you or replace you, in case you interpreted their intervention as a criticism of your performance.

It might not have occurred to them to trespass on what they see as your domain.

If that is the case, then it might need only the politest, gentlest, most diplomatic hint to get the result you want.

**Chops** · 24th February 2016, 04:37 PM

Billy, I'd just be straight up and ask them if there's anybody you can "show the ropes" to with this sort of stuff.
There's no need for anyone to get nasty or defensive etc in this sort of situation, surely they must realise you've done your fair share, and hey, times coming to an end.
You've got more important things to do these days,, let's see now, there's holidays and trips to plan, there's the car that needs to be checked, check the camping gear, and oh yeah, check the car again,,, to be sure to be sure

Then of course, there's said trip to do

I'm sure after all you've done, they will appreciate your efforts.

**Dark61** · 24th February 2016, 04:37 PM

I reckon you said it as best you could in your post. I would put it to them just as it is. When I volunteered to help at the local community hall , I got given the job of cleaning the toilets! You know how it goes.
cheers,
D

**cuppabillytea** · 24th February 2016, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by vnx205

It is possible isn't it that they don't realise that you would appreciate help.

Isn't it possible that they think you are quite happy doing all these things?

They might even think that you would be offended if they offered to help you or replace you, in case you interpreted their intervention as a criticism of your performance.

It might not have occurred to them to trespass on what they see as your domain.

If that is the case, then it might need only the politest, gentlest, most diplomatic hint to get the result you want.

That is a most intuitive response. To be honest it didn't occur to me that that might be the case. Thanks vnx205. You have given me a new approach to work on. Although over the years I have been full of praise for anyone who has stepped up ( I don't do it all, just the first up.).

Thread: Men In Suits

Thread Tools

Men In Suits

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions